Dear Divine Presence, Universe, or any higher power that might be tuned in today, unlike my children:
I come before you, humbled and seeking guidance in my role as a parent. Yes, I may be juggling chores, like scrubbing dried oatmeal off the carpet, but please don’t mistake my multitasking for a lack of sincerity.
Grant me the physical strength to carry my spirited 4-year-old through the grocery store parking lot while she kicks and screams about needing that pony cookie to keep our friendship intact. And give me the emotional fortitude to validate her feelings instead of losing my temper at her dramatic outburst.
During these challenging moments, I ask for the strength to gently restrain her surprisingly powerful arms with love rather than frustration. And when she aims a roundhouse kick in my direction, help me resist the urge to retaliate.
I also seek an abundance of patience today — more than I need my morning coffee. Enough patience to wait as my baby drifts into sleep in my arms, regardless of the awkward positions I might find myself in while bouncing, nursing, or even attempting squats. Help me remember to sway him into slumber rather than shake him, even when his cuteness tests my limits.
We are both so exhausted, dear Universe. But when he finally succumbs to sleep on my unwashed, sweaty form, let me cherish those moments, for he won’t stay this small forever.
Please grant me empathy today, so I can appreciate the monumental importance of my children’s need for their sandwiches to be cut into triangles instead of rectangles, despite their sudden change of heart. Remind me that I too can be fickle, even if my whims aren’t met with such fervent protests.
When my child dashes away from me in the parking lot, allow me to chase after them in my flip-flops, grateful for their independence, even as I feel the regret of my post-baby body jiggle. And when I discover my son chewing on soggy toilet paper he fished from the commode, help me suppress my gag reflex — I can’t handle any more messes today.
As my daughter dons a mismatched outfit of sparkly tights over a tiger T-shirt, complete with a beanie and jellies, instill in me the encouragement to nurture her creativity without worrying she’ll become that artsy teen reciting poetry at coffee shops about her privileged life.
I also ask for the patience to answer their endless questions with kindness, even if I’m tempted to sigh in frustration. Their inquiries about why cats are called cats, or the difference between breasts and nipples, may seem trivial, but they are a reflection of their brilliant curiosity.
Instead of comparing myself to the flawless “robo-moms,” help my inner voice be gentle, especially while my outer voice shouts, “Pick up your toys or they’re going in the trash!” And as one child gnaws on my arm while the other pretends to be a rabid animal, please, dear Universe, grant me a glass of wine — I truly need it to calm my racing thoughts.
Assist me in transforming their loud, wild shrieks into laughter and smiles, especially when they shout “penis” in public. And when they fling macaroni across the table, remind me that their behavior isn’t a reflection of my parenting — they inherited that from their father.
Speaking of him, bless me with the love to still cherish my husband, even when he complains about being tired after a night of uninterrupted sleep, mouth agape. And when he cleans the high chair for the second time, give my libido a little nudge.
When I look at my post-baby body, adorned with under-eye circles and stretch marks, let me feel gratitude for the beautiful children it has carried, rather than resentment. Remind me that one day, when I’m in need of care myself, they will be there for me — and I want to raise them right.
Amen.
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Summary
This heartfelt prayer captures the struggles and joys of parenting, asking for strength, patience, empathy, and love while navigating the challenges of raising children. It humorously highlights the chaos of daily life and the deep bond between parent and child, emphasizing gratitude for the experience, even amid the turmoil.