Prayer For Help In Times Of Despair

A Prayer for Young Men Struggling With Despair

Prayer For Help In Times Of Despair
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We men soothe ourselves with illusions of strength. With fantasies of control. Digital delusions. Daydreaming about becoming titans in our own world—respected, loved, honored, desired. “Well done, good and faithful servant” is a footnote to a more carnal goal: Men want to be him, women want to be with him (Matthew 25:21).

We men know that we are never going to have the physical strength of superman. We’re never going to be as debonair as Bruce Wayne.

But most of us would choose to be an important villain instead of a sidelined extra and weak civilian.

Part of us would choose to be Bane, or Lex Luther, who has a name, who has a role, whose purpose is forcibly impressed on the world, over a faceless innocent who needs to be rescued, and whose story is never told.

We want to be the heroes of our own stories, and of the stories of others. For men in the 21st century—a time when heroism is measured by popularity and admiration, quantified publicly by social-media followers—going viral is perceived as a more meaningful success than becoming virtuous; we gladly choose the fame that succeeds over the faith that needs.

The higher we climb this ladder—the deeper our devotion grows to this myth about being the beloved hero—the more devastating the consequences of failure. The more visceral and soul-destroying the consequences of remaining unrecognized. Body fat, minimum wage, no 401k, rejection by women, disapproval by older men, these are unbreakable shackles that chain us to our self-hatred.

Our wickedness breaks the illusion of our self-righteous control; our failures put boot to neck on our fantasies of strength. As men, we are given every reason in the world to despise ourselves, and at the same time are supplied with every resource imaginable to distract ourselves from ourselves—distractions which ultimately push us deeper into our hatred.

According to the most recent large-scale study by the Center for Disease Control, 78 percent of Americans who kill themselves are male. (It is also noteworthy that suicide is the second leading cause of death among Millennials.)

Why are so many men killing themselves?

Peer-bullying is a leading cause of suicide among middle-school and high-school students. But we might assume that self-bullying is the leading cause of suicide among 20-something men. We are slammed against a brick wall we have no idea how to handle: We feel failures.

Emotions take over. Despair sits a stone in our stomachs, concrete boots dragging us toward what feels our inevitable end. “I’m not going to make it.” Dejection, laced with a fatal sense of our own wretchedness—of our own hate-worthiness: “Stupid.” “Ugly.” “Lazy.” “Idiot.

Maybe God can save us from eternal damnation, but can he save us from ourselves now?

Prayer for Despair

Men, would you allow me to speak to God for us? Would you approach his throne with me—as aspiring heroes, as failures, as those tempted with the idea that a bullet is a greater relief than any grace God can provide?

Lord, you tell us one of the hardest things we could possibly hear: that we are never forced to pull any trigger. Death beckons us only by intruding on our memory of your goodness:

“You have not remembered the Rock of your refuge…in a day of grief and incurable pain” (Isaiah 17:10–11).

Incurable pain. How could you possibly make our failures as men any more palatable? How could you break us free from the entangling distractions which numb us to the pain of those failures?

Are you unfamiliar with our rejection? Do you know what it’s to know that if people watched our daily lives, our secret moments, that they would write articles about how we are pathetic and immature “man-boys”?

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3).

Despised. Rejected. Men hide their faces from you. Hated. Ugly. OK. Maybe you know a little. But you don’t know what it’s to feel the weight of God’s rejection compounded on that rejection. You don’t know what it’s for God to hate you.

“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted… Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief” (Isaiah 53:4, Isaiah 53.10″ data-version=”esv” data-purpose=”bible-reference”>10).

You know what it’s . But can you end my suffering? I need this pain, this despair, to stop. Can you somehow make it bearable? If I’m going to survive, I need my life to be better. I need to be loved. I need to find some solace.

“ the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied… He bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:11–12).

You’re talking to the Father about me? You’ve dealt with my guilt. You don’t count my failures as the final word on my identity. You want me stay. You want me to be satisfied with you.

That feels so hard. Impossible, actually. Is that satisfaction you speak of real? Even if it’s real, is it attainable? Is there any defense against despair’s razor-sharp teeth quietly shredding my soul, draining my sense of purpose, telling me everyone would be better off without me? What could you possibly say? My realities are unresolved.

