A Prayer about Suffering for the Sake of Christ

by | Aug 26, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Suffering

A Prayer about Suffering for the Sake of Christ

Father God,

Thank you for the Apostle Paul. 

What a strange and wonderful man he was, 

so markedly changed by Jesus Christ.

He spoke these words of farewell 

to his dear friends in Ephesus, 

saying basically, 

“I don’t know what will happen to me in Jerusalem, 

but I know I will suffer and be imprisoned” (Acts 20:22-23). 

He continued his farewell by saying, 

“It’s not about me” (ET translation Acts 20:24a), 

stating his primary purpose, his main goal:

“If only I may finish my course and the ministry 

that I received from the Lord Jesus, 

to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

Father, I confess, too often, 

my main focus is getting things checked off my to-do list, 

or praying for and supporting my children in their various needs. 

These are good things, but I want my focus to be on the best thing. 

By the power of your Holy Spirit, make me more like Paul….

no, scratch that—make me more like Jesus, 

willing to suffer 

so that many would know the good news about your grace.

In Jesus’ life-changing name. Amen.

Read Acts 20:17-38.

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A Prayer about Resurrection Joy in Seasons of Sorrow

by | Aug 25, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Death and Resurrection, Suffering

A Prayer about Resurrection Joy in Seasons of Sorrow

Risen Savior,

I love this story about Mary Magdalene.

Not finding you in the tomb, she wept.

Then she turned to see you but failed to recognize you.

You called her name, “Mary.”

She heard your voice and recognized you. 

She embraced you as her tears turned to joy.

May we see you today as our risen and ascended Savior, 

occupying your heavenly throne, 

ruling over the brokenness in this world, 

redeeming in ways we can’t see yet. 

May we stand on tiptoes to look beyond 

what we read in the news or hear reported 

to see you coming “soon,” 

bringing the new heavens and the new earth with you (Revelation 21:1-5; Revelation 22:7). 

When we see you as a risen, ascended, and returning Savior, 

we know joy even in the midst of sorrow, 

remembering that one day soon 

your kingdom of peace and justice 

and righteousness will reign forever. 

In your resurrected name. Amen.

Read John 20: 11-18; Revelation 21:1-5.

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A Prayer about Our Hope in Heartache

by | Aug 17, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Suffering

A Prayer about Our Hope in Heartache

Merciful Father,

Some days it feels like the news will break our hearts: 

the numbers of young Covid patients sick and dying, 

the tyrannical rule in Afghanistan and the torment inflicted, 

the ravaging of the beautiful land of Haiti. 

In the midst of such misery, 

we remember Isaiah’s promise to the rebellious Israelites, 

that a redeemer would come.

Through Isaiah, Jesus shared his mission: 

I have come…

“to bring good news to the poor…”

“to bind up the brokenhearted…”

“to proclaim liberty to the captives…” (Isaiah 61:1).

“to comfort all who mourn…”(Isaiah 61:2).

to “build up the ancient ruins,”

“to repair the ruined cities…” (Isaiah 61:4).

Everlasting King, your son has indeed come; 

he has indeed completed his mission 

to begin your kingdom here on this earth. 

He has left us as his ambassadors to bring new creation hope. 

Work in us today, 

whether through 

giving or going, 

praying or planning, 

to bring your surprising hope

into this broken but redeemed world. 

Until the day Jesus returns 

to complete your full and final restoration.

In Jesus’ redeeming name. Amen. 

Read Isaiah 61. 

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A Prayer about Our Comfort in Grief

by | Aug 9, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Death and Resurrection, Suffering

A Prayer about Our Comfort in Grief

[Hi friends, this prayer is based on Heidelberg Catechism Q. 1]

Dear Lord,

What a true comfort it is that in life and in death, 

in body and in soul, we belong to a faithful Savior, 

not just any savior, but a faithful One, 

who paid for our lives with his precious blood.

[Name your gratitude for how Jesus 

has rescued you from sin and slavery to the evil one].

Thank you for ruling over every detail of our lives, 

even the very hairs on our heads, 

and thank you for working all circumstances 

together for our salvation

[Name some circumstances you’ve seen him work together for salvation].

Thank you that your Spirit 

whispers firm assurances of eternal life 

and makes us “wholeheartedly willing and ready to live for you”.

[Name ways the Spirit has given you hope 

and empowered you to live for Christ].

In Jesus’ freeing name. Amen. 

Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Job 12:10; Acts 17:27-28.

A Prayer about Walking through Dark Valleys

by | Jul 29, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Suffering

A Prayer about Walking through Dark Valleys

Lord, our Good Shepherd,

As we walk through dark valleys, 

valleys that feel like death, 

valleys that lead to death,

[Name some valleys you are currently walking through or have walked through]

We will not be afraid,

[Name any fears you have felt]

For you are close beside us.

[Name how you have known God’s presence with you]

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

[Name the protection from harm and the comfort in grief and pain you have known].

In the name of our comforting Shepherd, Jesus, we pray.

Amen. 

Read Psalm 23.

A Prayer about Protection from Enemies

by | Jul 23, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Suffering

A Prayer about Protection from Enemies

God of Justice,

We join David in Psalm 17, 

asking you to hear our prayers against the enemy and any tools 

he may use on this earth in his plans of attack.

For those who have been betrayed, marginalized, treated unfairly, 

you have given us words to pray: 

“Wondrously show your steadfast love, 

O Savior of those who seek refuge 

from their adversaries at your right hand” (Psalm 17:7).

Even on the days when it seems like you don’t hear our prayers, 

remind us that you have heard them, 

that you have already begun 

to show us your steadfast love; 

you have already sent the refuge 

that will hide us in the “shadow of your wings,” 

Jesus, our compassionate protector.

Even on the days 

when it feels like “deadly enemies surround” us (Psalm 17:9), 

draw our eyes to look for the day 

when David’s words will come true for us, 

“As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; 

when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness” (Psalm 17:15).

In the name of the Savior who is our safe place.

Amen.