It was my turn to do the Pastoral Prayer during worship this morning and I had a really hard time writing one. Phil has been on my heart even more than usual and this morning was a particularly heavy one. This is all I had to offer.
God,
There are some days when it's hard to pray. Thank you for hearing the prayers of our souls when we just can't find the words. It is in those times that we need you the most.
In the midst of heartache, grief, and lamentation - you are there.
In the midst of loved ones gone, memories of what was, and loss of what could have been - you are there.
In the midst of anger, frustration, and doubt - you are there.
You are with us in every moment, every tear drop, and every smile. You are with us when the day to day seems like an impossible task and even when we question your goodness.
God, we never know when we will see our last sunrise, when we will say our last "I love you's", or when we will whisper our last prayer, yet even so you give us abundant grace and a steady hand.
Sometimes we take one another for granted, we may not say thank you for what you've blessed us with, and we may fail to recognize your fingerprints in the painting of our lives, yet you still see us. You call us your own and have given us a place at the Table of the Lord. You welcome us with our baggage and promise to carry our burdens. You whisper, "Welcome home my beloved" as we lay our baggage at your feet and embrace us tightly.
God, this gift you've given us it too fragile and precious to spare & we pray that as for as many days as you entrust us with, that we will use them to be reflections of the love and joy we find in Christ. May we be ever loving, ever thankful, and ever faithful.
Thank you for being patient with us as we struggle for the right words and stumble through shaky, though sincere, prayers. In the name of your son we pray,
Amen.
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