Do not let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1
In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Lord Jesus, yesterday’s troubling stories shape today’s morning prayer. I went to bed late last night, wearied with woes of good friends. I arise today hungry with hope in you, our great and gracious Savior.
Thank you for being so honest with us about life this side of the new heaven and new earth. You’ve called us to eternal life, not an easy life. You’re not an on-demand panacea, promising the elimination hardships and heartaches; but you are a very present help—pledging your presence in every circumstance and trial. Troubling news doesn’t have to cripple our hearts. Indeed, may it carry our hearts to you today, for you are ever so trustworthy, Jesus.
For friends stunned with heartbreaking health news, we declare our trust in you, Jesus. How we long for the day when words like cancer, dementia and heart disease will no longer appear in our vocabulary. Until that day, we unabashedly and earnestly pray for healing, and we trust you for all-surpassing peace and more-than-sufficient grace.
For our friends saddened with heart-ripping issues with their children, we declare our trust in you, Jesus. Few troubling reports carry more power to dishearten 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-wrenching financial burdens, we declare our trust in you, Jesus. There’s a growing number among us who have more month left over at the end of the check. There’s a growing number of us who are facing losing homes and hope. But things that are impossible with man are possible with you, Jesus. We pray, not only for your provision, but for our generosity with one another. May the law of love be fulfilled as we bear one another’s burdens—spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially.
For friends in vocational ministry who feel like burnt toast—fed up and used up, depleted and depressed, we declare our trust in you, Jesus. No one better knows what these dear women and men go though like you do, Lord. Sovereignly and sweetly meet with them. Rescue them, from others and themselves; replenish them, with grace plus time; renew them in joy and hope. Give them good sleep, godly counsel and fresh fun.
Jesus, we trust in you just as we trust in God, for you are God—the Son of God and God the Son. We do “take heart,” because you’ve already overcome the world for us. In the world we will have tribulation, but as long as we have you in the world with us, we will find all the peace we need. So very Amen we pray, in your kind and overcoming name.
