Joyce Rupp

As I was working today I came across a poem/prayer by Joyce Rupp. It’s from her book, Out of the Ordinary: Prayers, Poems and Reflections for Every Season.

As I read the  prayer, it struck me that in our world today, with all the uncertainty caused by such ‘minor’ concerns as the global financial crisis, the health care reform debate in the U.S., issues of global climate change, the changes in personal fortunes, high unemployment rates, wars, and all the other reasons for worry and stress that assualt each of us, it’s all too easy to get caught up in a tizzy about things over which we may or may not have any control. In my experience, often the things that lead me into a tizzy are ones that are not at all related to the real issue I’m facing. They simply allow me to get all ”hot and bothered” about the issue of the day, but they don’t lead to any resolution of the deeper issues, whether they be personal or societal.

So today and in the days to come, as we all deal with the insecurities and uncertainties of our lives, let’s remember to ask God to help us with our tizzies, so we can stay on track with our true calling of loving service in the kingdom of God. 

A Prayer to Be Free From Tizzies*

Dear God,
you who did not invent tizzies,
be with me when I get caught
in the wild worrying of my mind,
and the needless scurrying around
in my fearful heart.

Trip me up when I fret and stew
so I can see the trap of tizzies,
with their schemes to keep me
bunched up in stress and strain.

Let me fall headfirst into the truth
of your never-ending presence,
wrap your kind arms around me
and calm my doubts and fears.

Shout loudly in my spiritual ear
when my nerves get knotted,
my mind feels cramped,
and my stomach screams.

It may be difficult,
but do try to get my full attention,
because tizzies are not healthy,
and they definitely chase peace
out the front door of my heart.

Dear God, you did not invent tizzies,
I did,
and only I can send them on their way,
and I will,
if you strengthen me
to let go of my anxious hold
on what is nonessential.

—Joyce Rupp

*A tizzy is a “state of frenzied excitement or distraction, especially over some trivial matter” (Webster’s New Unabridged Dictionary).

Taken from Out of the Ordinary, Copyright 2000 by Joyce Rupp. Used by permission of Ave Maria Press. All rights reserved.

Terry Hershey is one of my favorite columnists/bloggers. I look forward each week to his Sabbath Moment column. Today he offers this prayer. I suggest we all make it our own.

Our Prayer (and, Christmas gift suggestions)

Lord, in this Advent season, may we give
To our enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, our heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To our self, respect.
Amen.