Liturgies of Labor: A Liturgy for Failure, Setback, or Being Passed Over

Lord, this disappointment sits heavy on me.

I had hoped for a different outcome—

a yes instead of a no,

an open door instead of a closed one.

It’s hard not to replay what happened.

It’s hard not to wonder what I should have done

or whether I’m simply not enough.

Speak into this place with Your kindness.

Not with easy answers,

but with the assurance

that my worth doesn’t rise and fall

with other people’s decisions.

Help me to see this moment truthfully—

not as the end of the story,

but as one chapter in a story

You are still writing.

Give me courage to keep going.

Give me wisdom to learn what I can.

And give me peace that does not depend

on success or recognition.

Amen.