That doesn't mean I don't care about things,
doesn't mean I don't have concerns
doesn't mean that some things don't weigh heavy on my heart:
I just don't worry about those things...
I don't fret about my cares and concerns,
I don't lay awake at night ruminating,
rehearsing all the troubles of the day
and distressing over what might come tomorrow...
I try to take things as they are, Lord,
accepting life on life's terms as my beginning place
and moving on from there, hoping to find you,
and your hand and your help,
in whatever life is showing me...
I'm grateful for all this, Lord:
I consider it a blessing and a gift!
But tonight I want to pray
for all the worriers I know and, Lord,
I know a lot of worriers!
I know so many folks
whose thoughts are burdened by misgiving and mistrust,
whose hope is hobbled by apprehension and unease,
whose hearts are heavy with distress, dismay and doubt,
whose sleep is stolen by restlessness and - worry...
Send an angel, Lord, or two or three
to ease this night the uncertainty,
the foreboding of those who lay awake,
chewing on the day's bad news,
filled with fear of what may never happen...
Lift their spirits, Lord,
refresh their hope and trust in you,
lighten the anxious burdens they bear
and free them to meet you
and find your hand and your help
in whatever life is showing them...
And show me, Lord,
how I might share with others
the acceptance I have found
and the confidence I have in trusting:
That worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair:
it gives me something to do
but it doesn't get me anywhere...
That worrying doesn't take away tomorrow's troubles,
it only takes away today's peace...
That most of the things I worry about
never end up happening...
That worrying is using my imagination
to create something I don't want...
That I can't change yesterday
but I can ruin today
by worrying about tomorrow...
That worrying will never change the outcome...
And that you were right, Lord, when you said:
Don't worry about your life.
Which of you by worrying
can add a single hour to your life's span?
If even something small is beyond your power,
why do you worry about the rest?
Oh you of little faith! Stop worrying!
Send an angel, Lord, or two or three,
to keep us from worry as this day ends...
Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake
and watch over us as we sleep
that awake we may keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
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