# If You Are Unhappy, Do Not Blame Me!
*2015-07-27*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. Monica, sharing her perseverance in prayer and offering a heartfelt prayer for those who feel unhappy or abandoned.

## St. Monica’s Example

Good morning. This is Bill Young, and welcome to Prayer at Lunch. Today is Thursday, August 27th, the feast day of St. Monica. We all know St. Monica as the mother of St. Augustine. Her life was full of hardship: a pagan husband, a son who lived a dissolute life, and many trials. Yet she never gave in to bitterness. She prayed constantly for the conversion of her son, and he became a saint. She also prayed for her husband, and he too turned to the faith.

## When We Feel Unjustly Suffering

We all have moments when we feel wronged or unhappy. Some people even go to extremes, hurting others. In those times, prayer is the only true remedy. Turning to God helps us find peace and direction.

## A Prayer for the Unhappy

Let us pray together:

If you are unhappy, do not blame me. I am your Light, and you do not see Me. I am the Way, and you do not follow Me. I am the Truth, and you do not believe Me. I am the Life, and you do not seek Me. I am the Master, and you do not listen to Me. I am the Leader, and you do not obey Me. I am your God, and you do not pray to Me. I am your great Friend, and you do not love Me.

Lord Jesus, we have not loved You enough, and we are often unhappy. Yet You open Your arms and invite us to take refuge in Your heart, assuring us of Your forgiveness. In Your heart, the source of Light, we find the strength to follow You—the Way, the Truth, the Life. Grant us the grace to hear You, to obey, and to love You, O God of love and Friend of all who trust in You. Amen.

## Closing Invitation

If you are feeling lonely or discarded, pray to our Lord Jesus Christ. He will come into your life and bring you the peace you seek.

*Prayer, like St. Monica’s, can transform unhappiness into the light of Christ.*