I lament there’s not enough time, to live, to love, to do everything I want to do—it truly overwhelms me with sorrow—but I accept the time I’ve got to live, to love, to do what I can in my allotted time here. I must accept it, for the other options are not attractive.
I lament that there are so many aspects of life that are unpredictable—and that life circumstances frequently feel hard—yet I accept that’s the way life is, and I’m comforted to know I’m not the only one who feels desperately uncertain at times.
I lament that there is suffering the world over—anguish consumes me for the myriad injustices faced—but I accept the part I can play, and Lord, help me leave the rest to You. Despair would tear me apart otherwise.
I lament that I can’t control everything in this life, but I accept with both hands the control I have. Lord, give me discernment for what I can control over what I can’t.
I lament the mistakes I continue to make and for the periodic failures I contribute to, but I accept I’m flawed, and I’m ever thankful for those—especially my family, friends and colleagues—who extend grace to me and forgive me. Help me forgive myself, God, when I get it wrong.
I lament that that there is so much misunderstanding in this world, and so much hurt, but I accept that people can only see what they see, and so many aren’t interested in seeing from others’ perspectives. Help me, Lord, to be curious and open to what I find difficult to see.
I lament that there are lives I would like to step into and change, but I know that I can’t, and I accept that I can’t, even if that’s hard, and that I must look on and watch carnage. Help me, Father, be satisfied that prayer is enough.
I lament the concept of fear in the normal life that often leads to anxiety, and the fact that it’s so prevalent in so many of us, but I do accept that while fear is there, it reminds us of confidence in faith that is also there.
I lament that in terms of time I’m so time poor, yet I accept that now is the time appointed to do things that must be done now.
I lament the fact of regret for the fact of time spent poorly, even as I accept that hindsight is a wonderful thing that is unavailable to me at present.
I lament the fact that there are people I disappoint that I may even be unaware of, but I accept that I will hear anyone’s complaint regarding what I can set right.
I lament that I so frequently feel out of control in my own life, even as I accept that I’m doing the best I can to live life of integrity, and that control over my life isn’t the point.
I lament the conflicts that were, are and will be, even as I accept that conflicts are a divine appointment for opportunities that cannot be foreseen.
I lament the losses that I’ve had to bear and those I’ll be called to bear, but I accept that on the opposite side of love is loss, and I’d prefer to love than not.
I lament that I’m often forced into a paradigm of resignation, but I accept that there’s wisdom in arriving at such surrender, and my prayer is I don’t resent it.
I lament that there have been injustices propagated against me and my loved ones, yet I accept that in forgiving each person, they then answer to God.
I lament the amount I complain, either inwardly or to my wife, about matters related to time and rest, yet I accept that there are so many things in my life I can be thankful for, so Lord, cause me to be grateful.
I lament the fact that even in speaking the same language, it’s as if we all speak different languages, and yet I accept the power of perceptions, and the power of my own perception reminds me to be curious about others’. God, open my mind and heart more and more to what others are seeing, thinking and feeling.
I lament the idea that I don’t know when I’ll die, but I do accept that each day brings opportunity to not just survive but thrive. Lord, help me convert surviving into thriving.
I lament that I can’t live forever, but I accept I’m in God’s hands.
What are your laments that you can find acceptable or prayerful?
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