There is another sort of vocal prayer which is not by any set common form of prayer; but is, when a man or woman, by the gift of God, feeling the grace of devotion, speaketh to God as it were bodily in His presence, with such words as suit most to his inward stirrings for the time, or as cometh to his mind, answerable to the feelings or motions of his heart, either by way of rehearsal of his sins and wretchedness, or of the malice and sleights of his enemy, or of the mercies and goodness of God. And hereby he crieth with desire of heart and speech of mouth to our Lord for succour and for help, as a man that were in peril among his enemies; or in sickness, showing his sores to God as to a physician, saying with David: Deliver me from my enemies. Or else this: Heal my Soul, for I have sinned against Thee; or other suchlike words as they come to his mind. (John Climacus)

Yesterday did not go well. I am teaching and, somehow, my teaching is not sufficiently sharp or provocative or clear. It is not going horribly, but it is not going well.

I have over-reacted emotionally. Last night I awoke about 1AM and did not really get back to sleep, which will undermine my potential for today.

Thrashing about in bed, between sleep and fear I cried out to God in anxiety, supplication, and in thanks. The prayers of thanksgiving were, I perceive, most helpful.

Pride is almost certainly the root of my anxiety. If I were more fully concerned with the student's learning, I would be less fearful and more creative.

Dear God, cleanse me of my pride. Open me to your steadfast love. Thank you for your mercy and grace.