“‘Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud… For the Lord has called you a wife deserted and grieved in spirit… For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you… I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,’ says the Lord, your Redeemer” (Isaiah 54:1, Isaiah 54.6–8″ data-version=”esv” data-purpose=”bible-reference”>6–8).

Lord, make that real for me. Make your redemption real for me. Make your compassion real for me. Calm the emotions that often overwhelm me. I feel I’m not in control. I need your help. I need something sustainable.

“O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in antimony, and lay your foundations with sapphires… If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me; whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you” (Isaiah 54:11, Isaiah 54.15″ data-version=”esv” data-purpose=”bible-reference”>15).

But the voices are so loud. Everyone thinks I’m a failure. Everyone hates me. No one believes in me. Sin weighs heavy on me. Regret promises to haunt me forever.

“You shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17).

Amen.

What Does God Say?

Isaiah 53 ended. And Isaiah 54 is over. But the pain remains. Does your desire to end your suffering with suicide feel relentless? God is relentless. There is an Isaiah 55. And 56. And 66. And a crucifixion. And a resurrection.

And a church that betrays and deserts God. And a church that God empowers and enlivens even after their despair. And then there is more suffering. And then there is more rest. And on and on. Life happens in seasons—sometimes seasons too long for us.

But they are not too long for God. This will pass.

Has it been years? You may be on your final lap. For every voice that comes against you, God comes against that voice. “You shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.

” No female or father could ever give you that power—they are not evils; they were the wrong place to look to fight those voices to begin with.

No fame or romantic acceptance or professional advancement can ever say to you in a way that addresses our existential pain, “I will have compassion on you,” and, “His vindication is on me.”

Stay here on earth with me. Our lives don’t have to be merely a series of failed attempts to be Bruce Wayne.

Let’s work at Starbucks, and take risks to serve God and neighbor that don’t perfectly pan out, and make decisions that might make us losers in others’ eyes.

But let’s live lives that hear what God says in our ear as he embraces us: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Let’s seek sufficiency in that voice.

Let’s forget, “Men want to be him, and women want to be with him.” Much of suicide’s powerful hold over us lies in our belief that this is the best thing someone could say about us. It’s not. God is relentless because he loves us. More relentless than our mania. More relentless than our neurosis. More relentless than our failures.

Let’s hold on to the only promise we can hold to: Life happens in seasons, and no matter what they look or how long they last, God is fighting for us in the muck. He is fighting with us in the ugliness. He has passed through into the darkness with us. He will deliver us.

Let’s stay.

Источник: //churchleaders.com/youth/youth-leaders-articles/298514-prayer-young-men-struggling-despair-paul-maxwell-desiring-god.html

6 Good Prayers for Desperate Situations

Prayer For Help In Times Of Despair

If you are feeling you are currently left in a hopeless situation, it is best to look to the most Holy Apostle, St. Jude. He was the faithful servant and friend of Jesus. He is universally looked to as the patron of hope. Here is a great list to some prayers for desperate situations.

Prayers #1

Oh glorious apostle St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered thy beloved Master into the hands of His enemies has caused thee to be forgotten by many, but the Church honors and invokes thee universally as the patron of hopeless cases–of things despaired of.

Pray for me who am so miserable; make use, I implore thee, of that particular privilege accorded thee of bringing visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of.

Come to my assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly (mention your request), and that I may bless God with thee and all the elect throughout eternity.

I promise thee, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor thee as my special and powerful patron, and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to thee.

Amen.

Prayer #2

O Holy St Jude! Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who invoke you, special patron in time of need; to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you, to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance; help me now in my urgent need and grant my earnest petition. I will never forget thy graces and favors you obtain for me

and I will do my utmost to spread devotion to you.

Amen.

Prayer #3

Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone.

Make use I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of.

Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly – (here make your request) that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever.

I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.

Amen.

Prayer #4

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us, Saint Jude worker of Miracles, pray for us, Saint Jude helper and keeper of the hopeless, pray for us.

Thank you Saint Jude

Prayer #5

St.

