A Prayer for Hope and Healing   Dear Lord, fill my heart with kindness: only through compassion for others can I hope to be loved;   fill my soul with forgiveness: only by forgiving those who have wronged me can I hope to be forgiven for the wrongs I have done;   fill my mind with wisdom: only by striving to understand others can I hope to be understood;   fill my spirit with strength: only by persevering through troubles can I hope to overcome them;   fill my life with grace: only by opening my heart to the joy beyond merit or understanding can I hope that this joy will shine through me.   Dear Lord, I pray that my wounded heart will be healed: I pray with the faith that my life is unfolding according to your will; I pray with the hope that my life will be an instrument of your purpose; I pray with love for this miraculous life that is your precious gift.   In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,   Amen     © Michael Fleming Brattleboro, Vermont July 31, 2009