bedtime prayer

Not many people know that I was raised Catholic. Liberal Catholic, with guitar masses and really hip religious education. One time we spent the whole class listening to Barry Manilow's song The Miracle is YOU! and talking about what miracles we all are. It was pretty cool.

My mom did everything about religion right, in my opinion. She never forced us to go to church, but she went every Sunday, and I usually tagged along because she was all dressed up and smelled so nice and I wanted to be with her. These days, even though I no longer practice any religion, I still think we are all miracles. And I still remember dozens of songs from those guitar masses, and find comfort in them.

So when I found myself writing to a religious friend whose father had recently passed away that I would keep his family in my prayers, I had a brief moment of consternation. 'Wait a second," I thought, "I don't pray!" And I don't, not in the traditional sort of way. I guess it's just sort of shorthand for saying, "I'll be thinking fondly and supportively of you guys, and sending extra love and attention your way."

This whole line of thought incited a flashback to the bedtime prayer that we said every night when we were kids. I think I was in my late 20's before I realized that my mom had done some serious editing of the original. She was WAY ahead of her time, (still is, in fact!) and when I remembered this today I was stunned at the depth of insight and understanding that she expressed so beautifully. She blessed our little beings every night for years by sending us off to sleep with visions of optimism, service, and gratitude dancing in our heads. I want to share it with you all because it's just too good to die off with the three of us. Mom, you are amazing!

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

When in the morning light I wake,
Show me the path of love to take.

God bless Mommy and Daddy,
God bless Karen, CJ, and Paul,
God bless all our friends and relatives.

Thank you for a very nice day.