For Wisdom in the Middle of It

Father, we come to you in the middle of things that have not resolved. Some of us are carrying trouble we did not choose, and some of us are carrying trouble we made. You told us through James to count it joy, and we confess that we have counted it many other things first. Teach us to reckon rightly. Help us believe that the testing of our faith is producing something in us that we could not produce any other way, and that you are patient enough to let the work finish.

We lack wisdom. We say it plainly because you told us to. We do not know what to say, which way to turn, or how to hold the people we love through this. You give generously and you do not scold. So we ask. Give us what we need for today, and make us willing to take it when it comes. Settle our divided hearts. Where we have kept a second plan in reserve, take it from us. We would rather be steady in you than clever on our own. Hold us until we are mature and complete, lacking nothing. Amen.