Running on Fumes
A prayer by Kate Bowler
Dear Lord,
I am running on fumes again. I am burning the candle on both ends and can’t stop because it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. The responsibilities and duties that fall on me are too much. There is not enough time or energy or finances or bandwidth. I am coming to the edge of myself.
I can’t keep going and I can’t rest. God, can You help me slow down? I just need a little shelter, a little breather so I can take a minute and rest. Can You give me a space to curl up for awhile? Hold me in the palm of your hand, and take from my shoulders the weight of what can’t happen right now. Let me think only about what is gentle and lovely, what is bountiful and unencumbered in this reality I am living in. Help me be amazed by nature and gaze in wonder. At the sky. The velvet of petals, and the precision of fronds. The ridiculous owl with its stark yellow stare and tweedy feathers. God, scoop me up into life as it is. Stop me from running ahead, so I can just be in this space for the moment. And rest.
From 7 Prayers for Uncertain Times by Kate Bowler
I prayed this for my mother. My dad is in rehab after a hip replacement and a broken shoulder. I am helping her out. It is so difficult for her, dealing with everyday life, navigating Medicare and insurance, pray for Nancy and Bill as they work through this difficult time.
Teresa, thank you for leaving this message. We will be praying for you and for your parents.