Jude Thaddeaus, relative of Jesus and Mary, glorious Apostle and Martyr, renowned for thy virtues and miracles, faithful and prompt intercessor for all who honor thee and trust in thee, powerful patron and helper in grievous affliction, I come to thee and entreat thee with all my heart to come to my aid, for thou hast received from God the privilege of assisting with manifest help those who almost despair!

Look down upon me: my life is a life of crosses, my days are full of tribulation, and my paths are strewn with thorns—and scarcely one moment passes but is witness of my tears and sighs. My soul is enveloped in darkness, disquietude, discouragement, mistrust—yes, sometimes even a kind of despair preys upon me.

Divine Providence seems lost to my sight, and faith seems to falter in my heart. Overwhelmed by these thoughts, I see myself surrounded by a dark cloud. Thou canst not forsake me in this sad plight! I will not depart from thee until thou hast heard me. Oh, hasten to my aid! I will thank God for the graces bestowed upon thee, and will propagate thine honor according to my power.

Amen.

Prayer #6

O most holy apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honours and invokes thee universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, and of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, who am so miserable. Make use, I implore thee, of that particular privilege accorded to thee, to bring visible and speedy help where help was almost despaired of.

Come to mine assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolation and succor of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with thee and all the elect throughout eternity. I promise thee, O blessed Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favour, to always honour thee as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to thee.

Amen.

Here is one powerful miracle prayer to St. Jude you can say if you are currently experiencing a hopeless and impossible situation.

About the Author of this Blog Post
Crystal Ayres has served as our editor-in-chief for the last five years. She is a proud veteran, wife and mother. The goal of ConnectUs is to publish compelling content that addresses some of the biggest issues the world faces. If you would to reach out to contact Crystal, then go here to send her a message.

Источник: //connectusfund.org/6-good-prayers-for-desperate-situations

Psalm 6 – A Prayer for Help in Time of Trouble!

Prayer For Help In Times Of Despair

Psalm 6 is the first of seven “penitential psalms” in which the writers are being disciplined by God and experiencing suffering. The other psalms are Ps.

32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143, and all of these psalms are helpful to us when we need to confess our sins and draw closer to the Lord.

In this psalm, David records the stages in his difficult experience of moving by faith from trial to triumph.

LORD, don’t be angry and rebuke me!
Don’t punish me in your anger!
 

Psalm 6:1 (GNT)

David wasn’t rejecting God’s correction. He was just asking for the Lord to be gentle or merciful as He gave the correction. We as New Testament believers have God’s promise that He will never be angry with us or rebuke us (Isaiah 54:9-10).

It is not true that God corrects us with sickness, disease, poverty, or tragedy. God’s method of correction is His Word (2 Timothy 3:16). We don’t need any more than that.

God’s Word will make us perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:17).

This is not to say that we can’t learn by hard knocks. This is just saying that the Lord isn’t the one who is causing these hard knocks. We bring tragedy on ourselves, either by our direct acts or by our failure to successfully resist the devil. In the midst of our failures, we can learn to do things God’s way, but its wrong to blame God for those calamities.

David didn’t have these New Testament advantages, and therefore it was proper for him to pray this prayer. Under the Old Testament, God judged sin harshly as evidenced in David’s own life (2 Samuel 12:7-12). Praise God for our better covenant (Hebrews 8:6) in which Jesus bore all our sin and punishment so we don’t have to.

Have compassion on me, LORD, for I am weak.
Heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.
 

Psalm 6:2 (NLT)

Most people seek the Lord’s help when they are weak or sick, because they know they can’t get over these things on their own.

Prosperity has destroyed more people than adversity ever has, because when things are all good, people don’t recognize their need for the Lord. We need the Lord in good and bad times.

Notice David was pleading for mercy, not justice. None of us deserve God’s goodness.

My [inner] self [as well as my body] is also exceedingly disturbed and troubled. But You, O Lord, how long [until You return and speak peace to me]?
 

Psalm 6:3 (AMP)

Under the New Covenant, all the things that David was praying for have already been granted through Jesus.

The Futility of Death

Come and save me, LORD;
in your mercy rescue me from death.
In the world of the dead you are not remembered;
no one can praise you there.
 

