Wow! I won't bother y'all with my litany of troubles, some of which are quite minor compared to those mentioned by others.
The Prayer In Time Of Trouble is so right on the mark!
"
O God, You are our help and assistance, who is just and merciful, and who hears the supplications of Your people; look down upon me, a sinner, have mercy upon me, and deliver me from this trouble that besets me.
I acknowledge and believe, O Lord, that all trials of this life are given by You for our chastisement When we drift away from You and disobey Your commandments; deal not with me after my sins, but according to Your bountiful mercy, for I am the work of Your hands, and You know my weakness.
Grant me, I beseech You, Your divine helping grace, and endow me with patience and strength to endure my tribulations with complete submission to Your Will.
You know my misery and suffering and to You, my only hope and refuge, I flee for relief and comfort; trusting to Your infinite love and compassion, that in due time, when You know best, You will deliver me from this trouble, and turn my distress into comfort, when I shall rejoice in Your mercy, and exalt and praise Your Holy Name, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen."
I almost always add the Morning Prayer of St. Philaret of Moscow to my a.m. prayer rule, and always find strength and comfort in it--some days more than others.
"
O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace, help me in all things to rely upon your holy will.
In every hour of the day reveal your will to me.
Bless my dealings with all who surround me.
Teach me to treat all that comes to throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that your will governs all.
In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings.
In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by you.
Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others.
Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring.
Direct my will, teach me to pray.
And you, yourself, pray in me.
Amen."
And lastly, there's this from Mark Twain:
"I'm an old man now. I've had many problems in my life. Most of them never happened."
May God bless, watch over, and grant peace and comfort to all here (and everywhere) who suffer.
