As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. 1 Sam. 12:23Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Gal. 6:2Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt. 11:28-30
Merciful Jesus, though I slept very well, I begin today quite restless. My heart is glad for your welcome but heavy with concern. I have friends who are dangerously depleted, spiritually numb, and close to giving up. (As I bring a few friends before the throne of grace, bring yours as well. We’ve never done enough for our friends until we’ve prayed for them and then prayed again, in Jesus name.)
One friend feels she can no longer fight the strong undertow of rage she faces every single day in her home. She’d rather drown than continue to fight the cruel current of criticism, anger and unforgiveness. I fear the choices she’s beginning to make in an attempt to medicate her pain. Be merciful and mighty Jesus, and show me how to love her well.
Another brother lives in the prison-house of toxic shame—either unable or unwilling to believe you won’t crush him if he comes to you. He’s convinced that he’s exhausted your kindness and his chances—that you’ll simply be like his dad, filled with disgust and rejection. Be merciful and mighty, Jesus, and show me how to love him well.
Then there’s the married couple who’ve lost sight of the issues (more importantly, your grace) and are simply trying to out-mean each other. They seem oblivious (and now callous) to the ways their bitterness and bickering are impacting their children. Be merciful and mighty, Jesus, and show me how to love them well.
Out of the strength of your gentleness and the power of your humility, give me what I need to serve my friends. Lord Jesus, free me to be comfortable with not being able to fix anything or anyone. None of this is about my competency; it’s about their crises and your glory. Indeed, more than anything, I want you to receive much glory in each of these three very broken stories.
Write stories of redemption for your name’s sake. Bring your resurrection power to bear in each of these three situations, I pray. The things that are impossible with me, as a mere man, are more than possible with you. Keep me restless for my friends, Jesus, but keep me fully resting in you. So very Amen I pray, in your gentle, humble-hearted name.
