Noach

She prays and still falls apart some days.
She prays and still finds herself taking the wrong turns.
She prays and still battles with anxiety, depression, loneliness, overthinking, pain, grief, and exhaustion.
She prays, and still isn’t (entirely) healed.
She prays, and still forgets her value.
She prays and still makes mistakes.
She prays and is still impatient at times.
She prays, and still isn’t immune to weeping at the state of the world.
She prays and still questions the goodness in God’s plan.
She prays not because she’s perfect but because He is. -Ullie Kaye

Avinu Malkeinu (My Father, My King),

You saw the state of the world after relinquishing the earth into the hands of humanity. You searched the hearts of humans and found them broken, ugly, wicked, and full of darkness (Gn 6.5). You regretted creating all things and took a remnant in hope for humanity, and started fresh (Gn 6.6). As you look upon the world today, we have fallen into the same cycles of injustice, hatred, violence, and pride. Our hearts are still broken. We need Your waters to flood us, to bring a new beginning to each individual. Cleanse us in Your word and mercy. Please show us the fresh, green olive tree in our lives that symbolizes anointing. Teach us how to overcome the internal struggles that keep us from reflecting light and love into the world. Help us learn how to be human —God-reflectors, full of Your breath. Your word says that love always hopes, and You are love. Thank you for enduring the darkness that humans have created and for hoping, believing, and helping us choose a better way (1 Cor 13.7).

May we not fall into the trap of building a name for ourselves at the risk of injustice, violence, overpowering others, and bringing chaos and confusion to those under our care, as they did in the beginning (Gn 10). Help us build a space for Your name to dwell and rest. Heal our hearts so we can bring healing to others. Make us whole so we can help others return to wholi-ness. Teach us how to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with each other and You (Mic 6.8). Forgive us for the hurt we have caused, the brokenness we have contributed to, the times we forgot who we were and our purpose, and for letting the darkness in. Give us the strength to return to You and accept Your new beginning, even if we have to return every day.

Love,
Brianna