Psalm 6:4-5 (GNT)

David felt that God had turned His back on him and deserted him, so he asked Him to return; and then he began to reason with Him. Every Jew knew that the Lord was “merciful and gracious” (Ex. 34:6-7), so David asked God to manifest that mercy to him and spare his life.

Furthermore, what would the Lord gain by allowing David to die?

King Hezekiah used a similar approach when he prayed for deliverance from death (Isa. 38:18-19). The word “grave” in verse 5 (KJV) is sheol, a word that can mean “the grave” or “the realm of the dead.” Here it means the latter.

In Old Testament times, people didn’t have the clear revelation of the afterlife that was brought through Jesus (2 Tim. 1:10), although there were glimpses of what God had in store for His people.

A body in the grave can’t praise or serve God, and David wasn’t certain what his spirit could do for the Lord in sheol.

Conclusion: it would be wiser for the Lord to deliver him and let him live. David still had work to do.

The Strain of Despair

I am worn out with grief;every night my bed is damp from my weeping;my pillow is soaked with tears.I can hardly see;my eyes are so swollen

from the weeping caused by my enemies.

Psalm 6:6-7 (GNT)

We have gone from a morning psalm (3:5) to an evening psalm (4:8) and back to a morning psalm (5:3). Now we have another evening psalm (6:6).

But whereas in the previous psalms, the Lord gave sleep and peace to David, here we find the king sleepless because of fear and pain.

He was worn out from groaning, tossing and turning, and he spent a good deal of time weeping. Sleeping had been replaced by suffering.

Sleep is important for healing (John 11:11-12), so David’s lack of sleep only made the condition worse. David’s weakened condition was revealed by the dullness of his eyes (v. 7; see 1 Sam. 14:27, 29). It’s remarkable how much physicians can discover about our physical condition by looking into our eyes.

The Lord may not do what we ask, when we want it, but He will do what needs to be done and help us glorify His name. The question we should ask isn’t

“When will I get this?” but “What can I get this?”

The Joy of Deliverance

Go away, all you who do evil,
for the LORD has heard my weeping.
The LORD has heard my plea;
the LORD will answer my prayer.
May all my enemies be disgraced and terrified.
May they suddenly turn back in shame.
 

Psalm 6:8-10 (NLT)

At this point, there’s a sudden and surprising change from suffering to joy, an experience recorded in other psalms (22:22; 56:10; 69:30). It doesn’t matter whether this change occurred later or immediately after David prayed, but he felt healing in his body and peace in his heart and mind.

Perhaps word came to him that the enemy had retreated or, better yet, had been defeated, and he knew God had heard his cries. Or maybe his circumstances hadn’t changed at all, but David felt God’s witness in his heart that all would be well.

The Lord had heard his weeping and requests and had accepted his prayer.

He used this experience to glorify the Lord as he witnessed to his enemies. How this message was conveyed to them, we don’t know; but David was quick to honor the Lord for what had occurred.

DECLARATION OF FAITH

The Lord has heard my supplication and has risen in my defense. All of my enemies shall be defeated before my face. They have met with the fierce anger of my Father and run from me utterly terrified. Sudden disaster has come upon them and they shall not escape. 

I prayed this declaration of faith in Jesus’s name!

Источник: //stepintothestory.ca/psalm-6-prayer-help-time-trouble/

Prayer for Despair

Prayer For Help In Times Of Despair

Prayer for Despair

to touch the heart of the hurting.

~

Sometimes the thought that you are the only one on earth

who is hurting

makes you feel isolated and alone.

May this page keep you from feeling all alone. 

TAKE NOTE

If you are in

Deep Despair

you will probably prefer our

Psalm 88 Prayer for Despair

Dear God,

I’ve come to a dead end.

Everything I’ve tried has failed.

Previously, Ihave entertained despair, and now I find it to be a constant companion.

I’vebeen through cycle after cycle of defeat – picking myself back up just to findmyself thrown back down in the dirt and crushed.

I can’t get any traction onthe track of life. It is trying to walk on a butter-covered road.

I cryout for you to blink, and let me be over this situation.

I feel constrained; I cannot move.

I am boxed in. I cannot goanywhere.

I’ve begged and pleaded.

Even though you do not respond, I know youhear me.

