When We are Overwhelmed #LetUsPray

When We are Overwhelmed #LetUsPray

A Prayer for the Week and Resources for Sunday, March 22, 2026

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Weekly #LetUsPray

I offer this weekly #LetUsPray as a way to stay anchored amidst the turmoil of the day. For paid subscribers (and last-minute worship planners), I also offer some liturgical resources and sermon prompts based on the week's readings from The Revised Common Lectionary and/or The Narrative Lectionary. Each offering is written on Wednesday and published on Thursday, allowing me to focus on current events or issues.

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Apologies again for the late posting this week. I got caught up settling into our new home and blatantly ignored all my notifications. Apparently, task reminders are pretty useless if the task isn't actually completed. Interesting.

In any case, this week has been a doozy. There is no shortage of things to pray for and about, the aftermath from shootings at a synagogue and university, the ongoing War in Iran, politicians doubling down on anti-Muslim rhetoric, weather extremes, labor disputes, and the devastating news that Ceaser Chavez has been accused of sexually assaulting young girls, and Dolores Huerta revealing that he raped her.

I know that many, most, some of us have developed coping mechanisms to avoid being overwhelmed or burned out by the onslaught of events, but everyone once in a while, it can and does get a little overwhelming. If that is a feeling you have been having lately, this prayer is for you.

Peace,

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When We are Overwhelmed #LetUsPray

God, from all sides, the pain greets me
from the stench of violence, greed, and war
from the disappointments of life
from the struggles of our loved ones
from the sorrows that have taken root in my soul

It is all so overwhelming
Please God, meet me here


remind me that I am living and listening with empathy
when I am overwhelmed by the miseries of the world

remind me that I when I am overcome by it all
the community will share the burden of the overflow

remind me that there will be times
I will hold the deluge on behalf of another

remind me that when I am exhausted from heartache
stepping away to rest is an act of care for the holy within

remind me that there will be a time
when I will be called to re-enter the fray

remind me that, as I go, I am equipped
with wisdom, courage, curiosity, and love

and remind me that through it all
You are there always.

For these things I pray

— AMEN

Peace,

LITURGY AND PREACHING PROMPTS

Sunday, March 22, 2026: Fifth Sunday in Lent

RCL Year A Readings (NRSV): | Ezekiel 37:1-14 | Psalm 130 | Romans 8:6-11 | John 11:1-45
NL434 Readings (CEB): John 19:1-16 | Psalm 146

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