Wednesday Prayer – Exhaustion

Holy Spirit, Holy Energy, As the week lengthens and our stamina wanes,we seek the extra strength that will sustain our souls.From bulletins to PowerPoints, we are glued to computersas we perfect the tools of our worship. But you are not calling us to perfection.You afforded us human energy and minds,Not super-computers or brains of perfection.… Read More

Narrative Lectionary: Nap Time (1 Kings 19:1-18)

In these COVID-weary times, this has become a signature scripture for lots of worn-out pastors.  Meeting up with Elijah after his big showdown with the prophets of Baal, we find him exhausted.  Discouraged.  Unable to see that his work is making any difference.  Anyone feeling that way about now?  Nurses, doctors, teachers, parents, mental health… Read More

Friday Prayer

A Blessing for Those with Stress-Induced Lethargy In the muscle-tensed, frenetic exhaustion of your blank stare, May you know that you are not alone. In the numb doom-scrolling hours, May your senses be drawn to peace and joy. In the overwhelm of grief and frustration, May you be anchored in the truth of eternal love.… Read More

Tuesday Prayer

Boundless God, On these days when my energy is low And rest seems to be my closest ally, Surround me with your energy. May I find my second wind Before the pit of exhaustion swallows me And I cannot reemerge from its trap before nightfall. As I breathe in your reinvigorating air And feel the… Read More

Thursday Prayer: For the weary…

For those who wake weary this morning, exhausted before the day even begins, we bring our prayers: For new parents, surviving on snatches of sleep… For those living with chronic illness and pain, for whom sleep is not refreshing… For those whose jobs burden their bodies… For those whose circumstances overwhelm them, for whom a… Read More

The Pastoral Is Political: On Overload

Are you on overload? I’m on overload. Just in the past week alone, listening to two men threaten one another with nuclear weapons and watching the white nationalist/supremacist/Nazi rallies in Charlottesville has given us more than our souls have bargained for. There’s too much hate happening in our world, and we see it firsthand in… Read More