How Should One Pray?

Today’s Reflection

Abba Macarius was asked, “How should one pray?” The old man said, “There is no need at all to make long discourses; it is enough to stretch out one’s hands and say, ‘Lord, as you will, and as you know, have mercy.’ And if the conflict grows fiercer, say, ‘Lord, help!’ God knows very well what we need and shows us mercy.”

—Edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe, The Upper Room Spiritual Classics: Writings of the Desert Fathers & Mothers (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today’s Question

What simple prayer could you offer today?

Today’s Scripture

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.—Psalm 34:17 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, as you will, and as you know, have mercy.