How do you pray when your heart is full of uncertainty?
How do you pray when you see the structures you once leaned on for security like a good paying government job fail you?
How do you pray when a simple drive across town pulsates fear as imagines of gunfire and hate mongering have filled your computer screen for days?
How do you pray when there is no 10 month plan in your day-timer or 10 week in advance or even 10 days from now plan because you wonder how you are going to make it till tomorrow?
How do you pray when your heart feels unable to trust in the possibility of "the right answer" anymore because the world seems all do evil for that kind of blind faith?
How do you pray?
As much as there are no words, as much as there is no comfort, as much as the rage in us seeks to overflow in the places where love for neighbors dwelled . . . there was once a Teacher. There was once a Teacher who was asked by one of his disciples, "Teach us to pray . . ."
And to this request he answered:
“‘Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’”
Such words came from a Teacher with an uncertain future. Sure, he knew that all would be well in the end-- the darkness would not overcome the light. But the world was not there yet. Suffering, great suffering awaited him and awaited all those in whom he loved. This journey of hoping without giving up would be a long road ahead.
So he prayed.
This Teacher taught us to keep praying this prayer.
Alone. Two by two. In small community. In large groups.
Whenever we needed direction. Whenever we needed Him the most. Whenever.
A prayer that would give us the words for the days when we felt overcome with the hardship of our uncertain futures.
Today join me in praying a prayer this heart weary with the complexities and uncertainties of our world truly needs right now.
