PRAYER FOR TIMES OF TRANSITION

A PRAYER FOR THIS TIME OF TRANSITION Loving God who is always doing something new, something  different, something to draw us closer to you and one another. The world is in perpetual change. While history may repeat itself, each day brings fresh and nuanced challenges. People are leaving behind the stay-at-home days, when social distancing was the norm. Some have discarded their masks in exchange for vaccinations. Others have never been masked and continue in that way. But, their are more people getting together. Churches are beginning to reopen for in person worship and gatherings. Our sidewalks teem with more sounding footsteps. The voices of children, going to and coming from school, playing in the longer hours of daylight. Streets and highways are returning to times of more traffic and reclaiming rush hour commutes. It is good to see these returns to a normalcy, yet at the same time the changes are not always welcomed.  I am not ready, O God, to resume life as it was before the pandemic. I am scared and anxious about change, as always. But, this uneasiness is different. It is being felt deeper. I has a stronger hold on me. It claims a voice of control that I wish not to follow. O God, living each day at a time does not seem to help. In the morning the bed screams "don't get up...you are not ready to face this day." In the afternoon the weariness of a weakened body and a distraught mind take the lead with voices of "everything is too big of a challenge...procrastination is the best choice." And, at night the toss and turn of my aching body and racing mind dictates "did you really think you were going to be able to fall asleep?"  God-Most-High, the Holy, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy. Help me in rebuilding and shoring up of my faith, a faith that is meeting the needs of these days. Help me in reclaiming and restoring my hope, a hope greater than the discouragements and frustrations of these times. Help me in reengaging and being present in life, a life that is open to each new experience while finding fulfillment in every accomplishment. Thank you, gracious God, for being here in this moment and in all times. Thank you for being in this place and in all places. Thank you for never giving up on me and whispering words that comfort and strengthen my heart of hearts. I needed this break in today. Blessed are you and blessed is your Kin-Dom that embraces us even in days such as these. Amen.