The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Dear Lord Jesus, there’s no Savior like you—none so kind, so compassionate, so merciful, so very close. The brokenhearted don’t need to “buck up” and be brave when they see you coming. The crushed in spirit don’t need to pull themselves together, as though you would be greatly disappointed to find us less than conquerors.
We praise you that the gospel is heaven’s declared end to all pretense and pretending. Jesus, you have no need for us to be anything other than we actually are. It’s the proud you know from afar. It’s when we are desperate for your grace you are nearer than the next breath. This gives us incalculable comfort as we bring ourselves, and a wide array of weary friends before you today.
Lord Jesus, we pray for a whole country this morning, Norway. Unconscionable acts of evil were done in that peaceful land yesterday—crimes for which we have few words or categories. It’s terror-filled days like this that make us cry out, “How long O Lord?” Strengthen your people who live and serve in Norway. Grant heroic grace and tender mercies as they seek to care for their countrymen. For the dozens of families who will be burying their teenage sons and daughters this next week, we pray your redeeming and healing presence. Draw many heavenward, Lord Jesus, draw many to yourself.
Jesus, for our weary friends serving on church staffs or in vocational ministry, many of them wake up today disillusioned, depleted and despondent. Pastors, worship leaders, missionaries, counselors, youth workers—we naively assume some jobs should be beyond the gamesmanship and brokenness we find in other vocational settings. But sinners-saved-by-grace are still sinners, no matter where they work. Nothing short of a miracle will win the day in some divided, bitter church families. Bring renewal, bring renewal, bring refreshment, being hope.
Jesus, for those of us who don’t necessarily feel crushed in spirit, but rather disconnected, disillusioned or just discombobulated in spirit, help us to sort through the issues and our feelings. What’s really going on, Lord? Show us what’s repent-able and what’s repairable. Quiet our noisy hearts so we can hear you speak. We need your presence much, much more than we need circumstances and people to change.
Jesus, today, and every day, we declare that our hope is built on nothing else, nothing less and nothing more you and what you’ve done for us on the cross. So very Amen we pray, in your near and compassionate name.
