Comfort Prayers: Prayers and Poems to Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire - Hardcover

This quotation, attributed to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, has always given me comfort. These words and many others in this book illuminate the simple truth that no human is exempt from their own set of challenges. The message that the fate of humanity is to confront and overcome life's inevitable trials gives me a sense of the collective strength of the human spirit.

But obviously there are times when our circumstances are more than simple "rain." When we feel more like the victims of a treacherous storm - or a hurricane or a blizzard - and are completely overwhelmed, forced to confront adversity that seems beyond our resources. Unthinkable events will occur that test the limits of human endurance. Knowing that others have gone before and survived helps ease our pain and anxiety. It's during these times that I hope this book will provide solace, comfort, and perhaps even perspective.

There certainly have been times when I have felt so overcome as to have doubted my own ability to cope, yet, have somehow found the strength to gather my courage and continue on. This strength has come from the most surprising of sources. Perhaps from a sympathetic friend, from some voice within, or even from a fortune cookie's musing I happened to have absently stashed in my wallet and then stumbled upon just at the right moment.

This collection is intended to be that friend, that inner voice, or that saved quip. The words and notions contained herein have come to me throughout my years of collecting for other volumes of poetry and prayers. Since being moved by the first comforting pieces I received, I have always known that one day I would compile a volume specifically to provide solace on dark days - to spread empathy, share the burden, and nurture the strength of the human soul.

Anyone who has pondered the mystery of human suffering has surely asked the rhetorical question, "Why?" Perhaps suffering is a hidden gift, for what purpose could our trials serve other than to find and discover comfort in one another, in our faith, and in ourselves? I strongly believe that the times of most difficult challenge are a divine method of bonding us to one another and discovering our inner resources, thereby enriching the human spirit. I hope you find the words in this book will soothe your soul while providing comfort, encouragement, and inspiration.