It can be hard to get back to work after a long weekend, especially after the gorgeous warm weather we had in Chicago last weekend. It was like the city had come alive again as everyone took advantage of that precious Chicago sun!
On Monday evening, as I sat in the glory of a day off, my power went off. So much for that dinner I was about to cook, so much for the fans that were cooling me off in my no-A/C apartment, so much for that movie I was going to watch. As shallow as it was, after having a full and great weekend, losing power was a bit of a buzz kill. I awoke Tuesday morning with the power still off, which just made me grumpy.
As silly as it was, the grumps overtook me. In the end my building got the power back on. The food in my fridge survived. Really there was no harm done. Yet, the grumps still overtook me. Maybe the grumps overtook you after this past long weekend, and if not this week, maybe last week, or maybe next. Here's a prayer that I hope can reignite you. I'm also happy to report that the next day was pretty grump free.
"Sacred Heart Psalm" (Edward Hays, Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim)
O Divine Beloved
So often I am casual and half-hearted
In my love for you, my God.
Come and set my heart ablaze
With the fire of your love.
Inflame my heart and prayers
As you did for your chosen son Jesus.
His holy heart was constantly on fire
With a consuming love for you, his God.
Envelop me in your flaming Spirit,
That my lukewarm prayers and acts may spring alive with the fire of faith.
Make my heart, like the heart of Christ,
Burn with compassion for the outcast,
With comfort for the lonely
And all who are in need.
May my heart thus formed
In the pattern of his Sacred Heart
Become a fiery furnace
Where the Kingdom will be forged
And the age of peace and justice.
Grant this prayer
In the name of your Son,
Who dwells with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
