When it’s hard (a prayer for pastors)

Lord,
when it’s hard,
when the words do not come easily,
when the pews empty for summer,
when the night was short,
hear our prayer.

Lord,
when it’s sad,
when the hopes we had are dashed,
when the miracle does not occur,
when death comes despite our efforts,
hear our prayer.

Lord,
when it’s frustrating,
when we love process but the church does not,
when we thought it was a call, but no,
when we look for you but cannot see you,
hear our prayer.

Lord,
when it’s late,
when it’s too soon to say so,
when it’s early days but not really,
when it feels entirely futile,
hear our prayer.

Lord,
when it’s painful,
when we realize it’s a mismatch,
when we see there is nothing we can do,
when we wonder why you wanted us here,
especially then,
hear our prayer.

Then, Lord,
remind us
you cried out, “My…