Liturgies for WholenessSýnishorn

A LITURGY FOR THOSE OVERWHELMED BY THE NEWS

Oh God of all knowledge,

we are overwhelmed.

In the parade of headlines

and consumption of events,

we can feel anxious, angered, and awed,

all within a single blink.

Overstimulated to the point of numbness,

we can forget the good worth working for.

When news stops breaking our heart

and no longer makes us tender,

we know we are consuming it too quickly

and too often.

Turn us from screens to windows,

from paper to people.

May we look at the earth

and not just read about it.

Draw our attention to the miracles not documented in print,

the stories not captured in sound bites.

Equip us to be unflinching in labeling evil,

in choosing the side of those who suffer.

Grant us a preference for service over despair.

Teach us, Jesus, how to bear witness

to the pain and beauty of living

amongst other flawed human participants,

just as You did.

Thank You, oh Emmanuel, that You came to save the world

and not condemn it,

for we see much to condemn.

The cross is evidence that You can bear more than we can.

Lord, we are overwhelmed,

but You are not.

Amen.