Dear God:
It’s been awhile since we last talked. And I know you’re busy. But I have something I’d like to ask, if you have a second.
Please—and I really mean this—let the kid I saw in Walmart play baseball this year. You know the kid I’m talking about. He was wearing a surgical mask. He is small and bony.
He’s not well.
I heard him ask his mother about playing baseball.
His mother answered, “The doctor says you gotta wait until you’re better, sweetie.”
“Please, Mom,” he said.
Listen, I know there are droughts, famines, wars, and one billion people suffering from pop country music. But that boy wants to play ball, God. He was almost begging.
Please. Just do some magic. Make his body work again. If you could just surprise him. That’s all I ask.
Also, bless every person who feels unloved. Bless each soul who feels alone. Bless the ones who feel overlooked. And make the Atlanta Braves not suck this year.
Baseball, God. That’s what I’m getting at. You know how much it meant to me over the years. After my father died, it’s one of the things that kept me going.
A few more things: help Miss Bonnie. Her husband of forty-nine years was everything to her before he died. She’s a wreck. Look in on her if you get a chance.
Help Skittles, the dog, find an owner. She was found behind Piggly-Wiggly. But then, of course, you know the story already.
Thank you for cheese. What a great idea that was. And for my friends—even the ones I haven’t met yet.
Thanks for Daddy. I only knew him twelve years before he ended his own life, but I feel lucky to have known him at all. Some kids never know their fathers.
And for my mother, who raised us on a shoestring budget, without the help of her late husband.
The same woman who would be disappointed in me if she knew how long it has been since I prayed last.
Thanks for my wife. For the sound that the Gulf of Mexico makes. For saturated fats, the color yellow, Hank Williams. And the cardinal I saw while walking my dog.
And my dog. How could I forget her? Thank you for Ellie Mae. She’ll be thirteen this coming year. She smells like rotten oysters and stale armpit hair. But she has made my life perfect.
Thank you for beer. Tomatoes. And for premature babies who fight to live.
Thanks for the times you saved me from my own messes. For early mornings, when the sun is golden orange.
Thanks for not giving up on me. For helping me finish school as a grown man. And college. And for helping me not be embarrassed about that anymore.
The thing is, I don’t know exactly what you are, God. In fact, I don’t even know if that’s your real name. But I know that you’re a something. A good something. I know that no matter how messed up this world gets, you give a damn about us.
I know this. Even though I often forget it.
You have no reason to hear a word I say. Believe me, I understand that. After all, you’re making sunrises and spinning solar systems; I live in a trailer.
But please accept this whatever-you-call-it prayer from a man who doesn’t have any formal training on talking to you. Forgive me for times when I haven’t enjoyed my own life enough.
And let that kid play baseball, God. I mean it.
Amen.
35 comments
Ann - March 4, 2018 7:07 am
Sean,
God doesn’t need eloquence, just a thankful loving heart. You did a perfect job except forgetting THE one “thankyou”……the cross.
Judy G - March 4, 2018 8:22 am
Let’s include the ‘kid’ in our prayers too.
CaroG87 - March 4, 2018 10:45 am
Amen.
Cynthia Harmon - March 4, 2018 11:27 am
I’m sitting at my kitchen table with my prayer list and devotional laid out, but I don’t think I can say anything much better than Sean did. Thank you, Sean.
Susan - March 4, 2018 11:40 am
I would take Skittles……
Mary Calhoun - March 4, 2018 12:30 pm
The unloved, the alone and overlooked thank you.
Susan Hatfield - March 4, 2018 12:33 pm
From your lips to God’s ear. Love you.
Lori Carlisle - March 4, 2018 12:43 pm
I have an athlete that is a Junior. He just found out that he has cancer and is now fighting for his life. He not only will miss this season but next season as well. His treatment plan is well over a year long. Please whisper one for him as well. He plays 3 sports, but baseball is his favorite.
Pam - March 4, 2018 12:54 pm
Dear God, thank You for Susan who introduced me to this blog of Mr. Dietrch’s. It’s a daily reminder to look for the little things which are actually enormous mindful moments❤️
Debbie - March 4, 2018 1:33 pm
I so love this prayer!
