Jesus, Gentle Healer, our pain is piled on top of pain

We’ve just about done all we can do.

We’ve worn our masks.

We got our vaccines.

We’ve kept our distance.

We’ve missed out on so much.

We thought we were done.

But it keeps coming back.

Another cancelled trip.

Another missed event.

Another season of missed revenue.

Another distance learning day.

Another friend who is no longer with us.

The pile of grief and pain and disappointment

keeps growing

and growing

and growing

and growing

How much bigger can it get?

How stupid is it to even ask the question?

Are you there God?

Do you need glasses or a hearing aid?

Can you not see our pain?

Can you not hear our cries?

Give us a chance to catch our breath.

To have a home life that is separate from work life and school life.

To gather with friends and family and not end up in quarantine or the infirmary.

To be able to access healthcare for emergencies and chronic illnesses. To get the necessary surgeries suddenly deemed “elective.”

To feel safe at our workplaces and play spaces.

Help us to view the virus and not one another as the enemy and give us the wisdom to work together to defeat it.

Remind us that it is okay not to be okay and to give ourselves permission break down and cry and lament the life we thought we would be living right now.

And then help us not to get stuck in that place and find ways to be grateful for the life we have.

We are weak and weary and carry more burdens than we can bear.

We have heard somewhere that You offer rest to people like us.

May we find our way to that place of rest.

Because we are plumb worn out.

Amen.

---

Rev. Anne Russ is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA), currently based in New York City. Doubting Believer provides tools and encouragement for the rollercoaster ride of your faith journey. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube. You can also follow on TikTok. Get emails to keep up with all that is happening.