June Cotner - Comfort Prayers: Prayers and Poems to Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire

Thy fate is the most common fate of all. Into each life some rain must fall. HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW Consider Comfort Prayers a motivating friend, wise inner voice, or soothing balm to turn to when times get tough. The words collected here are the sage thoughts of those who have survived their own trials and then eloquently imparted their wisdom in the form of a prayer, poem, or prose. This timeless collection compiled by June Cotner, author of Graces, will bring hope, encouragement, and inspiration to its readers. Comfort Prayers is a thoughtful book that will calm the soul and lead to a path of healing and recovery. Animal BlessingsBaby BlessingsBedside PrayersBless the BeastsBless the DayChristmas BlessingsFamily CelebrationsForever in LoveGracesThe Home Design HandbookHouse BlessingsLooking for God in All the Right PlacesMothers and DaughtersWedding BlessingsComfort Prayers copyright 2004 by June Cotner Graves.

All rights reserved. Printed in Mexico. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of reprints in the context of reviews. For information, write Andrews McMeel Publishing, an Andrews McMeel Universal company, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, Missouri 64106. E-ISBN: 978-1-4494-0001-9 Library of Congress Control Number: 2004051632 www.andrewsmcmeel.com Illustrations by Matthew Taylor
Cover design by Melissa Brown
Cover illustration 2004 John Dykes c/o theispot.com
Author photo by RB Photography Andrews McMeel books are available at quantity discounts with bulk purchase for educational, business, or sales promotional use. For information, please write to: Special Sales Department, Andrews McMeel Publishing, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

This book would not have come about without the support of a loving family; my dedicated agent, Denise Marcil; a talented and caring editor, Patty Rice; the backing of an enthusiastic publisher, Andrews McMeel Publishing; and wonderful selections received from countless contributors.

I feel especially blessed by the joys of my family: my husband, Jim Graves; my daughter, Kirsten Casey; my son, Kyle Myrvang; and many dear relatives in my extended familywho all give me comfort in their own ways. In all, more than 4,000 submissions were considered for Comfort Prayers. Thats on top of favorite selections Ive collected for all my anthologies, culled from more than 1,000 books. My life is so blessed by my acquaintance with over 650 regular contributing poets to my anthologies. Im grateful for their talent and enthusiasm. Pulling double duty critiquing the manuscript were my two employees Kirsten Casey and Robin Rebecca Carter, without whom this book would not have happened. The following individuals at Andrews McMeel Publishing have been very enthusiastic and extremely supportive in promoting my books: Patty Rice, senior editor; Lillian Ruggles, editorial assistant; and Diane McLendon, assistant publicist.

In addition to being very labor intensive, creating anthologies is an expensive endeavor. Im especially grateful to publishers and license holders who recognize this and either waive or reduce their permission fees so that all of us can benefit from the words of grace and wisdom contained in Comfort Prayers as well as other anthologies. My last and most sincere thanks goes to the Divine One for allowing me to share these many messages of solace to ease and comfort our souls during difficult times.

Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall This quotation, attributed to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, has always given me comfort. These words and many others in this book illuminate the simple truth that no human is exempt from their own set of challenges. The message that the fate of humanity is to confront and overcome lifes inevitable trials gives me a sense of the collective strength of the human spirit.

But obviously there are times when our circumstances are more than simple rain. When we feel more like the victims of a treacherous stormor a hurricane or a blizzardand are completely overwhelmed, forced to confront adversity that seems beyond our resources. Unthinkable events will occur that test the limits of human endurance. Knowing that others have gone before and survived helps ease our pain and anxiety. Its during these times that I hope this book will provide solace, comfort, and perhaps even perspective. There have certainly been times when I have felt so overcome as to have doubted my own ability to cope, yet, have somehow found the strength to gather my courage and continue on.

This strength has come from the most surprising of sources. Perhaps from a sympathetic friend, from some voice within, or even from a fortune cookies musing I happened to have absently stashed in my wallet and then stumbled upon just at the right moment. This collection is intended to be that friend, that inner voice, or that saved quip. The words and notions contained herein have come to me throughout my years of collecting for other volumes of poetry and prayers. Since being moved by the first comforting pieces I received, I have always known that one day I would compile a volume specifically to provide solace on dark daysto spread empathy, share the burden, and nurture the strength of the human soul. Anyone who has pondered the mystery of human suffering has surely asked the rhetorical question, Why? Perhaps suffering is a hidden gift, for what purpose could our trials serve other than to find and discover comfort in one another, in our faith, and in ourselves? I strongly believe that the times of most difficult challenge are a divine method of bonding us to one another and discovering our inner resources, thereby enriching the human spirit.

I hope you find the words in this book will soothe your soul while providing comfort, encouragement, and inspiration.

I am looking for comfort. They tell me all I have to do is ask and you will help me. Simply. I am in need of peace. Silently. Silently.

I am searching for happiness. They tell me to open my heart and you will fill it with love. Sweetly. I am listening and I promise to accept your truth. Sincerely. LORI EBERHARDY

Though bowed,
You are not broken.

Though stretched,
Youre strong, my friend. You are resilient like a willow Youll find your spring again. Though your branches
Now weigh heavy, Your roots go deep and true. This is just a change of season God has better plans for you. SHARON HUDNELL