Prayer of a Pastor in Advent

O Lord my God

I am so very tired.

Everywhere I look there is work for me to do.

When I rest I wake refreshed for a moment and then feel guilt.

There is so much to do.

I want time. 

And I know you have given it to me.

Forgive me.

I cannot do all the things.

And even worse I cannot do the things I know I should do.

There seems to be no energy in me.

I long for you and the sustenance I know you give.

I pour myself out with hope to serve you.

I wait longingly for rest.

I know hope and I know joy are coming.

Forgive me and help me forgive me.

I pray others will forgive me when I cannot live up to all I should be.

I pray you will wipe away the shoulds from my life.

Forgive my failures. 

Free me to serve without fear.

Release me from the bondage of all I do not know, my fear of unknown, my worry, my desire to fix all I cannot fix.

Let me rest in you.
Come, Lord Jesus, Come.
I am waiting for you to come and 

shine in me with radiant energy so that I may serve you.

Use me and let my life be, my call be, let me be,  used according to your will.

Amen.