February 13, 2022 A daily prayer from the New England Conference The clergy and laity of the New England Conference are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week. You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions. "A Mother's Lament" Breathe Oh God, I am so done. My house is a mess, laundry needs to be done, dishes are everywhere, and so are the toddler toys I just cleaned up a few days ago. Breathe Can you just take over for awhile? I promise I just need five minutes to myself. Or even better, can you just pause the entire world for five minutes? We need rest: from the pandemic, from injustice, from fear from hatred. And some of us need it more than others. Breathe Oh God, I am so done. The dog needs to be let out again, I have work deadlines looming, and if I have to listen to "Baby Shark" one more time I think I might scream. Breathe I know you can't stop the world for five minutes, but can you come and sit with me awhile? Maybe could you hold my hand and tell me everything is going to be ok? Could you give me a great big squeeze and tell me that I am beloved, that I am enough? Breathe Breathe again Thank you, God for loving me, for always being there, for just breathing with me, and holding me close, and reminding me, more times than I can count, that everything will be ok. Because it is you who created the stars in the sky, the beautiful sunset, the sparkling snow, the laughter of my child, the love of friendship, and all of the things that keep me going. Breathe Thank you, God. Just, thank you. Amen. Submitted by Rev. Annie Baker-Streevy, Calvary UMC, Bolsters Mills UMC and Many Waters DCOM.