From A Pastor Prays for His People by Wendell Hawley

Almighty and ever loving Father,
whose mercies are without number,
whose grace is without measure,
whose purposes can never be thwarted,
we bow before you in humble recognition that you are
the divine proprietor,
the administrator of the affairs of men—
indeed the whole world, the universe.

Your absolute sovereignty over all things is our conviction . . .
but Lord we confess that often we are frustrated by your seeming
inactivity.
We feel the pressure of the moment,
the circumstances that need changing now,
and we are sorely tempted to do something—
to take matters into our own hands—instead of waiting on you.
Help us, Lord, not be as King Saul who did not wait for a word from you,
but tragically took matters into his own hands.

Help us to wait upon you.
Wait . . . wait . . . wait.

It took years before Naomi’s heart turned toward Bethlehem.
But all the while you were working on her behalf.

Help us to wait upon you.
Wait . . . wait . . . wait.

In the fullness of time, God brought forth his Son . . .
and that “fullness of time” was preceded by centuries
of divine preparation.

Help us to wait . . . wait . . . wait.

Forgive us the sin of impatience.
For you have told us through the prophet Isaiah that
you hear and understand our case,
and you promise to give power to those who are tired and worn out,
and you offer strength to the weak.
Once again we bring our unanswered prayers to you and the situations that
seem irresolvable, unless you act . . .
We try to leave it all with you.

Help us to wait . . . wait . . . wait.

Amen.