The prayer that I forgot

by Paulo Coelho on October 31, 2011

By Paulo Coelho

I was out walking one day in São Paulo, when a friend – Edinho – handed me a pamphlet entitled Sacred Moment. Printed in four colours, on excellent paper, with no mention of any particular church or religion, this pamphlet bore only a prayer on its reverse side.

Imagine my surprise when I saw the name of the author of this prayer – ME! It had been published in the early eighties on the inside cover of a book of poetry. I did not think it would stand the test of time, nor that it would return to my hands in such a mysterious way; but when I re-read it, I did not feel ashamed of what I had written.

Because it appeared in that pamphlet and because I believe in signs, I felt it only right to reproduce it here. I hope it encourages every reader to write a prayer of their own, asking for themselves and for others the things that they judge to be most important. That way we place a positive vibration in our heart which touches everything around us.

Here is the prayer:

Lord, protect our doubts, because Doubt is a way of praying. It is Doubt that makes us grow because it forces us to look fearlessly at the many answers that exist to one question. And in order for this to be possible…

Lord, protect our decisions, because making Decisions is a way of praying. Give us the courage, after our doubts, to be able to choose between one road and another. May our YES always be a YES and our NO always be a NO. Once we have chosen our road, may we never look back nor allow our soul to be eaten away by remorse. And in order for this to be possible…

Lord, protect our actions, because Action is a way of praying. May our daily bread be the result of the very best that we carry within us. May we, through work and Action, share a little of the love we receive. And in order for this to be possible…

Lord, protect our dreams, because to Dream is a way of praying. Make sure that, regardless of our age or our circumstances, we are capable of keeping alight in our heart the sacred flame of hope and perseverance. And in order for this to be possible…

Lord, give us enthusiasm, because Enthusiasm is a way of praying. It is what binds us to the Heavens and to Earth, to grown-ups and to children, it is what tells us that our desires are important and deserve our best efforts. It is Enthusiasm that reaffirms to us that everything is possible, as long as we are totally committed to what we are doing. And in order for this to be possible…

Lord, protect us, because Life is the only way we have of making manifest Your miracle. May the earth continue to transform seeds into wheat, may we continue to transmute wheat into bread. And this is only possible if we have Love; therefore, do not leave us in solitude. Always give us Your company, and the company of men and women who have doubts, who act and dream and feel enthusiasm, and who live each day as if it were totally dedicated to Your glory.

Amen

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{ 66 comments… read them below or add one }

Saad January 11, 2012 at 6:15 pm

Too Good!
(Thumbs Up).

Reply

Cristina December 4, 2011 at 2:45 am

Amém! Tão linda oração.
Nestes dias de Hosana agradeço a Deus por sua vida, seu trabalho, obrigada por existir, q Nossa Senhora passe na frente ampliando seus caminhos.
Amo vc
Bjos

Reply

Grace November 15, 2011 at 8:31 am

AMAZING..yes for His Glory

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tony lopez November 15, 2011 at 1:38 am

From the heart, comes truth.

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Carla Thomas November 8, 2011 at 1:45 am

Amen.

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Joshymon Joseph November 7, 2011 at 6:43 am

Thank U sir for this wonderful prayer….

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Nikita November 6, 2011 at 6:39 pm

Thank you so much.. this has served as a sign for me..thankyou..

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chetan November 6, 2011 at 4:09 am

sir, thank you very much for this wonderful prayer..

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Sarah November 6, 2011 at 1:45 am

Oh god…i couldn’t help my tears
Really thanks

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Lisa de Swardt November 4, 2011 at 9:57 am

There can’t have been a more perfect point in my life for this prayer to come across my path. Thank you.

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bodro November 3, 2011 at 6:01 pm

thank you so much, Mr.Paulo. That’s such a wonderful prayer :)

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DEEPALI KALE November 3, 2011 at 8:10 am

it is so true and therefore beautiful . To live life with our own convictions at our own terms but without malice to any is alife worth praying for . May all get the courage for their convictions . God bless . Namaskar

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Ika November 3, 2011 at 12:14 am

It is a beautiful prayer. :)

Reply

Christine November 2, 2011 at 3:07 pm

Thank you so much for this Sacred Prayer :)
It brighten up my exhausting day.
I will write my personal prayer, too. Soon.
Thank you!

Reply

Luis E Perez R November 2, 2011 at 2:16 pm

Thanks por this pray.

Reply

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