Seen online: "I'm currently doing this challenge called January. Where you just try to make it through every day of January." Or another favorite meme: "January has been a long year." There is so much going on in the world, our nation, our state, our communities, our schools and our church... the winter weather and flu season have made for long days and nights full of worries.
As I was iced-in at my home last week and doom-scrolling the news, I wrote this prayer:
For warm homes and full pantries, we give thanks.
For those on cold streets and with empty stomachs, we pray.
For extra snuggles and unscheduled time with loved ones, we give thanks.
For those in unsafe homes and struggling with mental health we pray.
For fair wages and PTO or virtual work options, we give thanks.
For those struggling for a job or grieving lost wages, we pray.
For faithful and compassionate leaders making hard decisions for the good of many, we give thanks.
For coldhearted and vengeful ones in power making devastating decisions for the demise of many, we pray.
For individuals and organizations doing all the good they can with the resources they have, we give thanks.
For those fleeing fire or violence or persecution, we pray.
For teachers and parents working together to make virtual learning snow days happy memories for kids even as adults struggle with all these mixed emotions, we give thanks.
For first responders, caregivers for elderly, and healthcare workers, we pray.
For Bishops and pastors and celebrities and social influencers speaking truth to power, we give thanks.
For the children and immigrants and out or closeted beloveds in need of compassion and protection, we pray.
Snowed in and feeling helpless/hopeless, I give thanks and I pray. As the ice melts, may our thanksgiving and prayers give rise to acts of justice and mercy.
(Well, the ice has now melted, so I pray for the courage and stamina (and Holy Spirit's guidance!) that TOGETHER as a church family - the Body of Christ - we will be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community and world. For the last few days of January and beyond!)
Grace & Peace,
Rev. Susan Pinson