When we are overwhelmed with the world
And cannot see our way clear,
When life seems a struggle between tedium and apathy
Or frenzy and exhaustion;
When today seems a punishment and tomorrow a torment,
May we find the courage of patience.

May we recognize courage in ourselves and our companions;
That is not dramatic, that elicits no fanfare;
That commands little notice by the world,
That is forgotten and taken for granted.

May we learn how to cope
Like those who live one day of pain at a time,
Who see the long path of suffering and do not despair,
Who inspire us by their patient courage,
When we are impatient and afraid.

May we know such courage
And quietly celebrate its presence among us.

This reading can be also be used responsively:

When we are overwhelmed with the world and cannot see our way clear

When life seems a struggle between tedium and apathy or frenzy and exhaustion.

When today seems a punishment and tomorrow a torment

May we find the courage of patience.

May we recognize courage in ourselves and our companions, which is not dramatic, that elicits no fanfare

That commands little notice by the world, that is forgotten and taken for granted.

May we learn how to cope, like those who live one day of pain at a time

Who see the long path of suffering and do not despair.

Who inspire us with their patient courage when we are impatient or afraid.

May we know such courage and quietly celebrate its presence among us.

Amen