PRAYERS
In Slowness
God,
I feel my heart racing and hear my mind stringing together unpaused thoughts. I run from task to task checking off to-do’s and feel my internal temperature rising, agitated when anything takes me off course. Remind me that I am in charge of my internal pacing, always able to step out of the rushing river momentarily, and that my relationships supersede all. Help me to trust that I need not be burdened beyond my best efforts and that rest and renewal are possible with slowness and stillness.
Amen.
In Endings
God,
Quiet my heart so that I may hear when an ending is needed, and provide me the strength and courage to see it through despite the challenges it brings. Help me see the gifts and lessons to carry into the next season. Remind me in these transitions that you have built purpose into change and that an end must happen to sprout a new beginning. Thank you for the beauty that endings create.
Amen.
In Lightness
God,
Remind me that life doesn’t always need to feel so heavy. Teach me how to shake off disappointments more swiftly by placing the lessons learned into action and releasing expectations and control. Remind me that life is not what should have been but what is. Help me focus on life’s simple pleasures and share time with people who bring joy and peace.
Amen.
In Courage
God,
Grant me the courage to say what is hard, and say it with grace. Remind me that long-term peace surpasses temporary discomfort. Reassure me that even though it may not change the situation, it will change me, and that’s what counts. Let the effects of doing what’s right ripple beyond what I can see to embolden others in their own moment of courage.
Amen
With Hope and Acceptance
God,
Let hope and acceptance meet with wings and roots. Allow me to hope, so I don’t give up. Allow me to accept, knowing you will guide me through the unknown. Create space in my heart that I might find room for both. Rest over my expectations allowing your peace to transform my hope or acceptance into versions that match your vision. Expand my view. Let your will be done.
Amen.
In Empathy
God,
Thank you for the times when loved ones sat with us in care and understanding. Thank you for the opportunity to feel heard and valued.
We ask that you heal us from the times we have felt alone and misunderstood. Allow forgiveness into our heart for when others could not be present, and create a sense of compassion in us that we might sit beside others in their pain.
Amen.
In Waiting
God,
I am in a waiting room, and I don’t know when I will be called. Doors open for others, but not yet for me. The room is emptying, yet I am still here. While I know you won’t abandon me, I’m starting to feel uneasy. I did all that I could in that room, but now I’m pacing because I haven’t heard your voice in awhile.
I am trying to learn how to appreciate the place I am in now. I tune in to the conversations happening in the room, listen to the fabric of the pants and the shuffle of footsteps of the passersby's walking about, and hear the click of doors for those who are ready.
I feel my breath slow while I focus on what’s in front of me. I only just noticed the beautiful vase of flowers on the counter, and I wonder how many other blessings I have missed that have been there all along. I trust that you are teaching me, and I draw strength from the times I have seen your hand.
Amen.