Each week as we begin our ministry staff meeting, Senior Pastor Valarie Englert asks us, “How’s your soul?”
I missed this week’s meeting because I was helping move my 86-year-old mother into an assisted living facility.
But if I had been there to respond, my answer would have been – and still is – that my soul is struggling.
Struggling with guilt over not being able to adequately care for my mom.
Struggling with finding any semblance of a safe, normal work and personal life in the middle of a pandemic now at 10 months and counting.
Struggling to recognize and understand a country torn asunder by continuing, systemic racial strife.
Struggling to comprehend what I’m watching as a mob carrying American and “Jesus” flags storms and vandalizes the very seat of our democracy, with several people losing their lives in the process.
Struggling with what to do, knowing full well the answer – pray.
But what should I pray?
Throughout my church and spiritual life, I’ve known some very powerful prayer warriors. Living saints who knew exactly what words to pray and when to pray them.
And even though I know God listens regardless, I’ve always been jealous of their ability to pray so eloquently.
With that in mind, I’ve been struggling to find the right words to pray.
I may have found them this morning.
In “A Prayer for the Struggling Soul,” Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer Jolene Underwood offers comforting words for seeking God’s blessings in times of struggle, and scriptures assuring us of God’s grace.
I share them here with the knowledge that I’m not the only one struggling, and with the hope that you might find them comforting as well.
God bless …
First Reflections 