100 Simple Prayers

By John Frederick Zurn

The
book One Hundred Simple Prayers represents my beliefs and experiences that have
evolved over many years. Addressed to God, these prayers are meant to be a
source of inspiration and hope, for those of us who seek to live a spiritual
life in a chaotic world. Each prayer has been written in simple, straight
forward rhyme; but they are also subtle in meaning. They attempt to provide a
fresh interpretation to ideas such as: despair, meditation, laughter and love.

Originally
self-published, One Hundred Simple Prayers has sold over one hundred copies. It
has been read by a wide variety of teenagers and adults, especially those
seeking hope in times of doubt and loneliness. Two poems called
"Children" and "Daily Prayer" have been published
world-wide by the Salesian Missions.

I
hope you enjoy my book, and find it a source of hope.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 29, 2003
• ISBN: 9781414015279

John Frederick Zurn

John Zurn has an MA in English and is a retired teacher and psychosocial rehabilitation counselor. He has been writing and publishing prose and poetry for over forty years. These publishers include Chipmunka Publishing, Authorhouse, and Salesian Missions. John and his wife, Donna, live in Geneva, Illinois.

Book preview

Addictions

Tobacco, alcohol or drugs,

Latch on to almost all of us.

They help us think, so we can cope,

And perhaps they even give us hope.

Throughout the day when we indulge,

Our feelings drift and senses dull.

Addictions help us to feel free,

So we escape reality.

But Lord, addictions have a cost,

Because they can make slaves of us.

If we begin to lose control,

Addictions come and won’t let go.

They poison bodies and steal breath,

And quitting is an awful test.

They sometimes ruin families,

And drive us to insanity.

But Lord, there is just one addiction,

That remains my life’s ambition.

I’ll seek you every day of life,

And never let you leave my mind.

Because I love you, Lord I vow,

To live for you from this day on.

Because I love you, Lord I pray,

Salvation reaches me today.

Aging

Oh Lord, my life is passing by,

And some day I know I shall die.

The future is unknown to me,

While good times seem but memories.

I see my good friends die alone,

And Lord, I wonder where they go.

My soul expects they’re safe with you,

But doubt remains a nagging truth.

Lord, half way through my life’s parade,

I question every role I’ve played.

My mind assures me of your love,

But sometimes that is not enough.

I need to look ahead with faith,

Because my life makes sense that way.

I yearn to feel real peace of mind,

Before my dreams dry up and die.

Yet Lord, I know you care for me,

Because you help me patiently.

At every age, you’ve been my friend,

And helped me leap beyond the end.

No matter how the world will change,

Our love and trust will still remain.

I live and die at your request,

And Lord, you know, I like that best.

Ambition

Oh God ambition fills my soul,

Because my ego takes control.

I search for fame or recognition,

Without your guidance or permission.

I claim that wealth is your desire,

When in fact I built the fire.

My thoughts are worldly and unwise,

Until at last the fire dies.

Oh God ambition fills my mind,

And so I squander precious time.

I pray for love and seek the truth,

But still replay the games of youth.

You counsel me to be content,

And yet your words I soon forget.

My thoughts and planning never end,

And so I am alone again.

Oh God ambition gives no peace,

And so my soul is half asleep.

Your patience I do not deserve,

Because your laws I don’t observe.

But even still I love you so,

And I believe that I can grow.

Even still I seek your grace,

Because my spirit finally wakes.

Angels

Lord, the world in which we struggle,

Filled with infinite surprise,

Is perpetually in trouble,

From the conflicts in our lives.

Your universe expands in space,

While we are merely specks of dust.

We sometimes feel so out of place,

We wonder if you care enough.

But from deep within creation,

Your angels sail the cosmic sea.

With your love and inspiration,

Lord, you tell them what we need.

These guardian adventurers,

Are always listening by our side.

Our angels perform miracles,

And face the demons where they hide.

Lord, angels are your precious gift,

Traveling to our world and beyond.

They take on almost any risk,

Because they do your will, Oh God.

Lord teach us to be virtuous,

So the angels can draw near to us.

Lord help us to be confident,

So we too may be of service.

Anger

When anger shows its warning signs,

And I begin to lose control,

Lord, show me how to slow my mind,

Before my anger grows.

When anger tempts me to let loose,

And I believe that I am right,

Lord, show me how to stop abuse,

Before I start to fight.

Because my temper hurts my friends,

And I realize it hurts me too,

Lord, teach me words that don’t offend,

And help me think of you.

Because my anger hides itself,

And I don’t watch it as I should,

Lord help me to direct myself,

Please lead me to the good.

Lord when the anger begins to form,

And I lose myself to wrath,

Lead me from the violent storms,

And habits of the past.

Because, my Lord, I see your light,

And begin to find my way.

Teach me to control myself,

Remembering your name.

Anguish

My Lord you cross the sea of time,

With golden light behind you.

I stand alone and read your signs,

Yet still my love can’t