I’m not usually one to have a ton of little devotionals and prayer cards around, but I got one just the other day that is really “a keeper.” My parents had come up to Grand Forks to help us with our annual fall sale and luncheon this weekend. Their presence was much appreciated.

Along with their cherished help and company, they also gave use a few other treasures. One of these was a simple paper given me by my mom. She offered me St. Pio of Pietrelcina’s Prayer after Holy Communion entitled “Stay with me, Lord!”

This line grabbed my attention, as the scripture of the journey to Emmaus is one of my favorites. The petition of those two early disciples to their companion Easter evening always strikes a chord with me.

On reading the prayer that followed, I was edified to see several of my own sentiments voiced by a canonized saint. It was consoling to realize that someone who is now in heaven once shared some of my own heart’s stirrings.

Parts of the prayer that really touched me in this way were:

Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You. Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life,

and without You, I am without fervor. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light,

and without You, I am in darkness…Stay with me, Lord, for I desire to love You

very much, and always be in Your company. Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You…Stay with me tonight, Jesus, in life with all its dangers. I need You.

So, I gathered, St. Pio (commonly known as ‘Padre Pio’), known for holiness, also faced struggles with his own weakness. He also keenly felt his need for Christ’s presence and help.

I guess maybe there’s hope for me, after all.