A Prayer for July

There is no shame in hope.

Inspired by Psalm 25

God, my Refuge.

The world is upside down, so I’m lifting my soul to You

and I’m staying here, setting up camp here—

waiting for Your favor, dwelling in Your tenderness,

trusting in Your ancient, unchanging love.

There is no shame in hope.

I repeat it with conviction: There is no shame in hope.

Guide me in that truth.

Lord, You’ve brought us to the center of this year.

You work Your will from the center of things—

I know this. I’ve seen it for myself.

Reveal Your plans and counsel me in following them.

If my stride is set in the wrong direction, stop me.

Recalibrate my feet; reorient my gaze.

I’ll be a humble student.

Remember Your compassion and mercy;

forget my past ignorance and resistance toward You.

Forgive me for wanting myself first.

Turn Your face toward me and see me.

Send grace for every sorrow, every lonliness.

See the hatred surrounding Your people, Lord—

see the lies and violence and injustice—

and then redeem us. Deliver us to fullness once again.

In the future, when we look behind, let our song be:

“So much trouble then; but we’ve forgotten it all.”

Amen.