Three-Word Prayer

It started sometime when I lived in Indianapolis. Maybe when I roomed with Megan, maybe before. It continued over and over again with a variety of roommates or girls I spent time with over the years. It was a three-word prayer that slipped out of my heart, earnest as it was simple:

Bless this one.

Sometimes it meant I don't know what else to pray. Sometimes, Please take care of her. Or Give her your best, draw her to you. Sometimes it was just me expressing that this was my now--this young person the object of my attention and faith. It really meant a lot of things, all wrapped up in one huge small heart cry.

I mainly remember praying it while lying in bed at night, roommate across the room. And driving in the car, companion a sidelong glance away. It usually happened when things were quiet. It grew into something of a habit.

I've found myself praying it more recently for my clients, their needs often hovering in the car silence between us. Bless this one. It expresses more than I know how. I'll let the Holy Spirit interpret all it means for each one. It's certainly not an excuse for not praying specific prayers; it's an open-handed Here she is; you care for her as I can't begin to.

I know He does.