I enjoy praying with litanies—I always need the Litany of Humility and Litany of Trust. One day as I moved from thing to thing, child to child, I started thinking in the form of a litany. I remembered God desires to make me holy right here, where I am today. At a time when so many things and situations vie for our attention, we can forget that God always dwells with us in this present moment. The below litany reflects my state of life and how God asks me to surrender. As you read, consider how Jesus comes to you each day. How he asks you to loosen your grip so that he might take your hand and guide you lovingly along the path he has in mind.
Jesus, Lover of my soul,
Hear me.
That others’ needs disrupting my schedule can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That tending to my sick family can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That changing diapers, tying shoes, and brushing little teeth can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That feeding my baby with my body can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That bouncing, swaying, and kneeling for my children can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That reading and singing to my children can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That including my children in tasks I’d rather do alone can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That preparing food and drink for my family can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
(Photo curtesy of one of my children…which one, I don’t know. I obviously keep good track of my phone ;))
That having my coffee go cold can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That pouring coffee for my spouse can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That working to provide for my family can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That pick-ups and drop-offs can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That really listening to my children and spouse can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That being attentive to my spouse when I want the attention can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That accepting my changing body can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That my children interrupting my prayer time can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That praying at the sink, garden bed, and in the bathroom can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That praying for my spouse, children, loved ones, and strangers can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That praying with my children can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That remaining present when I want to disconnect can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That practicing patience, self-control, and kindness in my speech can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That forgiving my family for their defects can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That forgiving myself for my imperfections can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That looking into the eyes of my children and spouse can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That smiling at my children, spouse, and strangers can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That doing small acts of love for my neighbor can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That saying “I love you” frequently can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That caring for myself in order to better care for others can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That taking a moment to rest and regroup can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
That my ordinary day can form me in holiness
Jesus, I am Yours.
Jesus, Lover of my soul,
Form me in Your Likeness.
Amen.