Because although I can’t for the life of me
figure out how to pray for him,
praying for him IS for the life of me
- and for the life of the world -
as much as it is for him.
Amen.
+ Rt Rev Susan Goff
retired Bishop Suffragan
of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia

The best I can do is to want to pray better.
Please hear this stumbling confession of mine.
Please make something of my willingness to try.
Please help me speak his name to you
until I can do it without flinching.

I know, I do know
what you want me to do.
I just don’t know how.
And I really, really don’t want to . . .
because his name tastes so sour on my lips.
Dear God, the best I can do right now
is to name this aversion.

I cannot for the life of me
figure out how to pray for him
whose god is power,
whose currency is cruelty.
I know, I know,
he is also your child,
made in your image.
I know, I know,
I have promised
to be faithful in prayer.