Resilience is defined as the ability to adapt to challenging or adverse or traumatic difficulties and/or life events.  Resilience is also defined as the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape. (Oxford Languages Dictionary and The Post Traumatic Growth Guidebook)

As we emerge from the pandemic and physically and metaphorically stretch towards what’s coming next let us take time to reflect on how resiliency as faith communities has helped us adapt and change and grow stronger.

Gracious God,

We know that we are emerging from two years of isolation, change, illness, conflict, sadness, joy, grief, transformation, compassion and more than we can list.

For some of us, we still feel trapped by the virus and havoc it inflicted on our personal lives and community.

For some of us, we are ready to embrace the new world, the new reality with energy and enthusiasm.

For some of us, we are weary, fatigued, exhausted and not sure we can take one more step.

For some of us, we are angry, disappointed, confused, disoriented that we are not going back to “normal”.

For all of us, we ask for your presence and guidance as we move into the post pandemic season. We pray for resiliency, strength, calm, energy, vision and hope that we have and will continue to adapt to this new environment.

By your Spirit, guide us to those places of innovation, compassion and joy so that as your disciples we an continue to go out into the world with Good News of Jesus Christ. In whose name we pray, Amen.