A year in the wilderness

Prayer for the Fourth Sunday of Lent

This has felt like
a year in the wilderness
O God. 
A year of wandering, sometimes
lost, often alone, facing
challenges we weren’t 
prepared for. 
There have been thorns
and snakes
and wild animals,
dark moonless nights,
endless days,
and clouds of dread, 
disorientation, and danger.

A year, already, 
of wandering
far away from
what was familiar, 
of wondering
what lies ahead.
God, in this wilderness
save us. Remind us, 
Wild Christ, that wilderness
can be a place of ferment, 
introspection, prompting
insight and transformation.
Teach us that 
facing our fears can 
sometimes be a 
remedy for our malaise.
Restore our sense of wholeness.
Heal our wounded spirits,
Reorient our lost souls.
Rescue us from trouble
and inject us with hope.

Amen.

- Wendy Janzen