June Cotner - Bedside Prayers

Bedside Prayers Prayers & Poems for When You Rise and Go to Sleep June Cotner This book is dedicated to my husband, Jim Graves, my sister, Sue Cotner, and my uncle, Bill Cotner who have all given me love, comfort, and inspiration. Contents Bedside Prayers would not have been written without an inquiry from my editor at HarperSanFrancisco, Lisa Bach, asking, Would you be interested in doing a book about prayers and poems to rise and sleep by? The suggestion delighted me immensely. I love to read spiritual poetry in the comfort of my bed, whether upon arising on a lazy Saturday or Sunday, or after a long day. Surely, I thought, there would be others like me. In choosing sample selections for the Bedside Prayers proposal, I combed through countless anthologies seeking spiritual prayers and poems that would speak to ones heart and soul, offering comfort during troubled times and inspiration during good times. Throughout this process, my agent, Denise Marcil, gave me excellent feedback and encouragement.

After she sold the book to HarperSanFrancisco, The Writer ran a call for submissions in their November 1996 issue. In addition, I placed advertisements in poetry magazines. Overall, I received more than three thousand submissions. My husband, high school sweetheart, and faithful soulmate, Jim Graves, helped me select poems that most readers, both male and female, would enjoy. We read many of the poems aloud to each other, and Jim offered the male perspective as well as an additional sounding board for the rhythm, flow, and meaning of the various pieces. When all the selections that felt good to me were gathered, twenty copies of the -page manuscript were prepared to be critiqued by friends, relatives, and professional colleagues, ranging in age from seventeen to eighty-seven.

I purposely selected individuals who represented a wide range of religious and spiritual beliefs to help select the final content of the book. Two individuals, Patty Henderson and Maribeth Gibbons, who each had purchased four copies of my previous book, Graces, (even prior to meeting me!) willingly agreed to critique Bedside Prayers . Also, Id like to thank my sister, Sue Cotner; my son, Kyle Myrvang; and my daughter, Kirsten Cotner Myrvang, for rating the selections. Special appreciation goes to the following dear friends and manuscript critiquers: Arnie Anfinson, Stephanie Brochier, Patty Forbes Cheng, Sue Gitch, Fern Halgren, Patricia Huckell, Susan Peterson, Lynn Eathorne Pulliam, and Sandra Van Ausdal. Jo Ann Haun, the editor of my first book, The Home Design Handbook, now an independent book editor in New York City, kindly agreed to offer me feedback on the manuscript. When I was promoting Graces, I was fortunate to cross paths with Father Paul Keenan, host of Religion on the Line and As You Think and author of Good News for Bad Days.

He enthusiastically agreed to critique Bedside Prayers . And how good can a book of spiritual poetry be without making sure that poets give their professional nod of approval? Deepest gratitude goes to the following poets for lending their considerable expertise: Barbara Crooker (winner of many poetry awards), Penny Harter (author of Turtle Blessing and thirteen other books), Arlene Gay Levine (author of 39 Ways to Open Your Heart ), and Mary A. Summerline (who has been published in numerous anthologies and magazines). I would also like to thank Lillie Malone for steering me to Beatitudes for Friends of the Aged, Teri Waag for kindly slipping me a copy of The Grace of God when she sensed I needed the comfort of those words, Jamie Isgar for showing me Cheer Up, My Soul! from one of his antique poetry books, Kevin Jennings for keeping my computer cooperative, Suzanne Long for lengthy stretches of word processing with good cheer, Shawna Sitton for proofreading the manuscript on short notice, and a very understanding boss, George B. Wittler, who gave me some time off from my position at the Poulsbo office of The Onyx Group, an architectural and planning firm, to complete the book. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the contributors themselves, who provided the outstanding poems that shape the heart and soul of Bedside Prayers .

Although I lived and breathed Bedside Prayers for months without a break, my reward is the pleasure in creating a poetic symphony for so many of your wonderful voices to be heard. And without you, God, this book would not be possible. We are the hearts and souls and voices that reach our highest selves to You. I hope Bedside Prayers will give you the comfort of a warm blanket, the inspiration of a shooting star, and reflections for living life well. The book is divided into five sections. I envision readers will turn to the Inspiration chapter when life is going well and they have energy to give to others.

The Comfort chapter will offer solace during times of disappointment, sadness, and setbacks. A person in a peaceful, contemplative frame of mind might turn to the Reflections section. The Nightfall chapter should provide the perfect sleep enticement. And the Morning chapter will give good and inspiring thoughts on carrying through the dayand offer ideas on how we can kindly give back to others. I believe poetry offers the highest, most creative expression of humankind. Most of us are too busy these days to read a book on self-improvement or an essay on doing good.

But a short poem that captures the essence of ten self-improvement books will lift anyones spirit! The idea of finding poems that express the thoughts contained in an entire book or often an entire experience intrigues me. I want to continue creating these kinds of spiritual anthologies. I enjoy finding the nugget that expresses the soul of an idea. The enduring anthologies contain poems that speak to the emotions we all experience, not just to the specific experience of one individual. My upcoming anthologies are listed on page . If you would like to contribute a spiritual poem to a future anthology or you come across a poem you think I would enjoy, please send it to:
June Cotner P.O.

Box 2765 Poulsbo, WA 98370

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...... In all endeavors Strive to celebrate The spirit of the warrior... Calm, Centered, Certain... Whether tending to the flower garden Or searching for the heart of the divine. Jo-Anne Rowley Put a candle in your window When the night is dark with storm. It will welcome any stranger; Keep friends and family warm.

When you see someone in sorrow; Just let your candle shine From your soul and from your window It will be a cheerful sign. Always place a candle Where the world can see its light The glow will lift a sad heart And brighten every night. Joan Stephen The gift of encouragement Should be given each day Pass it out freely And in gentle ways. Theres no need for ribbons To make it look grand Just the simple encouragement Of a kind, helping hand. Joan Stephen Let me be a light, O God, That shines for all to see; If someone needs to find the way, An example may I be Of love and kindness and brotherhood, Of all thats gentle, of all thats good. Theresa Mary Grass To live a life of cheer To laugh when all seems dark To shed a tender tear When beauty calls, to hark! To speak a word of hope To love, to work, to pray To bring a touch of joy To all I meet each day.

I would be glad, glad, GLAD! And live with all my heart That when I come to die I may have left my part. Monica Miller Give me a kind heart that will endure, One thats strong and secure. To help someone along the way, May this be my goal every day. Let me lend a helping hand To someone whose life has not gone as planned, Reaching out to one in need, May this be my daily good deed, To provide a guiding light For someone lost in the dark of night. Let me take time to care For someone experiencing despair. Whatever I do, everywhere I go, Your Will, Dear Lord, let me know.