Liturgy: After Times of Intense Ministry

Source: Eva Burkholder

Lord God, I’m so weary.
I feel like I could cry but not sure what about.
I’ve run a sprint and I need to pause. Rest. Reset.

It felt like a successful sprint.
I reached my goals. I survived.
I served. I taught. I empathized and encouraged.
I adapted. I pivoted.
I listened a lot. I prayed incessantly.
I invited co-workers into rest.

I heard hard stories and
know that some aren’t doing as well
as I’d like them to.

I made recommendations.
I shared resources.
I nudged toward restoration
and gave the gift of presence.

I also laughed heartily,
soaked in the beauty of your creation,
witnessed your healing and reconciliation,
saw them relax and breathe deep,
find solutions and next steps.
You enabled me to serve well. And I am grateful.

But now I’m tired and depleted…

Read the full liturgy, especially if you serve in ministry leadership or a missionary care role.

The author co-wrote a helpful book that came out earlier this year, Grit to Stay Grace to Go. Read our review.

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