Let this prayer inspire you to pray to God for justice.
God’s justice is perfect. Only the perfect sacrifice could have satisfied God’s demand. In filling that role for us, a great price was paid by the blood of Christ. Pray for God’s justice to be poured out over you, your family and the world.
Even in suffering there is a promise.
If there’s anything universal among humans, it’s suffering. Everybody at some time experiences loss, pain or disappointment. But can anyone really understand your story? Can anyone truly fathom the depths of your pain?
You Are Not Alone
Have you ever said to yourself, “I just want a normal life”? What we’re really saying here is that we want a life without problems or only problems that we can manage. Everybody goes through serious trials at some point. There may be times of relative peace, but eventually hard times appear. If you could trade your life for someone else’s, you would just get another set of problems.
Is God Unfair?
Many people get mad at God due to suffering. Their hurt makes them accuse God for allowing pain and illness to exist. How can he stand by when innocent children die of cancer? How can he permit loved ones to be lost due to carelessness or cruelty?
The Good Side Of Suffering
At the same time, we accept and understand the positive aspects of suffering. Studying to get a degree or working hard to feed a family all require sacrifice. If a person labors all day in the hot sun, they suffer. We know there’s virtue and goodness in their work.
Pick And Choose
In the end, we want to determine the type, timing and severity of our struggle. Taking this idea to its end, we want total control of our lives. Since pain often comes from others, we want to control them too. This desire to control has driven some to commit great atrocities.
If we open our eyes though, we see a vast universe. We realize we’re just a tiny speck in God’s great creation. Would you stop building a house because an ant complains? But sometimes we expect the same authority over how the universe should work.
We have complete freedom to make choices, and much harm comes from bad choices we’ve made. We want the freedom, but we don’t want to pay the price for mistakes. So facing God, we tell him we want him to make our lives perfect.
A Deeper Meaning
If we allow ourselves to look deeper into suffering, we can understand the purpose it serves. For instance, how we suffer helps establish our identity. We feel sad over a person who’s ill or passed away since we’re connected to them. Our reactions reveal something about ourselves which gives us a chance to improve.
We shouldn’t fall into the trap of letting suffering define us, but it plays a central role in our life history. Why do stories about those who overcome great odds inspire us? Because they give us something essential to face tribulations: hope.
Make A Choice
When you suffer, you’re presented with a choice. The world offers us many empty promises. So we run to drugs, pills, alcohol or other things that don’t let us fully process our pain. If we give hope a chance though, it gives birth to something even more profound: faith.
This doesn’t mean that things will turn out exactly how you want. It doesn’t even mean that your suffering will end. But if you choose to seek God despite it all, your faith will dig down deep. And the tree with deep, strong roots stands tall and produces abundant fruit.
Remember, the roots of faith grow beneath the surface in that hidden secret place where you’re alone with God. Only he fully sees and understands how much you suffer. And he revealed this perfectly in his son.
The Way
In his great wisdom, God didn’t create a universe without suffering. Instead he choose to suffer with us. Why? Because the depth of our pain reveals the depth of our love. God gave up his innocent son for all the badness in the world. It’s the fullness of God’s love revealed.
Instead of making the world perfect and sterile, with no feeling, he showed us his miraculous glory. We find meaning in suffering and can even transform sorrow into blessings.
In the most painful circumstances, only those who have faced the same pain can truly help others. A parent that has lost a child might be the only consoling voice for another parent facing the same hurt.
Peace Be With You
Walking the path of suffering with faith creates great peace within you. Jesus gives you his peace that pours out from his wounds. His peace gives you faith like steel and removes all fear. Your roots sink deep, and you won’t be moved, not even by the strongest wind.
This is the same faith that Jesus took to the cross with him. It’s the power of salvation. It’s the Spirit that created the universe. We touch this great power when we access the great love of God.
The Darkest Night
In some cases the pain is unbearable. Situations of abuse, poverty or chronic illness bring you to a point where life might seem meaningless. But if you press forward and look for God, his great promise and love are revealed in a way that makes sense of it all.
Very few have to walk these darkest nights. God provides these special souls an incredible grace and sense of mercy that are the very essence of holiness. These persons often suffer in silence. But God hears them, and they are the chosen few who truly understand what it means when we speak of Christ’s humility. They come to fully know that their identity as a child of God is indestructible.
