Here’s another prayer that may help you to find words to articulate some of your thoughts and fears when you’re struggling to pray during these dark days of the coronavirus pandemic, and remind you that, however much it may feel like it, you are not alone.
How can I bring before you, Lord, my trivial concerns,
when thousands are dying?
How can I ask for your blessing this day,
when a multitude are at risk?
How can I trouble you with some minor request,
when many, even at this moment,
are fighting for breath,
fighting for survival?
How can I seek guidance in little things,
when a frantic host cry out to you,
yet seem to receive no answer?
How can I pray about any such matters,
when my thoughts keep returning to just one thing alone:
the crisis that overshadows us,
the uncertainty that stretches far ahead –
a bleak and scary void?
Forgive me, Lord.
My thoughts are in a jumble,
but you know what’s in my heart,
what I truly feel,
what I yearn to say,
even if I struggle at the moment to express it.
Hear my unspoken words,
my heartfelt plea –
for me,
for others
and for all –
and, in your mercy, answer.
Amen.