A Prayer for Getting Through "The Gloomies"

When Elizabeth Estrada felt so unwell in body and spirit that she could hardly pray, she found one simple prayer that helped.

The last month or so has been very busy and challenging. I suffer from severe allergies and asthma. This year has been particularly difficult as I have had bronchitis about four times already.

I try my best to take care of myself and do what I am supposed to do to keep my allergies manageable. When I suffer, I feel like I have a cold. It really takes over. I function, but not at my best.

Starting school this year was difficult as I was getting over a sinus infection and trying to get ready for about 21 eager 4-year-olds.

Finally, I gave in and went to the doctor to find out I had bronchitis once again. Looking back, my health was “blah,” but it was more my spirit that felt unwell. It was such a struggle to pray. It truly was an act of the will to spend time with the Lord.

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I was so tired and hot, as we hit record highs of 109, that I wouldn’t go to Adoration. That was a big warning sign for me, as Adoration is what I usually look forward to every week. So I decided to share with two close prayer warriors, who are my close friends, to pray for me due to this very challenging situation.

There were days when I would sit on the couch and just watch TV or play one of my mindless games on my phone. I felt so guilty. I would think of what I should be doing instead but excuse it by not feeling well and maybe going through a depressive episode.

During this time, all I could do was tell the Lord, “I love You and I don’t know what’s going on: please help.” I know He was helping, but somehow saying that in my head made it better.

Click to tweet:
During this time, all I could do was tell the Lord, “I love You and I don’t know what’s going on: please help.” #CatholicMom

I am happy to report that I am slowly but surely getting back to my time with the Lord. I know that the prayers of my friends and the graces from God are what helped me stay on course, even if it didn’t feel as I expected.

My hope is to encourage you to stay close to the Lord even if you have “the gloomies” as He always provides.

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