Keep me from growing narrow

A narrow garden path hemmed in by tall hedges on both sides suddenly widens into an open meadow, with one small watering can tipped mid-pour over the hedges themselves, feeding them to grow outward instead of up.

Lord, keep me from growing narrow as the years go by, so full of things that absorb me. May my sympathy for everything good flow more and more readily. Open my heart wider and wider to the bitter cries of a suffering world. Deepen my compassion. Help me, Lord, not only to feel more, but to do more. And on days when I can’t do more, help me to pray more. Widen and deepen my love, Lord, and so make my heart more like yours. Amen.

When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 9:36 (BSB)

Adapted from Lucy Rider Meyer, Some Little Prayers (1907), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.