Often in the midst of such uncertain times as we’re facing in our world today, it’s difficult to even know how to pray. We may find ourselves struggling just to keep holding on to hope. We might feel overwhelmed or discouraged, burdened with a deep ache in our hearts that cries out for God’s mercy, and a longing to see Him heal our land. Other times, we may even start to wonder how effective our prayers really are.
Yet no matter how we feel, or how devastating the times we are walking through, God remains faithful. His Presence of power and peace still cover us in all that swirls around in our world today. He is greater than whatever difficulty we may face in this life.
Nothing has taken Him by surprise. Not ever. He’s on the throne and reigns over all. He has a plan and is at work on behalf of His people, “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).
We never have to fear that God is up there in heaven nervously pacing the floors, wringing his hands, and wondering how He’s going to get us out of this mess. He is Sovereign. He knows all. From the beginning of time to who wins in the end. And He has a plan.
“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17)
God understands our burdens, and He holds us secure. He is powerful and able to do far more than we could ever imagine. And the same power throughout His word, that broke prison chains, raised Lazarus from the dead, and parted the Red Sea; the same power that healed the blind man, and delivered the demon-possessed, that same power is at work even today.
For He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Yurii Kifor
A Prayer to Remember God Is Still on the Throne:
Dear God,
We confess our need for you today. We’re desperate for your peace. We need hope restored. We need to be reminded that you are constantly at work on behalf of those who love you.
Forgive us for trying to fix our situations all on our own. Forgive us for running all different directions and spinning our wheels to find help, when true help and healing must be found first in You. Forgive us for forgetting how much we need you, above everyone and everything else.
We come to you and bring you the places we are hurting. You see where no one else is able to fully see or understand. You know the pain we’ve carried. The burdens. The cares. You know where we need to be set free. We ask for your healing and grace to cover every broken place. Every wound. Every heartache. We ask for you to comfort all who weep, for those facing tragedy, loss, and devastation. Lord, we ask for your peace, we ask for your protection. We trust you for your constant work on behalf of your children.
We pray that you give us wisdom and discernment to recognize the schemes of the enemy in our lives and to stand strong against his work. We ask for your reminders to come to you in prayer, constantly, for all believers. We ask for your help to stay alert and aware of the battle surrounding us. Fill us with your power to be salt and light in a world that so desperately needs your hope. We put on your armor today and believe that in you alone we can stand strong. Thank you that you have given us all that we need for today. We pray for all who need to hear the message of hope in Christ, we pray for your miraculous power to set them free.
Lord, thank you that you are our safety, our Rock, and there is great power in your Name. Thank you that we can run to you when we face uncertainty and disaster. Please be a tower of protection and strength over your people. We are grateful for your Sovereignty over all.
Thank you that you are able to do far more than we could ever imagine, and you are faithful to act on behalf of your children. We reach out to you, believing you are restoring and redeeming every place of difficulty, every battle, for your greater glory. Thank you that you will never waste our pain and suffering. We release to you every need and problem we’ve carried or tried hard to control. We believe in your goodness to see us through this dark time.
We love you Lord, and we thank you for your constant Presence with us.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Stay Alert to the Enemy’s Schemes:
The enemy is at work more than ever during these times. He will seek to divide believers and stir up strife and hate. He tempts us towards worry and fear and tries to trap us in his lies.
Don’t fall for it. Choose to set your mind and heart on God’s truth and stand strong in His promises over your life. There’s great freedom there. Freedom from anxiety. Freedom from defeat. Freedom from the burdens we try hard to shoulder on our own.
Don’t give in to the thought that God doesn’t know what He’s doing, in this life or in the world. That’s a lie straight from the enemy. What He’s allowed in our lives, even the most difficult of things, He will use for good somehow.
As much as we can wish it were so, God doesn’t always take us around our troubles. Sometimes He leads us straight through. Into the darkness, into the fire, into the deep. Or it might seem that we’re left stranded in the middle of some wilderness, stuck in a deep pit, and He’s forgotten us there.
But He’s faithful to carry us through.
We’re not meant to stay stuck in the trial. He won’t let the hardships define us. For when we belong to Him, He’s the only One who has the power to define our days. He breathes life and meaning. And He says we’re set free, redeemed. He says He gives us a future and a hope.
We may not see it, we may not even be aware of His Presence on the toughest days. But He hasn’t left us, not ever. We can rest in knowing that He knows our way, He understands, He cares, and He has a plan to lead us out of even the fiercest of days. He’s able to see what we can’t see. He’s able to know what we don’t fully know. And He works on our behalf, through every difficult trial and storm-tossed time, bringing us through to the other side.
He is “God with us,” our refuge and strength, our Savior and Lord. We don’t have to worry about tomorrow. For God is already there. He brings light. And He has good still in store.
Remember His Promises: 15 Verses to Guard Our Hearts and Minds in Him:
Remember today, God is faithful. Choose to trust Him and believe that He is in control. Nothing is too difficult for Him. Grace and peace to you today as you choose to set your mind and heart on Him and His promises.
He is our stability: “And He will be the stability of your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the LORD is his treasure.” Isaiah 33:6
He is Sovereign over all: “The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all.” Psalm 103:19
He will sustain us: “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22
He is our refuge and strength: “God is our refuge, and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…” Psalm 46:1-2
He reminds us to “be still”: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
He is greater: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
Our times are in His hands: “My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.” Psalm 31:15
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He heals the brokenhearted: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
We can fully trust Him: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Our help comes from the Lord: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
He gives us a future and hope: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
He is with us in it all: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:2-3
We will come out of this dark time as “gold”: “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
He takes us by the hand and tells us not to fear: “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 43:13
He reminds us to bring Him our needs: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
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Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor’s wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead’s Facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also on Twitter and at her blogdebbiemcdaniel.com.
This article is part of our prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can’t find the words to pray.
Prayers from the Bible to Guide Your Prayer Time
Types of Prayers We See in the Bible
What Is the Prayer of Jabez in the Bible?
How to Pray for Your Daily Bread
Prayers for Anxiousness
Related: Listen to our podcast, Teach Us to Pray with Christina Patterson. You can find all the episodes at LifeAudio.com. Here’s Episode 1: