Below are two excerpts from Flannery O’Connors A Prayer Journal.
Looking back over what I’ve published to this blog, I’m surprised that I’ve made no mention of Flannery O’Connor. I have such a deep respect for her work and faith. I think of all her writings, A Good Man is Hard to Find and The Habit of Being are the most memorable for me. She was a brilliant writer. And what strikes me the most about her prayer journal is how humble and childlike her faith was. She gives me courage.
9/25 What I am asking for is really very ridiculous. Oh Lord, I am saying, at present I am a cheese, make me a mystic, immediately. But then God can do that–make mystics out of cheeses. But why should He do it for an ingrate slothful & dirty creature like me. I can’t stay in the church to say a Thanksgiving even and as for preparing for Communion the night before–thoughts all elsewhere. The rosary is mere rote for me while I think of other and usually impious things. But I would like to be a mystic and immediately. But dear God please give me some place, no matter how small, but let me know it and keep it. If I am the one to wash the second step everyday, let me know it and let me wash it and let my heart overflow with love of washing it.
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Dear God, In a way I got a good punishment for my lack of charity to Mr. Rothburg* last year. He came back at me today like a tornado which while it didn’t hurt me too much yet ruined my show. All this is about charity. Dear Lord please make my mind vigilant about that. I say many many too many uncharitable things about people everyday. I say them because they make me look clever. Please help me to realize practically how cheap this is. I have nothing to be proud of yet myself. I am stupid, quite as stupid as the people I ridicule. Please help me to stop this selfishness because I love you, dear God. I don’t want to be all excuses though. I am not much. Please help me to do Your Word oh Lord.
*A fellow workshop student.
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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I loved this when I read it the other day but my phone wouldn’t let me comment!! Journals are a beautiful thing because of their raw and real truth!!
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Agreed and for that reason I really hope no one ever reads my journals. Ha. I found O’Conmor’s journal so encouraging because she wrestled with the same things I do and I admire her so much.
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Ya I did a little Bible study a year ago or so and it was regarding inspiring women of the past and she was one of the women mentioned so you’ve drawn my attention as I recognized her name because of that book I read…but now I can’t remember what the book was called!!!
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