From Ash & Starlight: Prayers for the Chaos & Grace of Daily Life by Arianne Braithwaite Lehn
Lord Jesus,
You’ve asked me to be a womb
for you this Advent—
to be a space where your
love grows and your grace expands.
You’ve asked me to let the sides of my soul stretch
that I might become large with your promise.
Being a womb for you has pushed me
to the furthest rim of who I am.
You’ve asked me to grow for
people who never say “thank you”
(or “I’m sorry”).
You’ve called me to care for children
who pull me to new levels
of selflessness.
You’ve softened my gritted teeth
in tough phone calls
or repetitive criticism,
all while my soul
groaned with growth.
In the pain, you enlarged me.
In the swelling, you dwelt within me.
And, when I questioned whether I could
make any more room in myself or my life for you—
the One who asks everything of me—
your Spirit brought me forward
in its quiet, miraculous way.
