Who can remember times like this? With the rioting, anarchy, lawlessness and political climate filled with vitriol, it makes the turbulent 1960s and 1970s seem like a Sunday School picnic. And all of the above are taking place in the midst of a major pandemic.

And I am sure that many are facing their own individual challenges. Having some of my own tests in the last year of so — I thought I would share my prayer to the lord. here it is.

Lord, if you need someone to experience a test so that a testimony of your grace might be given; let me be not just willingly — but joyfully compliant. If others need to hear from someone who has learned to trust you through a dark and unpleasant place; then walk me through it for Your glory — and let me be that one. I don’t want to be bottled up, I want to be poured forth as an offering. I don’t want to sit on the shelf; I want to run with patience the race set before me. I am not asking for an easy life, and I am not asking for a hard life — I just want to live my life by your grace for your name’s sake, and I want to please and honor you. So, grant me your enablement, that by it I can serve you, whether in the cold shadow of pain, or in the full light of blessing. Teach me to not be bitter, or angry because I suffer loss, or because I must watch someone I love in constant agony. I do not have to see clearly your purpose to know that it is best — because I trust you and you always are faithful and just. You said that the difficult times are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to come — so let these earthly eyes see the heaven that beckons, and the eternal weight of glory prepared for all who love Your appearing. It will be worth it all when I see you. From this moment forward, may it always be true of me that “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

(From the Pulpit is a weekly sermon provided by the clergy members of the Weirton Ministerial Association.)