When Your Heart is Hurting

2020 has been a hard year. I don’t know where you find yourself this Christmas, but this marathon of a global pandemic has many of us weary. There are numerous strange things about this year that have a ripple effect on how we are living so many elements of our lives. It is complex and layered… and it’s ok to have feelings about it. It is ok to have conflicting and competing feelings about it.

I wrote this prayer for those of us who are holding both joy and pain this Christmas season.

For the ache of brokenness, Lord, allow your grace to bind the shattered fragments.

For the disappointments and unfulfilled longings, Lord, satisfy our desires with your promises.

For the heart-wrenching loneliness, Lord, fulfill the ache with your undeniable presence.

For the deep grief and sorrow, Lord, comfort us with your steadfast love.

For the discord and strained relationships, Lord, bring enduring restoration and reconciliation.

For the overwhelming fear, Lord, pacify our hearts with your incomprehensible peace.

Remind us this season of your presence, may it bring joy. Remind us this season of your sacrifice, may it bring gratitude. Remind us this season of your great love, may it heal the tender spots of our hearts.

Amen.