God tell me how to get here.

I’ll do anything you want. Or I'll do nothing, if that is what you want.

I’ll say anything. Or, if you want, I'll say nothing.

Where is the rule book to tell me what Ido next? What sacrifice can I give to appease your silence? I just want here! I’m in a box that is too small, too tight, and too dark.

The only clue I have is that you must want me to learn to becontent here.

But here, God? This place is so desolate. Oh God, what you ask is sohard. My perplexed thoughts spin around in my mind.

I will face the truth that you give me. I cannot refuse you.

Lord, my love for you makes me not want to refuse you.

Teach meto be content here. Please teach me. I lie still and quiet a baby who hascried herself to sleep. I rest in your arms that bind me from my will.

Your love for me and my love for you  – unite today  – to give mestrength to patiently wait on you. I will sense your provision for metoday. I will believe that you can sustain me, today. And tomorrow, I’ll pray this prayer again if I need to.

Amen

Copyright © 2006 Beth McLendon of Inspirational-Prayers.com

There's a Longing in my Heart, O Lord

Hugs

This gentle song is presented with a picture of a wonderful hug from Jesus.

The picture of the hug is the reason I chose this version of this song.

May the Lord comfort you this day.

In His Time

In His Time

All

His promises will prove true!

“Reassure me that your promises are for me,

for I trust and revere you.”

Psalm 119:38 TLB

What Direction are you Choosing?

In times of despair,

some people turn away from God

and

some people draw closer to God.

Everyone has times when they pull away from God for a few hours, but I encourage you not to make it more than a few hours.

Days of pulling away from God will greatly hinder  not only your relationship with God

but it will have an effect on every area of your life.

Are you going to leave, too?

In the Gospel of John chapter six, Jesus was speaking to a crowd. At that meeting, he presented a difficult teaching. The crowd didn't what he said, and so they left.

Jesus turned to the disciples and asked, “Are you going to leave, too?”

Peter responded, “Where would we go, Lord? Only you possess eternal life.”

What is your response?

Every Christian has times when, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we experience a difficult time.

When that happens to me, I hear Jesus ask me, “Are you going to leave, too?”

I answer Jesus, “Lord, I love you. Lord, you possess the gift of eternal life. There is no where to go. I will stay with you.”

In your times of despair, what will your answer be?

~ ~ ~

There is an old hymn with lyrics that say:

I have decided to follow Jesus.

I have decided to follow Jesus.

I have decided to follow Jesus.

No turning back; no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow.

No turning back; no turning back.

 A Declaration of Trusting God

I encourage you to consider

this next song which

brings strength

into me as I renew my dedication to my Lord.

We invite you to also visit:

Inspirational Comfort from God

and

Prayer for a Broken Heart

and

Prayer for Emotional Pain

and

Click: For a list of all our prayers

The title of this page is Prayer for Despair, but it is also prayer for dashed hopes, prayer for anguish, prayer for misery, prayer for desperation, prayer for despondency, and prayer for hopelessness.

Jump to the top of Prayer of Despair

Источник: //www.inspirational-prayers.com/prayer-for-despair.html

Prayer, Not Despair

Prayer For Help In Times Of Despair

Editor’s note: It feels our world needs prayer now more than ever – we’re constantly hearing of natural disasters, social unrest, and political division. Even when we pray, anxiety can take over our minds when we give into our stresses.

If you could use some more calm, we invite you to download our FREE guide from Max, 12 Prayers For When You Feel Anxious. These prayers will help you talk to God and hear his voice clearly in times of worry. Plus, when you sign up  you’ll also receive Max’s C.A.L.M. guide, and a beautiful printable of Philippians 4:6-7.

Get your free downloads right here. With Max’s help and God’s loving guidance, we hope that these free resources will help you work through seasons of struggle.

*

Peace happens when people pray.

I the story of the father who was teaching his three-year- old daughter the Lord’s Prayer. She would repeat the lines after him. Finally she decided to go solo. He listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each word, right up to the end of the prayer. “Lead us not into temptation,” she prayed, “but deliver us from e-mail.”

These days that seems an appropriate request. God calls us to pray about everything. The terms prayer, supplication, and requests are similar but not identical. Prayer is a general devotion; the word includes worship and adoration.