Trust
When you suffer greatly, you reach your limit. Things are beyond your control. It’s here where God’s Spirit has room to work. It’s here where your character becomes transformed into something more holy, more giving and pure. It’s never easy, but if you trust in God, his glory is certain to shine in your life.
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There are so many today giving their lives for Christ. May their sacrifice inspire us to chose what is right and just. And may we begin to truly believe in the power of the resurrection.
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”
Revelation 6:9-10
This prayer can help you when you want to get rid of bad or intrusive thoughts. Remember, this prayer is just a start. Authentic prayer comes from the Spirit speaking to and from your heart.
Do you ever feel like you can’t control your thoughts? This is actually much more common than you might think. Sometimes you might even be shocked by the bad thoughts that come into your head.
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Even people who have very strong faith might face similar difficulties. Remember, a fleeting thought, no matter how bad, isn’t something to feel guilty about. It doesn’t mean you have hidden evil inside you. It only means you are human, and sometimes strange thoughts pop into our heads.
Now if you were to act upon those thoughts, then that would be a problem. Or if you willfully desired to think those thoughts, then it might mean something is wrong.
Here’s what typically happens. You might be doing nothing special or even praying, and boom… a horrible thought or image appears in your head. You’re horrified, and it might take a while for the thought to go away. Eventually, your thoughts return to normal, but it might happen again at another time. And you start to feel like something is wrong with you or you feel guilty.
Don’t worry. This is common. We humans are strange and complex creatures. Maybe you are processing something emotionally or spiritually, and the strange thoughts are part of it. Don’t spend too much time trying to figure it out. Instead, let the process take its course. This doesn’t mean you try to think bad thoughts, but you don’t obsess over them either.
Sometimes it helps to focus on a characteristic of God. You might even repeat to yourself things about him, such as:
God is good.
God is merciful.
God is kind.
God is patient.
God forgives.
Repeat these truths over and over again until the moment passes. In most cases, with time, the bad thoughts go away completely on their own. As with all things, prayer and God’s Word help tremendously to bring your mind back under control and into focus.
If you are having an especially hard time breaking out of a thought cycle, you can also try a reality check. You simply open your eyes and look at a neutral object (cup, tree, table, etc.) and name it. You say, “This is a tree.” You can even mentally describe what you are doing, like this, “I am sitting in a chair. I am in my house. It is sunny outside… ” Just describe the reality you are in at the moment.
Now, here’s the prayer…
We all have bad thoughts sometimes. They can even be horrible or overwhelming. The best defense is God’s Word and seeking his presence in prayer. If you trust in the truth of Christ’s resurrection, he is certain to free you. Do not feel guilty about a fleeting thought that you didn’t want to think. Let the Holy Spirit make you strong to resist the lies and attacks of the enemy. Christ’s victory is absolute and eternal.
Dear loving Lord,
Sometimes I have terrible thoughts that run through my head.
Do you see me, dear Lord? Do you see my struggle?
You are mighty. You are strong, and you love me.
Set me free Lord!
Remove the bad thoughts that torment me.
Cast the enemy out of my mind and my life. Let no attack, deceit or contamination affect me any more.
For I have been washed clean by the blood of the Lamb.
Your mighty Spirit protects me always.
All victory is yours alone.
Dear loving Lord, clear my mind, bring rest to my heart with the sweet caress of your loving grace.
In Jesus’ holy name,
Amen.
A prayer you can pray when you feel especially full of thanks and joy.
Want a joyous change in your life? Then pray for it.
Take time out today just to thank and praise God for all the good he has brought into your life. This doesn’t mean that your life is perfect. Instead it means you have discovered the source of perfect love in Christ Jesus.
You can pray this prayer when you need protection.
Do you want your life to be different? Then go deeper into prayer.
This prayer is inspired by Psalm 27. The world tries to convince us that the peace and prosperity of man will save us. But our soul yearns for an eternal answer. The only real security we have is in Christ Jesus.
Everybody knows what it feels like to be frustrated. It’s as if the entire world throws up roadblocks to bother you. Here you’ll learn how to deal with frustration, and the best methods might surprise you. At Prayer for Anxiety, we examine all things through the lens of faith.
What Frustrates You And Why?
