A Liturgy for When a Parent Is Exhausted
Editor’s Note: A liturgy is a script, pattern, or rhythm meant to focus our hearts and lead them to worship. For the mom in a difficult place today, we hope the words below might be used to remind you of God’s presence in every moment. Consider praying them silently or aloud, posting them in a place you’ll regularly reference, using them as a springboard for journaling, or talking through them with a friend. For more liturgies on a variety of real-life topics and emotions, visit our friends over at EveryMomentHoly.com.
The labors of loving a child sometimes
feel endless and exhausting, O Christ.
These times of restlessness,
of sleeplessness, of busyness,
become blurred seasons—but
still strewn with small treasures
easily missed by my weary heart.
Sometimes I am reminded,
with a pang of melancholy
that these little gifts of joy and
delight—like bright petals riding
a swift stream—are daily passing
me by, unmarked because I am
too tired to find them.
Refill my heart, O Lord.
Restore my soul.
Revive my mind.
Renew my strength.
Open my eyes to the diamond-
sparklings of your mercies embedded
in each fleeting moment.
Let me live—even these wearying
days—more alive to the constant
movements of your grace.
Amen.
Every Moment Holy, Volume III (Rabbit Room Press, 2023)
copyright 2023 by Douglas Kaine McKelvey
Used with permission