In her book "Help Thanks Wow: The Three Essential Prayers," Anne Lamott expresses her desire for trust, surrender, and forgiveness, recognizing that these virtues do not come naturally to her. Instead, she finds herself prone to blame, lamenting that this inclination does not align with the values she aspires to uphold. Life often feels unpredictable and unfair, similar to a game of Chutes and Ladders, where progress isn't assured. This reality frustrates her, especially regarding her spiritual growth and emotional well-being.

Lamott acknowledges that she cannot simply will herself to embody these qualities; instead, she turns to prayer as a means of cultivating them. She understands that developing habits like trust and forgiveness requires consistent effort, much like her commitment to daily writing and flossing. By approaching these challenges with prayer, she hopes to foster a greater sense of happiness and resilience in the face of life's uncertainties.