“My three prayers are variations on Help, Thanks, Wow. That's all I'll ever need, besides the silence, the pain, and the pause sufficient for me to stop, close my eyes, and turn inward.”

- Anne Lamott

I’ve always loved this framework of prayer from Anne Lamott. I think she’s on to something in its raw simplicity.

At times, I can see myself drifting into seasons of prayer that lean towards one more than the others. I’ve had “Thanks” seasons and “Wow” seasons, and Lord knows I’ve had plenty of “Help” seasons, too! Does one of those describe this season of prayer for you more than the others?

Today, let your prayer be structured by this simple “Help, Thanks, Wow” framework. Beginning with “Help!”, let your prayers be simply for God’s aid and deliverance, both for you and those you know and love.

Moving towards “Thanks!”, spend a few moments dwelling on places where you’ve received God’s grace or blessing. Allow yourself to be moved towards gratitude.

Finish with “Wow!” My most reliable source of Wow prayers are probably the majesty of creation and the long overarching drama of how god saves the world by his son Jesus.

Help…Thanks…Wow. Beyond those three words, what more do you really need?