A Dog Psalm

Because Grendel Asked Me To, and I Love Grendel:

I am dog.  I forgive without asking for forgiveness.

I will forgive you before you are ready to receive my look, my lick on your hand.  I do not bargain forgiveness; I do not make a deal.  You are forgiven even before you harm or holler or neglect or ignore.  Tomorrow is a new day.  Tonight is already a new time.  The sun witll not set on my anger.  I forgive you for I am yours and you are mine.  We agreed without a signed document.  You can hold me to words I cannot say, to a sentence I cannot write.  Hold me to who I am.  I am dog and I forgive.  Forgiving feels right.  I do not ask why.  I will not sleep with a grudge.

God,

I forgive.  I will not go to sleep with a grudge.  I do not carry anger with me for long.  I know the strength and peace inside forgiving.  I believe forgiveness weakens a battle line, erases wrinkles in the spirit, brings relief to my mind.  I forgive and chains fall, foe becomes a friend, a family relaxes, children hug and sing and play again.  Forgiveness makes possible change, a time to grow, telling the truth, acts of kindsness, reconciliation.  Your forgiveness is in me.

From:  Dog Psalms, Prayers My Dogs Have Taught Me, by Herbert Brokering