Prayer, day 2299: Inspired by the Lord's Prayer

Our Loving Light in heaven,
we are called to forgive others
as much as You forgive us.

Help us let go of anger and resentment
when we have been wronged,
and nurture understanding
in place of feeding the weeds of rage.

Help us to understand
that all are wounded and in need of healing,
including ourselves.

Help us to lower our defenses
and not impugn the motives of those we love,
opening ourselves to the vulnerability and blessing of love.

Help us to judge
only as harshly as we ourselves wish to be judged,
and no more.

For You are our loving God,
and You forgive us repeatedly when we fail You.

Teach us that in bearing grudges
we grip a weight that will sink us,
and when harboring anger
we risk loss in a sea of recrimination.

Let us embrace those who seek our pardon,
and repair mutual injury
with the balm of Love that never fails.

O Loving One, hear our prayers
and grant your benediction and grace
to those whose needs we now raise before You.

Amen.