A few weeks ago, I felt like the walls were closing in on me. I was run down, stressed, anxious and felt like I could not get on top of things. It was not one thing in particular as many things played their part – life, family, ministry, even the cold weather got to me. In the midst of the fog, one thing was clear, I had reached a point where I needed to find rest.
Have you ever felt like that? Overwhelmed, not sure which way is up, unsure of who you are or that you just can’t get on top of things and constantly chasing your tail? It’s not a great feeling. Often this can lead to getting sick in body, mind and soul.
In the midst of this time I found the following prayer in a book titled Prayer Seeds, by Joyce Krupp. As I read through the prayer I sensed the words were expressing the very thoughts and feelings that I myself could not put into words. I began to feel at ease, and I was glad that the Spirit had moved someone else to put it all into a coherent way. I shared the prayer with the elders at our last meeting and it was interesting to hear some of them speak of how they too had felt like I did many times in their life. They suggested I share the prayer in the next newsletter. So here it is. The prayer is titled “A Prayer for Strength”:
For God alone my soul waits in silence.
[God] alone is my rock and salvation, my fortress:
I shall never be shaken.
Psalm 62:1a, 2

Rock and Refuge, Stronghold of Souls, Unshakeable One,
Infuse your strength into the places where I feel the greatest weakness.
Permeate the parts of my life that continually challenge my patience.
Increase an ability to accept those who seem to be most unacceptable.
Lessen any tendency in my spirit that gives way to loss of hope.
Reinforce an awareness of the daily manifestations of your presence.
Boost my spirit when I think I cannot manage what is mine to be and do.

Provider of Purpose, Firm Foundation, Enduring Love,
Support my determination to give the best of self to others.
Fortify the forgiveness you have placed and nurtured in my heart.
Sustain a solid belief that I can get through what appears insurmountable.
Bolster my efforts to be a person who reaches out to those who suffer.
Foster greater trust in you when worries and anxieties attempt to prevail.
Impart the courage I need to change what appears to be unchangeable.

In you I find sufficient strength, abounding love, and secure serenity.
Amen

If you ever feel like things are getting you down, or stressed, or anxious, take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Not only are there others who have been through these feelings in life, or are going through them right now, but God is also there right beside you. Take time to talk to someone you trust and begin to seek help from people who can assist, and pray. Come to God who loves you, is right there beside you, and who will never leave your side. I hope this prayer helps in some way, now or in a time to come.
Grace and Peace be with you,

Rev. David Stuart