Prayer For Open Hands

O my Father in Heaven, open my hands.
May I hold them outstretched before Thee.
May I receive all that comes down from Thee,
Whether gift or cross, trial or blessing.

My cares and burdens I lift open-handed before Thee,
Along with every gift I have received;
That Thou might relieve me of my troubles,
Or even take back what Thou hast given,
According to Thy great wisdom and mercy.

O God, may I not close my fingers, resisting Thy will;
Whether in fear to grasp what good I have,
Or in despair to clutch what ills;
Lest, having closed hands, I receive not Thy blessings,
And accept not Thy relief.

May I not fear to receive from Thee a cross.
May I not fear that thou shouldst take from me
That which thou hast given, in Thy grace,
Above and beyond my need.
For from Thee come all good gifts,
And to Thee they must return;

For Thou givest, and Thou takest away.
Blessed be Thy name!
Amen.