A Prayer
This morning I read a prayer which has been attributed to St. Francis. It is included in Jan Karon's book about Mitford, Light from Heaven.
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give Your angels and saints charge over those who sleep. Tend Your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Your weary ones. Bless Your dying ones. Soothe Your suffering ones. Pity Your afflicted ones. Shield Your joyous ones. And all for Your love's sake.
That covers a lot of territory. Jan has her character, Cynthia, say, "I'm always moved by his petition to 'shield Your joyous ones.' " She says that joy is a fragile thing and the Enemy is bent on stealing it from us.
Joy is often a trembling, fragile thing. Though it is on the list of the fruit of the Spirit, it probably does need to be shielded and preserved by our Heavenly Father.
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You're right, the prayer covers a lot. And yet, feels like it doesn't quite say enough. I suppose that is why I have several books of prayers I read from -- a little of this prayer, a little of that prayer, and, of course, all the prayers in my heart.