Requesting Help

a liturgy when I don’t know things I should

When I need to ask for help
with things I should know how to do,
may it remind me that my identity
is not in what I know:
in my knowledge of how to do my job
or accomplish a simple task;
in my understanding of culture
or how to build relationships,
nor in my ability to communicate well
or meet my daily needs.

When I need to ask for help
with things I should know how to do,
may it remind me to first take refuge
in Who I know:
You who are good, perfect, and kind;
whose depth of riches and wisdom
and knowledge is unsearchable;
who laid the foundation of the world
and determined its measurements,
and at the same time knows
how many hairs are on my head.

When I need to ask for help
with things I should know how to do,
may it remind me that asking for help
provides an opportunity
to connect with a student or neighbor,
make a new friend, and deepen relationships;
it gives others the chance
to extend hospitality and kindness,
and allows me to turn from pride
and experience common grace.

When I need to ask for help
with things I should know how to do,
may it remind me that asking for help
isn’t a sign of weakness;
it’s a chance to be humble,
to connect with others,
and to depend on You,
the One who knows all things;
who is over all things,
and promises to never leave or forsake me;
humility, connection, and dependence
bring You delight and are used for my good.

Amen

Further exploration

You can find a printable version of this liturgy here: Requesting Help.

Post Author

Leslie has lived and worked in China for 15 years.

Series Editor

Erika McIntyre

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Image designed by Elaine Liu.