Prayer for December 30, 2022

There are many people who are dealing with the anxieties of illness, waiting for results and other medical challenges either personally or for those they love during this season in which so many are celebrating. Help them to feel your calming presence, O God. May they, and those they love, know the power of prayer. We never know what the answers to our prayers might be, but the reassurance of having someone to pray to, wherever and whenever we find ourselves is a powerful gift. May we lift up all who are struggling during this time, and be willing to give people the benefit of the doubt as we do not know what burdens they may be carrying. Let us also let go of the anxieties we carry, if only for a little while, to ease the weight of them and let you add them to your yoke. May we be willing to do the same for others when we are placed in a position to help. In all we do this day, may we honor you by how we love others. Amen.