In recent weeks more than 17 million workers have filed for unemployment in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. This was prayer was written in response to those experiencing a sudden loss in work.
Oh, Father,
with trembling, I remember your name.
My world has been shaken, the ground feeling like quicksand,
my work has dissolved—I am now unemployed.
The effects of this virus are drastic:
my work, my home, my heart,
they all ache in the wake of the unexpected loss of work.
I know you are Lord, but I am hurting.
I long for your kingdom with renewed vigor;
in the new rhythms, waiting on hold with unemployment reps,
assessing my monthly budget, staring blankly at bills due,
I long for the day when my worries will subside.
I bring before you my need,
not only for bread, but for the means to make bread.
You have made me for yourself, you have made me to work,
yet I have none. Help me, Lord. Lead me to new work.
Yet, my fears are still present. My foes feel near.
By your grace, help me to believe the gospel in my doubt.
I believe you will provide for me; I believe you are my King;
forgive me, Lord, for my petty, consistent rebellion; help my unbelief.
By your Spirit might you help me grieve my loss
of stability, as the unwelcome intruders
of doubt and scarcity slyly creep into my life.
Remind me that you, not my work or lack thereof, are Lord.
For your name is a mighty tower, and the righteous run to it
and find shelter, hope, and peace. I need
your covering now, Lord. My world has been stripped bare.
I feel naked; clothe me in your mercy.
Fill me with hope, not the hasty kind, but the type
that looks toward heaven and exhales with the assurance
of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen on my lips.
Though my unemployment feels like too much to handle, it is not too much for you.
Root my hope afresh in the finished work of Christ on my behalf,
I can have hope because Jesus himself became poor for me.
It is out of his poverty that I have become rich. Father, help me to see
my great need for Christ, and the great Christ I have for my need.
I am scared. Grant me peace. I am unemployed. Grant me work.
Root out my idols. Draw me to yourself. Now I cast
my cares upon you, because your shoulders are broad,
and because you care for me. May it be so today.
Amen.