On the idea that many pray only when they need something But it is the great prayer, and it is the hardest prayer, because you have to admit defeat - you have to surrender, which is the hardest thing any of us do, ever.' 'And when you're done, you may take a long, quavering breath and say, 'Help.' People say 'help' without actually believing anything hears that. 'Well, I've heard people say that God is the gift of desperation, and there's a lot to be said for having really reached a bottom where you've run out of anymore good ideas, or plans for everybody else's behavior or how to save and fix and rescue or just get out of a huge mess, possibly of your own creation. On the first essential prayer, Help, and the common belief that a request for help marks the beginning and end of praying Lamott speaks with NPR's Renee Montagne about asking for guidance, offering gratitude and expressing wonder.

Lamott has a new book out called Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers. In Lamott's case, she suffered from alcoholism and drug abuse after hitting rock bottom, she found her faith. Many of her books explore how individuals can transform their lives - how one moves from being troubled to feeling whole. This year, novelist and memoirist Anne Lamott has focused on using prayer to help express our thanks. As Thanksgiving draws near, many of us are thinking about what we're thankful for - taking time to consider how best to appreciate what we have in our lives.

Anne lamott 3 essential prayers