Wednesday Prayer: from a chaplain

Oh, God! I am tired and hungry. A little angry and lonely, too. Help me to center myself in You. I know, Hungry/Angry/Lonely/Tired is a sure recipe for things spinning out of control. You come alongside me and walk with me through the dark valleys.

Oh, God! I see people all around me who are fearful and anxious, filled with trepidation. Some have children who are barely old enough to understand WHY. Sometimes we don’t understand WHY, either. Help us to center ourselves in You. You are the one who calms the storms in our hearts and lives.

Oh, God! I pray for all of the medical workers, first responders, support personnel, and janitorial workers, wherever they serve. Give them perseverance, and keep them safe. You are our source of refuge and strength—both personal as well as spiritual.

Oh, God! I lift up to You all those who are sick; not only with the Coronavirus, but also with other serious illnesses. I lift up all those loved ones who either sit by beds—or cannot sit by beds—feeling helpless, lost, and all alone. I lift up all those who mourn the passing of a loved one and have little way of expressing that grief. You carry our sorrows and mourn with us.

Oh, God! I know You can come alongside of all who have deep emotion, bearing us up in Your everlasting arms. You will be with us through the deep waters, through all the tumult of our lives, whatever may happen and wherever that may lead us. Thank You for Your gracious promises that cannot fail. It is in the name of our heavenly Physician, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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Rev. Elizabeth Jones is a hospice chaplain at Unity Hospice and pastor at St. Luke’s Christian Community Church (UCC) in the Chicago suburbs, and is a commissioned member in the Federation of Christian Ministries. Elizabeth also holds a Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling in Illinois (certified by IAODAPCA).

She blogs at www.pastorpreacherprayer.com – her spiritual and theological training and less-anxious presence enable her to bring encouragement, strength and comfort to persons in need.   

Elizabeth’s family shares space with a petite cat (with a big personality) named Mary. Elizabeth loves reading, music, piano-playing, yoga, taking walks, and messing around on the computer.