A Prayer for When We’re Overburdened

God of All Comfort,

Thank you! 

You know we are plagued

by weakness and weariness.

You know our world demands

that we be strong, independent, 

powerful, competent. 

You know some Christians boast, 

“I can do all things through Christ 

who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13), 

but we feel inadequate. 

Thank you for Paul’s honesty about his weakness 

in the face of “deadly peril,” 

“a thorn in the flesh,” 

and countless other threats. 

Lord, for those of us who “despair of life itself,” 

may our weakness drive us straight into your strength. 

May our weakness teach us 

to “rely not on ourselves but the God who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9). 

When we feel overburdened,

whether from a shipwreck of relationship,

the shadow of sickness

or the shouting accusation of failure,

may we remember 

that you have you have already delivered us 

from the “deadly peril” of sin and death, 

and that you will continue to deliver us,

until the day you return. 

In your trustworthy name. Amen.

Read 2 Corinthians 1:8-11; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.