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Our Weary Friends and a Caring Jesus

Come 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

(Praying “posse”, use this prayer to bring some of your hurting friends to Jesus.)

Merciful Jesus, though I slept pretty well, I awoke restless with concern. I have friends dangerously depleted and spiritually tottering—in need of the rescue and rest you alone can give.

One no longer can fight the undertow of rage she swims in daily in her home. If she doesn’t escape this cruel current, she’ll drown. Another brother lives in a vice-grip of shame, from his pornography addiction, unable to believe you won’t crush him if he comes to you. Jesus, be merciful and mighty on their behalf.

Then there’s the married couple who’ve lost sight of the issues, and are simply trying to out-spite each other—oblivious to the impact of their bitterness on the kids. And then there’s the friend’s whose 4-year-old daughter has childhood leukemia. It’s so hard, Lord.

Jesus, out of the strength of your gentleness, and the power of your humility, give me what I need to love these friends well. Show me how to pray and wrestle in the Holy Spirit for them.

Free me to be comfortable with not being able to fix anything. None of this is about my competency; it’s about their crises, and your kindness and grace. More than anything, I want you to receive much glory in each of these difficult situations.

Write stories of redemption for your name’s sake. Bring your resurrection power to bear. The things that are impossible with us, are more than possible with you. Keep us restless for our friends, Jesus; but keep us fully resting in you. So very Amen I pray, in your tender and triumphant name.

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