A prayer with those who are afraid
Don’t be afraid.
Were these words of rebuke
or words of comfort, O God?
For we are a people of fear
as well as people of faith
who need to hear, repeatedly,
through stories, angels, prophets and
the words of Your own son –
Don’t be afraid.
Words to calm and strengthen
troubled minds and hearts
caught in an unexpected tempest
suddenly buffeted by uncertainty
afraid that you are sound asleep
help us hear Your words
above the storm –
Don’t be afraid.
Words of hope and promise
whatever the diagnosis
for wilderness wanderers
who know that lent is not forever
who are brave and honest
who let the cracks show and admit
O God, we need to hear Your words
now, more than ever –
‘Don’t be afraid.’
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled.’
‘And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life…
…So do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.
Today’s trouble is enough for today.’
So help us, O God,
Amen
