Today I offer a prayer for faith and endurance in difficult times. I’m not sure what your last twelve months looked like. If you’re one of the many people who have experienced great hardships physically, emotionally, spiritually, or in some combination of those, you are in good company. I pray you find comfort in our Lord and Savior, who promises that we will not suffer in vain, that all difficulties are opportunities for God to be glorified (whether we see it in the moment or not).
Father God, our Steadfast and Trustworthy Lord, You are our Shelter and Rock in times of trouble. When our boats fill with water and we are in grave danger, You rebuke the wind and raging waves. You cause the storms to be still, and You hush the roaring waters so there is calm. When we build our lives upon Jesus our Rock, no matter what rains or floods come, we will not be destroyed. You grant us shade from the heat of the day, and refuge that shelters us from storms. You promise to supply our every need according to Your glorious riches in Jesus Christ. You promise that Your grace is sufficient for us, and Your power is made perfect in our weakness, so we embrace our struggles and Your powerful presence. May we not become distressed or perplexed because of tumultuous times, fainting with fear and foreboding from what’s happening in the world, for we know Jesus is coming again with great power and glory. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will not fear evil, for You our comforting caregiver are with us. We can be strong and courageous, not living in fear or dread, for You our Lord go with us wherever we go, never leaving or forsaking us. For You alone our souls will wait in silence, unshaken, for salvation comes from You our Rock and Fortress. Therefore we humble ourselves under Your mighty hand, casting all of our anxieties on You, because You care deeply for us. You bless us for remaining steadfast under trial, giving us the crown of life as a reward for loving You and standing the test of time. May Your word which is given for our instruction and encouragement give us great hope and comfort in these trying times. May we seek Your strength and presence continually, every moment of every day, leaning fully on You, for nothing is impossible for You our Lord. In the name of Jesus our Blessed Redeemer we praise You, forever and ever, amen.
[Inspired by: Lk 8:23-25, Psa 107:29, Mt 7:24-25, Isa 4:6, Php 4:19, 2 Cor 12:9, Lk 21:25-27, Psa 23:4, Deu 31:6, Psa 62:1-2, 1 Pt 5:6-7, Jas 1:12, Rm 15:4,
1 Chr 16:11, Lk 1:37]
~ Conqueror in Training