Boy at Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God

Only speak to us that we may hear thee. Then speak to us again and again and yet again so that when in our hearts we answer thee by saying No, we may at least know well to whom we say it, and what it costs us to say it, and what is costs our brothers, and what it costs thee. And when at those moments that we can never fortell we say Yes to thee, forgive our halfheartedness, accept us as we are, work thy miracle within us, and of thy grace give us strength to follow where love may lead.
We bless thee for him who shows us the way and is the way and who will be, we pray at the end of all our ways. Grant that even on stumbling feet we may follow him into the terrible needs of the human heart. Remember us. Remember us. For thy mercy's sake.
Amen
frederick buechner