The transition from 2021 into 2022 is requiring more energy and is taking longer than usual, at least for me. The ongoing, heightened pandemic is an exhausting, tragic global constant. This year, I’m discovering that leaving 2021 and moving into 2022 takes grit and intentionality. I wonder if you’re experiencing something similar.
To help with this process of continuing our movement into the new year, I share a prayer from Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals, by Shane Claiborne and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove.
Lord,
help me now to unclutter my life,
to organize myself in the direction of simplicity.
Lord,
teach me to listen to my heart;
teach me to welcome change,
instead of fearing it.
Lord,
I give you these stirrings inside me.
I give you my discontent.
I give you my restlessness.
I give you my doubt.
I give you my despair.
I give you all the longings I hold inside.
Help me to listen to these signs of change, of growth;
help me to listen seriously
and follow where they lead
through the breathtaking empty space
of an open door.
Amen.
Question:
How is the transition from 2021 to 2022 going for you?
-Written by Rev. Ann Palmerton
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Yes, this continued vigilance and season of so many losses is making me more weary than usual. The prayer you offered includes it all. Thank you.
Betty Lou, I hear your weariness. That word, weary, so describes the experience of living during these days – tired, worn out, fatigued, drained. Which provides all the more reason to treat one another with kindness – as we’re able – during this time.
Thank you so much for this prayer.
I really like that prayer. 2022 is me carrying over my illness (virus, not Covid) and muscle strain that doesn’t want to go away. And more people I know getting Covid. Also, January is the 1 year anniversary of a death, so 2022 just doesn’t start well for me.
Jodi, in the midst of all you’re carrying and feeling, I’m glad you’ve written, and that you’re finding the prayer meaningful.
I find this prayer very meaningful. I had thought a year of surgery and medical issues was finally finished….but not so. Weariness , yes….but also thankful to remember the Lord is with us and not to despair. I’m choosing to keep moving forward!!
Pamela,
I’m glad you’ve written. I hope you’ll update me on your next steps. Keep drinking from the well of God’s life-giving water!
I’m exhausted.
Yes…your acknowledgement creates sacred space. This is the beginning…there’s no easy fix, but you’re on the path.
I love this prayer, it’s call to simplicity, openness to change, acknowledgement and acceptance of discontent within our souls. And the plea for Gods guidance thank you!
Just as we started to move forward again we are coming to a stop once again. We are feeling defeated. God keep us hopeful.