take these worries

Father,

you see my worries.

You know how disoriented

I feel sometimes.

I don’t even know

what today holds,

let alone tomorrow.

I don’t know whether

I will enjoy health,

be afflicted with disease

or awaken from sleep again.

I don’t know how much work I will have.

I don’t know whether I will have plenty

or if I will be poor.

I don’t know whether my efforts

will be successful

or result in meager outcomes.

I wonder about the rhythms

of work and rest,

prayer and action,

speech and silence.

I wonder what will become

of your people—

and what will become of me,

whose vocation is your people.

I worry that we are caught

in an endless cycle of division,

like Zeno’s paradox—

never able to finally bridge the distance.

I worry that we are caving in on ourselves.

If you could grant me focus,

I’d be grateful.

I’m not asking for clarity, though;

just faith.

Grant faith enough for one more step.

And grant even just a small blessing with each step, Lord—

because you know my faith is weak

and I need reassurance.

Help me draw strength

from those who are with me on this journey,

whether my companions are seen or unseen.

I’m willing to be stripped, Lord,

if poverty and nakedness

will help me be closer to you

and look more like you.

Just show me what gifts,

what special talents

you have given me,

and give me wisdom,

strength, grace

compassion and humility

to use those gifts well

so I can know you more

and others can, too.

Amen.

……………….

Take These Worries

a prayer by Troy Cady