This Prayer Is for You

By emilie boggis.

The late Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh teaches the four elements of true love: understanding, compassion, joy, and freedom. Each day we strive to bring our genuine attention and presence to one another in a distracted, multitasking society, asking, “Dear one, do you have enough space in your heart and all around you?” This is a gift of true love that we offer one another. This is also a practice that I see our society’s helpers—clergy, therapists, spiritual directors, teachers, social workers—offering an anxious, lonely, and hurting people. Who offers it to the helpers? Again and again, we hear our clients in spiritual direction and pastoral supervision ask me to pray with, for, and over them: “I spend my days praying over others. Can you pray for me?” It is always an honor.

This prayer is for you.

Loving God,
during this sacred and demanding week,
we hold in our hearts
those who carry the vision for communities of faith,
those who care for an often anxious, lonely, and struggling people,
those who create sacred space and time.

Be near to them.
When they feel stretched thin,
offer them rest.
When the weight of responsibility feels heavy,
remind them they don’t carry it alone.

Steady their hearts.
Extend compassion to their being.
Give them clarity in their words and
authenticity in their leadership.
Protect their energy, and restore their spirit.

In the quiet moments, meet them with peace.
In the busy moments, give them focus and grace.

Help them stay connected to what truly matters—love, humility, and hope.
And as they support others, surround them with encouragement and care in return.
May this week not only be something they lead others through,
but something that renews them deeply from within.

Amen.