Or maybe, miraculously, we just release our grip slightly. It begins with stopping in our tracks, or with our backs against the wall, or when we are going under the waves, or when we are just so sick and tired of being physically sick and tired that we surrender, or at least we finally stop running away and at long last walk or lurch or crawl toward something. Prayer can be motion and stillness and energy - all at the same time. Jesus taught us this prayer and acts as a universal prayer for Christians. We can pray, "Hello? Is anyone out there?" We can pray, "Am I too far gone, or can you help me get out of my isolated self-obsession?" We can say anything to God. The Our Father or the Lords Prayer is a very important prayer indeed. Please help me not be such a jerk." We pray for a shot at having a life in which we are present and awake and paying attention and being kind to ourselves. We can pray for people ("Please heal Martin's cancer. We can pray for things ("Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes-Benz). That's all I ever need, beside the silence, the pain, and the pause sufficient for me to stop, close my eyes, and turn inward. My three prayers are all variations on Help, Thanks, Wow. Episode Summary It is these three prayers- asking for assistance from a higher power, appreciating the goodness in our lives, and feeling awe at the world around us- that Lamott believes can guide us through the day and illuminate the way forward.
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