Some days, it feels like the world is only getting darker. What makes it even harder is the feeling of helplessness. Anxiety, fear, depression, and hopelessness keep rising.
So, where do we turn? What do we do? What is the responsibility of the church? The answer is not around us. It is in a person. That person is Jesus. We keep looking to Jesus. We continue to pour our hearts out in fervent prayer.
Why? Because we have a loving father who cares deeply for us. The church was built for times like these because Jesus is its foundation. The darker the hour, the brighter the church needs to shine. The following prayers invite us to pray honest prayers in times of distress through the lens of God’s word.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
- Psalms 34:18
I look up to the mountains - does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
- Psalms 121:1-2
The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?
- Proverbs 18:14
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father.
- Matthew 5:16
But I say, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
- Matthew 5:44
And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry.
- Ephesians 4:26
How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?
- Psalms 13: 1
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
- 2 Timothy 4:5
Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?
- Psalms 85:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:6-7
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
- Matthew 28:18-20
