Annual Holiday Prayer

"God, help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry, and spend a few precious moments with her children.

"Help us remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change for your ten-dollar bill correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for the next semester.

"Remind us, Lord, that the scary-looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is having his back broken by addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares...

"Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slowly through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year they go shopping together.

"Father, remind us each day that the greatest gift is love, of all the gifts you give us. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear.

"Open our hearts to those close to us and all humanity. Let us be slow to judge, quick to forgive, and show patience, empathy, and love.

Amen."