A Children's Counselor's Prayer

I wanted to share a special prayer written by my amazing friend, Pam, who has worked with children for years.  I am lucky enough to now work directly with Pam in groups with kids.  She has such wisdom, patience and humor and works compassionately with the parents and kids that we serve.  She gave this framed prayer to me as a Christmas gift in 2000.  I reflect on it often:

Oh God of my understanding, thank you for the privilege of working with children.    

Open my heart to your loving guidance as I interact with them, trusting that the outcome that most honors You will unfold.   

When I encounter difficult behavior, please give me patience and wisdom.  Help me to respond to the immediate situation and not allow my own history to cloud my response. 

 Please give me the strength, energy and enthusiasm to deliver the messages of hope and healing that these children need and deserve to hear.   

Help me to remember that You are the ultimate Divine facilitator of this group, and I am your instrument.   

Give me the courage to trust the process and listen to your loving guidance, simply allowing the healing to happen.   

Bless my co-workers and help me support them.  Let me recieve their loving support as we work together to create a loving, safe environment in which these precious children can learn and heal and their spirits can soar.  

Amen.