Supplication suggests humility. We are the supplicants in the sense that we make no demands; we simply offer humble requests. A request is exactly that — a specific petition. We tell God exactly what we want.

We pray the particulars of our problems.

What Jesus said to the blind man, he says to us:

What do you want Me to do for you? — Luke 18:41 NIV

One would think the answer would be obvious. When a sightless man requests Jesus’ help, isn’t it apparent what he needs? Yet Jesus wanted to hear the man articulate his specific requests.

He wants the same from us. “Let your requests be made known to God.” When the wedding ran low on wine, Mary wasn’t content to say, “Help us, Jesus.” She was specific:

They have no more wine. — John 2:3 NIV

The
 needy man in Jesus’ parable requested,

Friend, lend me three loaves. — Luke 11:5 NIV

Not just “Give me something to eat”
or “Can you help me out?” He made a specific request. Even Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane prayed specifically,

Take this cup from Me. — Luke 22:42 NIV

Why does this matter? I can think of three reasons.

  1. A specific prayer is a serious prayer. If I say to you, “Do you mind if I come by your house sometime?” you may not take me seriously. But suppose I say, “Can I come over this Friday night? I have a problem at work, and I really need your advice. I can be there at seven, and I promise I will leave by eight.” Then you know my petition is sincere. When we offer specific requests, God knows the same.
  2. Specific prayer is an opportunity for us to see God at work. When we see Him respond in specific ways to specific requests, our faith grows. The book of Genesis relates the wonderful prayer of Abraham’s servant. He was sent to Mesopotamia, Abraham’s homeland, to find a wife for Abraham’s son. How does a servant select a wife for someone else? This servant prayed about it.

“O Lord, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham. See, I am standing here beside this spring, and
the young women of the town are coming out to draw water. This is my request.

I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’—let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. is is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.

” — Genesis 24:12–14 NLT

Could the servant have been more detailed? He asked for success in his endeavor. He envisioned an exact dialogue, and then he stepped forth in faith. Scripture says,

Before he had finished speaking, Rebekah appeared. — Genesis 24:15 ISV

She said the words. The servant had an answered prayer. He saw God at work.

  1. Specific prayer creates a lighter load. Many of our anxieties are threatening because they are ill defined and vague. If we can distill the challenge into a phrase, we bring it down to size. It
is one thing to pray, Lord, please bless my meeting tomorrow.
It is another thing to pray, Lord, I have a conference with my supervisor at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow. She intimidates me. Would you please grant me a spirit of peace so I can sleep well tonight? Grant me wisdom so I can enter the meeting prepared. And would You soften her heart toward me and give her a generous spirit? Help us have a gracious conversation in which both of us benefit and Your name is honored. There. You have reduced the problem into a prayer-sized challenge.

This is no endorsement of the demanding, conditional prayer that presumes to tell God what to do and when. Nor do I suggest that the power of prayer resides in chanting the right formula or quoting some secret code.

Do not think for a moment that the power of prayer resides in the way we present it. God is not manipulated or impressed by our formulas or eloquence. But He is moved by the sincere request.

After all, is He not our Father? As His children we honor Him when we tell him exactly what we need.

On my good days I begin my morning with a cup of coffee and a conversation with God. I look ahead into the day and make my requests. I am meeting with so-and-so at 10:00 a.m.

Would You give me wisdom? This afternoon I need to finish my sermon. WouldYyou please go ahead of me? Then if a sense of stress surfaces during the day, I remind myself, Oh, I gave this challenge to God earlier today.

He has already taken responsibility for the situation. I can be grateful, not fretful.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:7 NIV

Casting is an intentional act to relocate an object. When the disciples prepared Jesus to ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, they “cast their garments upon the colt” (Luke 19:35 KJV).

The crowd removed the garments off their backs and spread them in the path of Christ. Let this “throwing” be your first response to bad news. As you sense anxiety welling up inside you, cast it in the direction of Christ.

Do so specifically and immediately.

I did a good job of “casting my problems” in a high school algebra class. My brain scans reveal a missing region marked by the sign “Intended for Algebra.” I can remember sitting in the class and staring at the textbook as if it were a novel written in Mandarin Chinese.

