Change Me

a liturgy for encountering unexpected changes

Father, I am unsettled and frustrated
by unexpected inconveniences
such as changes in time,
or date, place, policy, or quantity.
As You know,
“Plans can’t keep up with changes,”
is a familiar mantra here,
for good reason.

Help me to be flexible,
not rigid
because of fear
or weariness that brittles my response.
Undo my desire for control…
of what is new,
or at least different than expected.
Speak peace as plans are changed, again.

My routines
and team plans
are not so sacred
that they can be desecrated.
So open my hands, heart, and mind
to move and change,
forgive,
and trust…

For You are ultimately in control
of my going out and coming in.
I give You control over my class schedule
and holiday make-up days,
my residence permit,
store shelves,
closures,
and bank trips that require multiplied paperwork
and proofs.

Instead,
help me to see the secretary or student
in the midst.
Help me to greet and treat
the messenger that bears the news of change,
not as an obstacle, annoyance, or enemy,
but as a soul, under authority,
as I am.

Teach me and change me
so that I am able
to adjust lesson plans, calendars,
mindset, and moods
without grudges
or grimacing,
trusting that Your outcomes
are ultimately for my good
and Your glory.

Amen.

Further exploration

You can find a printable version of this liturgy here: Change Me.

Post Author

Series Editor

Erika McIntyre

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Image designed by Elaine Liu.