A Prayer for Patience (When You Have Run Out)
The problem with a prayer for patience is that we ask for it and then the day gives us a chance to practice. This one is for the day you already lost it and are trying to come back to yourself.
The prayer
Lord Jesus,
I lost my patience today, and I already know with whom.
Give me the humility to say it plainly, without a "but".
Give me a longer fuse tomorrow than I had today.
Keep me from letting the little things pile up into a resentment.
Slow me the way you slowed the sea.
Amen.
The verse behind it
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another.
When to say it
- After the argument, before you tell yourself you were right.
- In the car after the school pickup that ended in yelling.
- Before you walk back into the room.
Send it as a film
If it was a child you lost your patience with, a short film of Jesus saying their name gently is a kind way to end the day. A Message Written for Them, read at bedtime.