A Liturgy for a Lost Semester

God of all comfort,

We are grieving and confused.

We are angry and indignant.

We are overwhelmed.

We are afraid.

We are filled with a turmoil of emotions, because this season of our lives has been cut short.

God of all comfort,

You have stripped us of these:

Our routine,

Our expectation,

Our close contact with usual community,

Our homes.

We are groping for stability and comfort,

And You alone are left.

In our turmoil, Father,

Draw us close to you.

Call us in ways we cannot resist.

Meet our gaze.

Take our hands.

Let us know You more deeply for the lack of other comforts.

And turn us toward each other, Lord.

Let us feed faith in one another, not fear;

Grace, not anger;

Peace, not pain;

Prayer, not panic.

Let us make allowance for each other’s faults.

Let us encourage one another’s gifts.

Let us enfold one another in grace and comfort,

And be to each other a testimony of Your love and gospel.

God of all comfort,

Make us people of comfort,

To each other and to the world,

Even in our loss.

In Christ’s Name,

Amen.