Some causes of frustration might be that you had it easy growing up, but now, with more responsibility, things are not as simple as before. Or perhaps you lived in a very controlled environment and were influenced by negative reactions to frustration. Finally, an environment of neglect may have caused an ongoing sensation of not having your needs met.
Stop and identify the things that cause you frustration. Do you get annoyed more with circumstances or people? Or maybe your own limitations cause dissatisfaction. Take a good look at your frustrations, then answer this question honestly: Why do these things or people bother you so much?
The Child Inside
What happens when a child doesn’t get what he or she wants? They pout, cry or throw a tantrum, and this continues until the child accepts limitations. Some common reactions to frustration are:
Vicious Cycle
Many times we get caught in a cycle which begins with feelings of frustration followed by our own negative reactions. Then we get frustrated with ourselves which magnifies the negativity until the next difficult moment comes along.
This process leaves open wounds that become more and more sensitive with each subsequent event.
Frustration Coping Strategies
Later we will look at a more faith based perspective, but here are some ways that you can try to deal with frustration.
Meditate upon these suggestions. Which seem to fit best where you find frustration?
Just Be Patient?
We’ve certainly heard, or thought, that we have to be more patient. But sometimes it’s nearly impossible. However, when we understand that the enemy attacks us through our own limitations, then we can see things more clearly. In the Bible, Satan is named as the accuser. He puts terrible thoughts inside our heads. How many times have you heard yourself say/think something like:
Do you see a common thread here? All these statements deal with some sort of finality or condemnation. As the devil likes it, there’s no room for hope. Instead, the evil one offers the idea that control will solve everything. But he also knows that we can’t possibly control the world so we are left with the despair of frustration.
The Power Of Patience
Patience is power. This realization can help you greatly when you look back at the statements of condemnation. Instead of letting someone or something get the best of you, you can take a step back to a position where you are truly in control. This does not mean that you won’t feel strong emotions, but you can be in command of them.
Love And Service Are Even More Powerful
Even though patience is a powerful ally, a deeper meaning can be found when you assume a position of love and service. When things don’t go your way, offer your disappointment up to God instead of getting mad. Or when someone attacks you, listen to their heart as it is crying out for help. It might be ugly, but the reality is that their soul suffers from a lack of peace.
Resist the temptation to add more hurt and be an instrument of healing instead.
This process is nearly impossible to do on your own. Some people are naturally capable of this type of empathy, but for most of us, it’s hard. The best way is to ask God repeatedly in prayer for clarity. You can ask him:
Dear Lord, free me and heal me of my frustrations and the wounds they have caused. Let me have a merciful heart like yours. Let me serve those that frustrate and attack me. Allow me to be able to see what they really need so I can then offer them hope and peace. Make me strong in your mercy and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Not Wimpy
This doesn’t mean that you let people walk all over you. Strength from patience, love and mercy are infinitely superior than trying to be in control. Instead you react reasonably and with wisdom. You find solutions instead of looking for a fight. The threat of despair is dispersed with the Spirit of truth.
Only He Can Change You
Some things can only be changed by God’s grace. We are stubborn creatures by nature. Remember, God’s Spirit is the power by which Jesus was resurrected. Trust in God’s ability to transform you – this inspires others to change. If we give of ourselves then we tap into something miraculous. It takes time, dedication and humility, but love always triumphs over control.
Go to the Lord frequently and faithfully, especially when you make a mistake. When you see how frustrating you can be to others, Jesus pours out his forgiveness upon you. His mercy fills you and overflows abundantly bringing freedom and truth to all those around you.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
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Here’s a prayer you can say when you need to look upon others with mercy.
Looking for a change in life? Find it through a deeper prayer life.
We all need mercy. Resist the temptation to condemn or judge, and see others as Jesus sees you. He is the one that elevates us higher, and we all have an equal right to his forgiveness and love.
A prayer for a pure heart.
Want to strengthen your relationship with God? Prayer is the answer.
This prayer is based on Psalm 51. Purity of the heart comes from recognizing how much we need Jesus to forgive and heal us of the wound of sin. Only his loving restoration makes us new again. When we ask for forgiveness – and when we forgive – our hearts are made pure.
Jesus wants you to know how much he understands you. He can help you in any situation of anxiety or confusion. Trust in the loving peace that only he can provide.
Helpful Prayers Ask for prayer
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:25-27
Prayer For Anxiety 