I don’t know about you, but the hardest part of this whole situation is trying to control everything and protect all the things I love. As I have written before I have come face to face in this season with how little control I truly have. So, here is a liturgy for living with open hands and leaving things in the trustworthy hands of God.

Our plans. Hopes. Loved ones.

Nothing makes us more aware that we are not in control than a time like this.
In fear and grasping for control we want to latch onto these things, grip them, hold on for dear life.
We think we can white-knuckle them into existence, or to keep them from changing.

We control almost nothing.
We have very little say, especially now, over what happens to our plans, our hopes, our loved ones.

God, give us the ability to entrust these precious things to You.
Help us open our hands and hold these dear things loosely.
All things are in better hands with You, anyway.

Lord, remind us that while we control so very little, You are sovereign over all.
You have been, and You will be.
Grant us the ability to release control, to accept change, to practice lament.

Jesus, be a comforter and a friend to us as we process disappointment and grief over things that look different than we had hoped or planned.

When circumstances change, when something we have long awaited doesn’t come, when we lose something or someone important to us, when we are inevitably disappointed by this season of life –
May we lean on Your goodness, trust in Your design, depend on Your promises, and hold tight to Your presence.

“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible…all things were created through Him and for Him.
And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
Colossians 1:16-17