Disappointment
Sometimes, it is hard not to despair at our failures.
And most of us have expectations or hopes for our lives that haven’t matched reality.
Jesus says that we are not valued for our achievements, but for who we truly are.
God invites us to share everything about our life, both the big and the small.
Tell God about what’s disappointing you today. You can say it aloud, write it in your journal, draw a picture to represent it, or simply think about it.
How would you like God to respond?
Here's a simple prayer, say it with me
Things aren’t working out like I expected, God. In my mind, I thought it would be different.
Help me to find peace with my disappointments.
Help me to re-orient my vision, and be open to the possibilities before me. Amen.
Take time out
Take five minutes to listen to this immersive Bible meditation, where Jesus tells a parable about how God values us. We may not feel it, but even in the unimaginably dark places, God is with us.
Tell God how you feel right now.
What has disappointed you? Do you feel valued or left behind? Do you feel God’s presence or absence? Ask God to increase your awareness of the Holy Spirit upon and within you.
My Lord, What a morning, is a ‘spiritual’ – a song that arose among African-Americans trapped in slavery. Such work songs not only aided hard labour (creating a rhythm to work to) but also offered encouragement, inspired by a message of God’s saving grace. Find out more. Here it is sung by Marian Anderson, an internationally renowned singer and icon in the civil rights movement.
Listen to the song, and imagine the singer is speaking these words to God on your behalf.
What has provoked your disappointment?
Explore our prayers on grief or anger, or pray for a feeling of gratitude.
Explore other prayers in The Prayer Hub