Fortunately I had a wonderful, patient teacher. He issued this invitation and stuck to it. “If you cannot solve a problem, come to me and I will help you.”

I wore a trail into the floor between his desk and mine. Each time I had a question, I would approach his desk and remind him, “Remember how you promised you would help?” When he said yes, instant gratitude and relief kicked in. I still had the problem, mind you, but I had entrusted the problem to one who knew how to solve it.

Do the same. Take your problem to Christ and tell Him, “You said you would help me. Would You?”

The Old Testament prophet Isaiah said,

Put the Lord in remembrance [of His promises], keep not silence. — Isaiah 62:6 AMPC

God told Isaiah,

Put Me in remembrance; let us contend together. — Isaiah 43:26

God invites you — yes, commands you — to remind Him of His promises. Populate your prayer with “You said…”

“You said You would walk me through the waters” (Isaiah 43:2, author’s paraphrase).

“You said You would lead me through the valley” (Psalm 23:4, author’s paraphrase).

“You said that You would never leave or forsake me” (Hebrews 13:5, author’s paraphrase).

Find a promise that fits your problem, and build your prayer around it. These prayers of faith touch the heart of God and activate the angels of Heaven. Miracles are set into motion. Your answer may not come overnight, but it will come. And you will overcome.

Prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. — Ephesians 6:18 The Message

The path to peace is paved with prayer.

Less consternation, more supplication. Fewer anxious thoughts, more prayer-filled thoughts. As you pray, the peace of God will guard your heart and mind. And, in the end, what could be better?

Watch the Anxious for Nothing Trailer

Excerpted with permission from Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

* * *

Your Turn

Are you worried? Troubled? In a big mess? Pray! Peace happens when we pray. Be specific. Tell Jesus exactly what you need, precisely what you need Him to provide. Come share your thoughts with us about the peace that prayer brings on our blog. We want to hear from you!

Источник: //www.faithgateway.com/prayer-not-despair/

A powerful prayer for depression and despair

Prayer For Help In Times Of Despair

Depression, despair, despondency – the state,are not just a bad mood, which will pass in a few hours, but much worse health disorder. Sometimes prolonged depression puts on a par with complex diseases, treated by professional doctors.

It is worth noting that in Orthodoxy such sincerestates were equated with mortal sins. However, during life, some saints also suffered from such complex mental disorders. Therefore, to this day prayers have come from depression and depression, which help the believing person to overcome this difficulty in his life.

Who should pray in case of depression and despair?

To date, there is sufficientthe number of different prayers that can help a believer to get rid of such an unpleasant moral state. The first thing to do is to choose a sacred text that will have a beneficial effect on a person asking for help from the saints.

It should be noted that every Orthodoxindependently to distinguish which prayer – from depression and despair, and which – from anguish and despondency. To do this, it is only necessary to read the prayer, according to its text it becomes clear, and the believer himself must feel that this sacred text is intended for his condition.

Moreover, one should choose a saint whohe will hear your request, understand it and, if necessary, will be able to fulfill it. It is not so easy to do this, it is necessary to consider your situation and find the miracle-worker whose story suits the concrete situation.

Also it is worth considering for what type of peopleis this or another strong prayer from depression. That is, a person can be in a state of oppression for various reasons, there are prayers of such a plan for people:

  • who are depressed and depressed, because they are in prison and they lack spiritual strength;
  • sometimes there are dejections because of the separation of a person with people close to him;
  • in some cases, the believer does not cope with depression due to eternal failures in various endeavors.

Saints helping Christians from laziness, despondency, despair, depression

Depending on the specific conditions, eacha believing person must choose a miracle worker who will be able to hear his requests and help at a difficult moment. Every Orthodox Christian can ask for help from such saints:

  • Theotokos.
  • Matrona Moscow.
  • John of Kronstadt.
  • Nikolai the Sinner.
  • St. Tikhon.
  • The Martyr Tryphon.
  • The Monk Ephraim.

It should be noted that the prayers in the temples in front ofThe icons of all these saints were created by incredible miracles. It has been repeatedly noted that people who asked for their help did receive it.

