Quick One-Line Prayers for Stressful Situations

Most of us realize that when finances get tight, nerves are raw and arguments erupt with household members. For years, I have tried to deal with this through prayer. Unfortunately, I always think of prayer after the fact.

This morning, I guess stress levels were extremely high. Even before breakfast, words were heated and loud. Tigger scooted away - he doesn't like "loud." In a way, Tigger's stress always helps to de-stress me - I immediately realize I have let myself get out of control and I try to immediately simmer down. Sometimes this means walking back and forth through the mobile home, talking to myself, but slower and calmer at each step.

Still, I wish I were one of the few people I've known in my life who could think before they spoke. I truly have only known less than half a dozen. I could see them taking a moment before they opened their mouths. Oh, what a blessing that would be for me.

Meanwhile, weak human that I am, I have to rely on prayer. Prayer does help me, even if only afterwards. I have two favorite one-line prayers I wrote for myself, for times like this, and I'll share them here. I say them at least three times in a row, and by the time I've finished the third repetition, I can feel myself relaxing and trying to get the situation under control.

Here they are:

1 - Heavenly Father up above, fill my heart with peace and love.

2 - Clear my mind of useless thoughts; guide my thoughts and words this day.

Father, enough said. I ask only that you remind me a bit more often that you are there for me and will help me so that I can de-fuse a situation rather than inflame it.