“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1
Dear Lord Jesus, yesterday’s difficult stories shape today’s morning prayer. I went to bed late last night, wearied with woes of dear friends. I arise today hungry with hope in you, our great and gracious Savior.
As always, I praise you for being so upfront with us about life this side of the new heaven and new earth. You’re not an on-demand panacea—promising the elimination difficult situations. But you’re a very-present-help—pledging your presence in difficult circumstances. You’ve told us that in this world we will have trouble. But you’ve commanded us to “Take heart!”, for you’ve overcome the world (John 16:33). Indeed, in you, Jesus… and in you alone… we find, have and savor the peace we need. Troubling news does not have to cripple our hearts. May it carry our hearts to you today.
For our friends stunned with heartbreaking health news, we declare our trust in you, Jesus. How we long for the day when the word “cancer” will no longer appear in our vocabulary. But until that Day, we unabashedly pray for healing, and trust you for all-surpassing peace and more-than-sufficient grace.
For our friends saddened with heart-wrenching children issues, we declare our trust in you, Jesus. Few troubling reports carry more power to dis-hearten than those related to our children. Whether they’ve been vandalized by others’ darkness or victimized by their own foolish choices, it hurts real bad and real deep. We appeal to your covenant faithfulness and your powerful reach, capture the hearts of our children, Jesus, and help us love them well in the chaos and the crisis.
For our friends saddled with heart-vexing financial burdens, we declare our trust in you, Jesus. There’s a growing number of us who have more month left over at the end of the check. There’s a growing number of us who’re facing losing homes and hope. But things that are impossible with man are possible with you Jesus. We not only pray for your provision, but for our generosity with one another. May your law be fulfilled as we bear one another’s burdens… spiritually, emotionally, physically, fiscally…
Jesus, we can trust in you as we trust in God, for you are God… the Son of God and God the Son. So very Amen, we pray, in your kind and overcoming name.
