In 1984 I was so incredibly miserable it wasn't even possible to form words to pray. My marriage was a disaster, Seth and I were in almost complete isolation day in and day out. The only real expression of my heart was to love Seth and play my guitar and sing. One day this prayer came to me in an instant and I wrote it down and began to sing. I sang it for years, not grasping the profound truth in its simplicity. Going back now, it is very clear how the Holy Spirit used this prayer to teach me about life and love and God.  -- Elizabeth Ann Stevens, OCDS

My Prayer

Help me to serve thee
help me to pray,
help me to think of you,
always, each day.
Help me to be
an example for thee,
help me share with others
what you've given me.

Thank you for mountains
with blue skies above,
thank you for families
sharing in love.
Thank you for children,
husbands and wives,
thank you, dear Lord,
for watching over our lives.

Help me be patient
help me be kind,
help me to listen when
there's much on my mind.
Help me remember
the pain you carried for me
and I'll gladly share
all of my joy with thee.

Forgive me, dear Father,
for doubting in you.
Forgive me my worries
that make me so blue.
Forgive my resentment
when by now I should know
these wounds that hurt me
could help me grow.


Help me to serve thee
help me to pray
help me to think of you,
always, each day.
Help me to be an
example for thee,
help me love others
the way that you
have loved me -

Perfectly