We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 2 Cor. 1:8-9 (NLT)
Dear heavenly Father, what a joy it is to call you the God of Resurrection, for that is who you are. Death died and evil received a mortal wound the Day you raised Jesus from the grave. On your time schedule, everything sad will come untrue and everything broken will be made new; resplendent beauty will replace of forms of ugly and everlasting symphony will silence all cacophony. This is our peace, joy, and hope.
Father, it is because of your mercy and grace for us in Jesus that we freely bring to you the things that have the power to overwhelm and crush us. Though the details differ from Paul’s story, we too know what it feels like to question our ability to endure much longer. So, forsaking all self-reliance, we collapse on Jesus today and ask you to bring life and light into these stories of death and darkness. We bring our friends, and ourselves, to your throne of grace.
Father, we pray for the persecuted church, throughout the world. We live in a day in which martyrdom is becoming normative rather than episodic. Father, grant heroic grace and peace, and supernatural protection, especially for children in the crosshairs of evil. And our cry is, “How long, O, Lord?”
Father, we pray for marriages that are already 4 feet down into a 6 feet deep grave. May the toxins of hurt and anger, give way to a season of truce, then humility, wisdom, and healing. Whoever and whatever you choose to use, replace the growing stench of death with the aroma of grace and life.
Father, we pray for families marked by mental and emotional illness. Whether the cause is genetic, demonic, trauma-based—or otherwise, we pray for sufferers and caregivers alike. Bring glory to yourself, by bringing the power of Jesus’ resurrection to bear.
Most gracious and sovereign Father, bring other stories to mind and heart, as our day unfolds. Empower us for praying without ceasing, hoping without doubting, and loving without fearing. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ triumphant and tender name.
