Here’s another prayer that may help you to find words to articulate some of your thoughts and fears in these dark days when you’re struggling to pray, and remind you that, however much it may feel like it, you are not alone.
I’m frightened, Lord –
no, not frightened: terrified.
It isn’t myself I’m worried about,
but my loved ones,
my family –
what might happen to them,
and how they’ll cope if something happens to me.
The thought doesn’t bear thinking about,
but think about it I must,
for I know that faith offers no guarantee against life’s ills,
and that each of us,
however strong our commitment,
can be tested as much as the next person.
You understand how I’m feeling, don’t you?
Of course you do.
And though life may potentially bring trouble, hard to bear,
you promise us strength in our weakness;
a peace that passes understanding, even in the wildest of seas.
Grant that now, Lord, I beg you.
Calm the waters,
and still the storm.
Amen.