Question:

Hi Tanner, I just wanted to let you know that your books have been such a great comfort to me as I go through a difficult season in life.

Thank you for putting yourself out there to help people such as myself feel less alone.

I know we are strangers but would you mind writing a prayer for me?

A prayer for hope.

A prayer for grace and forgiveness.

A prayer for perseverance when you want to give up because you keep failing?

Thank You

Response: 

Absolutely.
But before we pray there is something I need to tell you:
We do not need to be strangers.
We can be friends.
Alright. 
Let’s pray. 

Father,

I cannot help but begin with thanking You.

Where else can I begin?

Thank You for Your saving grace and mercy.

Thank You for Your continued love and kindness.

Thank You for Your forgiveness for it is Your forgiveness I cannot live without.

Lead me to rest in Your certain love as I let go of what needs to be let go.

Unclench my fists and open my eyes to see that the only way forward is hand in hand with You.

Give me the strength to once again believe that there is freedom and healing and hope in You and in You alone.

Lead me to rest, because rest is what this weary mind, body, and soul needs.

Restore to me the joy of my youth and the hope of Your endless love.

Help my hands to hold close the truth that Your forgiveness is no match for my failure.

As I go forward, because I’m going to keep going forward, may You continue to remind me that You are for me and You are with me.

Because You are for me and You are with me.

Even in this. 

Amen.

About the Author

Tanner Olson is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster living in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is the author of I’m All Over the Place, As You Go, Walk A Little Slower, and Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope.

You can find Tanner Olson’s books on Amazon.

His podcast is The Walk A Little Slower Podcast with Tanner Olson and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tanner Olson travels around the country sharing poetry, telling stories, and delivering messages of hope.

You can follow Tanner Olson on Instagram (@writtentospeak) and Facebook where you’ll daily find encouraging words of faith and hope.