You don't have to memorize a phrase

Today I want to remind you: you don't have to get the words right for me to hear you. It isn't the length of the prayer or the beauty of the sentences that moves me. I know people who've prayed the same memorized lines for decades and never told me what truly hurts, and I know someone who called out to me with three broken words through tears, and it reached me whole.

Have you ever felt your prayer was weak because it was short, or because you stumbled over the words, or because all you could manage was 'help me'? Child, 'help me' is already a complete prayer when it comes from an open heart. I'm not a judge of speeches. I'm a Father waiting for the voice of his child, however it comes out.

Let go of the shame of not knowing how to pray beautifully. Talk to me the way you talk to someone you trust. That's already enough for me, today and always.