Does impatience get the best of you? These days our patience is being tested in ways we could never have imagined. Most of us are tired of sheltering in place, not being able to spend time with family and friends, being off work or working from home or not being able to shop at our favorite stores and eat at our favorite restaurants.
But as good citizens we follow the lead of our governmental leaders and do our part to stop the spread of the coronavirus. If today is another day of struggle for you, consider the prayer below. It wasn’t written specifically for this season we’re in. Still, it might be helpful for you to pray as you live out your new life in Christ under these times of testing.
“Dear Savior, how patient you have been with me! Too many times I have failed You, yet You have not turned from me, but with compassion You have sought me and drawn me to Your forgiving heart. How thankful I am that you have tenderly pleaded with me through Your Word and Your Christian church! Grant that I might learn from You to be patient with others, thoughtful and considerate, even though they irritate, upset, and disturb my peace of mind. Remove from my heart all resentment toward those who provoke me by word and action. Do not let me return evil for evil, unkindness for unkindness, harsh words and caustic comments.
When You, gracious Savior, were mistreated, misunderstood, hurt and bruised in body and sorrowful in soul, You prayed, "Father, forgive them." Grant me the grace to face the many vexing problems of the day with patience and contentment. Let me lean on You for strength and guidance and abide in Your time, Savior and Lord. Amen.”
From "My Prayer Book," Concordia Publishing House
