A Concord Pastor Comments: Pause for Prayer: WEDNESDAY 8/1

I've posted forms of this prayer a number of times over the years and perhaps it's time for the latest variation...

I'm not much of a worrier, Lord - never really have been.

That doesn't mean I don't care about things,

doesn't mean I don't have concerns

doesn't mean that some things don't weigh heavy on my heart:

I just don't worry about those things...

I don't fret about my cares and concerns,
I don't lie awake at night ruminating,
rehearsing all the troubles of the day
and stressing over what might come tomorrow...

I try to take things as they are, Lord,

accepting life on life's terms,

and moving on from there, to find you

and your hand and your help,

in whatever life is showing me...

I'm grateful for all this, Lord:

I consider it a blessing and a gift!

But I know a lot of worriers,

(world class worriers!)

and tonight I want to pray for all those

whose thoughts are burdened by misgiving and mistrust,

whose hope is hobbled by apprehension and unease,

whose serenity is overwhelmed by loss and grief,

whose hearts are heavy with distress, dismay and doubt,

whose sleep is stolen by restlessness and - worry...

Send an angel, Lord (or two or three or more!)
to ease this night's foreboding,

the uncertainty of those who lie awake

mourning what's now history,

chewing on the day's bad news

and fearful of tomorrow...

Lift their spirits, Lord:
   refresh their hope and trust in you;
   lighten the load that burdens them;
   free their hearts to meet you
       and find your hand, your help
           in whatever life may bring them...

And show me, Lord,
   how I might share with others
the acceptance and the grace I've found
   to believe, without a doubt, that:

    Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair:
       it gives me something to do
       but it doesn't get me anywhere...

    Worrying doesn't take away
       tomorrow's troubles,
   but it does take away
       today's peace...

    Most of the things I worry about
       never end up happening...

    Worrying is using my imagination
       to create something I don't really want...

    I can't change yesterday
        but I can ruin today
           by worrying about tomorrow...

    Worrying
       will never change
            the outcome...

I've already survived 100% of the days

I worried I wouldn't survive...

And, of course, you said it best of all, Lord:

   Don't worry about your life!
   Which of you by worrying
       can add a single hour to your life's span?
   If even something small is beyond your power,
       why do you worry about the rest?
   Oh you of little faith! Stop worrying!