This is a prayer for those facing multiple loses or tragedies. It’s straightforward and general, crafted to allow individuals to include the specific losses that have occurred. This is one of two prayers with the same structure. “Facing Challenges” deals with ongoing struggles, while this prayer deals with loss. The two prayers share common language. Word choices are shown with a slash (“/”). The blank lines identify spots to insert the specifics of your losses.

Mounting Losses
These losses,
G-d of my ancestors,
G-d of my people,
These losses continue to mount:
First ____________ [a recent event/tragedy],
Now ____________ [the most recent events/tragedies],
And I am trapped
In a pit of grief and despair.

Where is the light?
Where is the air?
Where is the sound
Of my own breathing?

Ancient One,
Grant me rest and comfort
As the burdens of loss
Rise around me,
As my suffering magnifies,
As my hope is assailed.
Source and Shelter,
Protect me.
Heal these wounds.
Bring me back to holiness and light.
Bring me back to awe and wonder.
Bring me back to Your tabernacle of peace.

Blessed are You,
G-d of Wonders,
Still Small Voice,
You heal the wounded spirit with love.

© 2015 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.

Postscript: Special thanks to Rabbi Paul Kipnes for his review and comments on this prayer, as for his suggestion to write “Facing Challenges.” His book, Jewish Spiritual Parenting, co-authored with Michelle November, will be available this Spring from Jewish Lights Publishing.

Please consider making a contribution to support this site and my writing. For usage guidelines and reprint permissions, see “Share the Prayer!” For notices of new prayers, please subscribe. You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo Source: Rick Warren on Instragram

This is a simple, straightforward and general prayer for people who face challenges that weigh heavily upon their days: financial, medical, emotional, spiritual. It’s crafted to allow individuals to include the specific challenges that they face. Word choices are shown with a slash (“/”). The blank line identifies the spot to insert the specifics challenges. Special thanks to Rabbi Paul Kipnes who suggested the idea for this prayer.

Facing Challenges
Challenges,
G-d of my ancestors,
G-d of my people,
Challenges that threaten my/our
Safety and well being
Weigh heavy upon me/us.
I/We face ________________ [list the challenges with which you struggle].
And [I am/ we are] trapped in what appears to be
An impossible situation.

Where is the light?
Where is the air?
Where is the sound
Of my own breathing?

Ancient One,
Grant me/us comfort
As I/we struggle to find solutions,
As I/we struggle to find hope,
[As my/our suffering magnifies.]
Source and Shelter,
Protect me/us.
Bring me/us back to holiness and light.
Bring me/us back to awe and wonder.
Bring me/us back to Your tabernacle of peace.

Blessed are You,
G-d of Wonders,
Still Small Voice,
You heal the wounded spirit with love.

© 2015 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.

Postscript:  This is one of two prayers with the same structure. This prayer deals with ongoing challenges; the other prayer, called “Mounting Losses,” deals with multiple difficult endings, such as multiple deaths, or a divorce and a family death. It will be posted here in the next few weeks. The two prayers share some common language. Again thanks to Rabbi Paul Kipnes who suggested the idea for this prayer and made suggestions to the drafts of both prayers. His book, Jewish Spiritual Parenting, co-authored with Michelle November, will be available this Spring from Jewish Lights Publishing.

Please consider making a contribution to support this site and my writing. For usage guidelines and reprint permissions, see “Share the Prayer!” For notices of new prayers, please subscribe. You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo Source: MD Anderson Cancer Center