God.

Sometimes we feel like we ache all the time because of the pain we see around us.
Sometimes we feel like we are crushed.
Sometimes we feel like weeping like Jeremiah wept.

And we struggle to know how to talk to you when even the experts seem to disagree.

Because Paul tells Timothy to pray for those in authority, and Jeremiah weeps because of the destruction that came from those in authority.
Paul tells Timothy that God wants all people to be saved and Jeremiah weeps because of the crushing of the people of God.
And, as we read those words, we think about our loved ones and those we don’t know but hear of.
Those who are ill, those who are dying,
those who are oppressed, those who are oppressing,
those who are wandering, and those who are wondering.

We are at a loss.

We confess that we feel powerless to do anything.
We confess that we feel more overwhelmed by pressure than we feel aware of your power.
We confess that we feel more adrift than we feel embraced by you.

God.

Please let us know that you are with us.
Please let us know your healing power.
Please help us remember that Jesus is with us and with you,
And please give all your people peace from all those in authority all over the world.

Through Christ our Lord,

Amen.

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Jeremiah 8:19-9:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-7