In Ernest T. Campbell’s collection of prayers, Where Cross the Crowded Way, he prays in triplet. There are few singular prays in the collection. Almost every prayer is one of three. I think each is meant to build upon the other in some way. Usually the first is a confession or observation of some sort. The second flow out of it into prayers for others, and, usually, the third is a prayer for the ones praying.
The pattern doesn’t always follow, but the final triplet in the section “All Sorts of Conditions and People,” holds true. This week, let us join together in the first of three prayers.
For reasons we do not altogether understand, O Father, it is easier for us to find fault than to give thanks. Our grievances lie on the tip of our tongue, while mercies that ought to excite our praise are easily lost from view.
We thank you for truth and the varied forms in which it comes to us:
in closely reasoned logic,
in scientific demonstrations,
in the forced impact of a well-staged drama,
in inspired verse,
in the brilliance of a painted masterpiece,
in the shattering disclosure of Scripture,
in the self-sight that comes from a shared love,
in the clarifying ecstasy of prayer and meditation.
O Father, the author of all truth, help us in our search to find the same. To find you. By the quiet action of your Holy Spirit in our hearts lead us at last or again to Jesus, that in his presence we may know
who we are
and whose we are,
and why we are.
Then, with a confidence born of faith, we shall have yet one cause more for which to bless your name.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.