A Prayer for the Weary

Dear Lord,

Here we are again at the time of year we call “the holiday season,” and, as always, there are some who don’t feel festive.

Instead, they feel weary because they are worn down by life’s demands, heartbroken by life’s tragedies, and discouraged by life’s cruelties.

And when weariness strikes, it’s sometimes easy to think that you, God, are not there.

Like Hagar in her time of desperation, we think that you don’t notice what we’re going through.

But you do.

And when Hagar became aware of this, she said, “You are the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13).

And you do see us, Lord.

And you have seen me.

You have seen me in my suffering.

You have seen me in my distress.

You have seen me in my tears.

You have seen me afraid.

You have seen me weak.

You have seen me anxious.

You have seen me in my despair.

You have seen me in my anger.

You have seen me in my grief.

You have seen me doubt.

You have seen me ashamed.

You have seen me hopeless.

Not only have you seen me…

You have seen me through.

You have seen me through my pain.

You have seen me through my heartache.

You have seen me through my trials.

You have seen me and…

You have seen me through.

And I am grateful to you, Lord.

For you are the God who redeems suffering.

You are the God who dries my tears.

You are the God who restores faith.

You are the God who made me hope again.

Thank you, Lord.

May those who come limping into this holiday season with worried minds and weary hearts know that you are the God who sees them.

And that you will see them through.

Thank you, Lord.

Amen.