When he is angry at God

You can hear his anger, Lord, and I am grateful that I do not have to tidy it before bringing my son to You. I can understand how a person comes to ask why You seem absent. Some pain makes that question rise before any other words.

Help him bring it to You, however it comes. If all he can say is that he feels forgotten, let him say it. If his prayer is a question repeated for days, please meet him in those days. Give him enough trust to keep addressing You, even when he cannot speak gently.

Keep me from reaching for an explanation that asks too little of me and too much of him. I do not need to defend You by making light of what hurts. Help me listen without flinching or correcting every word.

Please give him relief where relief is possible, companionship where the waiting is long, and some rest from the strain of trying to understand.

You have given us words for sorrow and protest as well as praise. Thank You for that room. Let my son find room with You too. I ask for a living conversation between You and him, honest enough to hold his anger and open enough for him to hear Your love.