Melanie Tighe - March 4, 2018 1:37 pm
Amen.
Nix LaVerdi - March 4, 2018 2:10 pm
Dear God,
Thank you for giving Sean the gift of storytelling and writing. Thank you for allowing Sean’s gift to be delivered to my inbox each day. Let this kid play baseball!
Alan Akridge - March 4, 2018 2:21 pm
Almighty God, merciful King, look with healing on all those who suffer. The sick, the lonely, those denied dignity, and especially those clinging hope. Direct US toward them, that their royal image may be reclaimed, and their lives celebrate your Grace.
Penn Wells - March 4, 2018 2:26 pm
Amen. Again.
Marty from Alabama - March 4, 2018 2:31 pm
Dear Sean. What a heart you have! And if I may sound like your momma, I don’t apologize for that; she was a good lady and she loves you. Please take the time to get to know God. He can handle any problem you can present to Him. But the point some don’t see or understand is that He does things in His time. He knows your needs and when you are ready for them. Check Him out with your Bible and a group of believers that would love you and Jamie. And there is probably a few dog lovers in that group. Told you that I may sound like your momma. That’s OK, because I am a momma, too.
Carol Houston Rothwell - March 4, 2018 2:39 pm
Bless you Sean,because, You really, really care!
AMEN!
Me Lewis - March 4, 2018 3:27 pm
Please make us stumble on the cure or prevention for all types of illness. We obviously can not do it by ourselves.
Jack Quanstrum - March 4, 2018 4:01 pm
I 2nd that Amen!
Catherine - March 4, 2018 5:10 pm
♥
Larry Blumen - March 4, 2018 5:18 pm
Hey, man—I read your stuff every day because a friend recommended you to me. I like most of it. But today’s post—a whole paragraph for your dog and four words for your wife? I got a little problem with that.
Anita Timothy - March 4, 2018 5:41 pm
Amen…from an outfielder….
Harry - March 4, 2018 5:54 pm
Awesome on the point.
C Nolen - March 4, 2018 6:52 pm
We can call Him, Jesus , Sean. He did! So thankful for Him. He knew we’d ask. Thankful for you , too
Cathy Stewart - March 4, 2018 6:37 pm
How can people say negative things about a prayer? What a beautiful conversation with God! I see God in your writing every day. I’m thankful for you, Sean!
Donna PARTON - March 4, 2018 7:15 pm
…Oh,
And God,
Thank you for Sean, cotten candy, Mountain Dew, Jake my big ol pound hound, Marsha my Great Pyr, Kyle, My husband, and Tennessee Walking Horses.
Love ya Lord.
Donna
Kathy Daum - March 4, 2018 7:37 pm
A good prayer. Honest and straightforward. That’s all you need . No education or credentials . Amen.
Sheri - March 4, 2018 8:21 pm
The best most honest sincere prayer I’ve heard in a very long time. This prayer has blessed this seasoned Christian like no one’s has in a very long time. Jesus love you! !!!!
Jody - March 4, 2018 9:10 pm
Sean I think you have a very clear path for communicating your prayer. You not only speak to The Almighty but you bring us aloneg that prayer route with you. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Jack - March 5, 2018 12:02 am
Another good one my friend. Thanks
Pamela McEachern - March 5, 2018 1:45 am
Beautiful prayers for us all to appreciate and know how sincere your heartfelt blessings are for us all. I am humbled by your daily acts of kindness to make people feel important and loved.
Peace and Love from Birmingham
Debra - March 5, 2018 3:17 am
And thank You, God, for Sean Dietrich and his stories.
Susan - March 5, 2018 4:51 am
Thank you for keeping us humble and for remembering that we matter.
God's Children - March 5, 2018 5:13 pm
Amen!
Sandra Smith - March 6, 2018 11:26 am
Thank You God, for Sean Dietrich, James Lee Burke, Ace Atkins, and MY Daddy ! ❤
Judi - March 6, 2018 4:03 pm
Sean, you’re the BEST! God hears you! He has many names but doesn’t care what you call Him. Just as long as you call Him!
You are a TREASURE!
Judi