Dear God,
What can we say
when our words only bring tears?
What can we say
when our mouths cry out in pain?
What can we say
when the weight of the world feels overwhelming?
Where can we turn
when no one seems to be listening?
Where can we turn
when we’re afraid for the days ahead?
Where can we turn
when the road in front of us seems insurmountable?
Between the tears and the anger and the frustration and the worry,
we turn to you, God,
to give us your peace
to hold our hands
to calm our fears.
We hear your words: Come to me all you who are weary
and we come –
to lay down our burdens
to give up our worry
to rest in you
to be filled with your peace.
Hear our prayers, Lord.
The ones we speak out loud.
The ones that fall with our tears.
The ones that speak in righteous anger.
The ones that reside deep within.
Give us your peace,
And lead us into your goodness. Amen.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website, follow her work on Facebook, or sign up for her monthly newsletter.