Sometimes the situation was, it would seem, hopeless, but suddenly there was a way out after reading the prayer from depression.

To determine the choice of a miracle worker, you should briefly know the history of each of them.

mother of God

The Mother of God has special significance among the Orthodox. With her image was written an incredible number of different icons, some of which are miraculous. It is believed that a person who asks for help from the Mother of God must receive it, she hears everyone and never refuses help, but when it really is needed.

As for this situation, then readthe sacred text of the Christian will be correct before the icon “Unexpected Joy”. In the case of reading sincere prayer before this icon, a person returns to his normal existence, he acquires inner spiritual strength and spiritual balance. The Orthodox gets rid of the depressed state and continues a normal life.

Matrona Moskovskaya

It is also considered one of the strongest saints,which helps all who need it. Matrona was born completely blind, and she never saw this world. But almost from childhood she had the gift of foresight and healing. Throughout her earthly life, Matrona dedicated herself to helping other people, she did not refuse anyone and did everything that was in her power.

Pray before the icon of Matrona of Moscow, you candirectly at home or in the temple. If there is an opportunity, it is highly recommended to come to the relics of Matrona.

Every day hundreds of Orthodox come to this place, who are asking for help to this day.

But, if there is no such possibility, then you can read the prayer from despondency, depression, depression and despair at home in front of the icon.

John of Kronstadt

John was born in the Far North of Russia in the familypoor rural worker. From an early age, the future saint was able to experience all the harsh conditions of life.

Living in a poor family, the young man fully knew what life is, full of poverty, tears and despair.

Such living conditions made John quite self-contained in man, but at the same time he had a compassionate love for the poor.

Due to lack of material benefits, he did not play in thetoys and other children's games that were available to his peers. However, he never fell down in spirit and wore God in his heart. John loved nature, it gave him spiritual strength and inner balance.

He was not broken by poverty, and he began to learnliteracy. After a while, John enters the academy and becomes a priest a little later. For the rest of his life he helped all the people who asked him for help, he did everything that was in his power.

That is why a powerful prayer from depression to this saint helps people who have lost vital energy due to financial failures.

Nicholas the Sinner

From his infancy, Nicholas was very faithfulman, he kept fasting since childhood. At the age of up to 10 years he began to study the Divine Scripture, he could stay in the temple all day long without leaving it, where he prayed all the time.

At a very young age he became a priest, inFor some time the glory of a young but very wise priest spread throughout the country. A large number of Orthodox came to the church where Nicholas served, and asked for his blessings.

He spoke long enough and competent speeches, which more suited not to the youth, but to the wise old man.

He read a very large number of books, both religious and scientific, so he was different from a large number of people with his incredible education.

Then throughout his life he helpeddifferent people. He gave instructions in difficult moments, and when it was necessary, he also helped them financially.

There is a story when one man was ready to give his daughters to a brothel because of terrible money problems. When Nicholas learned about this, he threw money at them, thereby saving the girls from a bitter fate.

Also, the saint helped people who were illegally convicted, and did many different good deeds.

Therefore, every Orthodox, reading the prayer of anguish and depression, can do this before the icon of St. Nicholas. It is worth noting that the sacred text is best read in the temple, in silence and tranquility.

Saint Tikhon

Very powerful prayer for despair and depressionis read to Saint Tikhon, who relieves those in need of such a spiritual affliction. A distinctive feature of this prayer is its privacy. Read the sacred text at home in front of the icon, while it is desirable to ask for help in complete silence.

How to pray?

After you have chosen which saint to readprayer for depression, you need to know how to pronounce it correctly so that requests can be heard. Ideally, you need to visit the relics of a saint and ask for help directly at the burial site. But, unfortunately, not every person has such an opportunity.

However, almost everyone can visit the templea person, for this it is necessary to pray directly before the icon of the saint and ask that he give the spiritual strength that will help overcome this moral malady. Before reading the prayer from depression, you should light a candle and only then start communicating with the saints.

At home, prayer will also be heard,the main thing is to light a candle in front of an icon, put a glass of holy water and read a prayer. To read it is necessary with understand and with pure intentions, and upon completion it is necessary to drink a sip of holy water and cross himself.

Another important factor is sincerity. When a Christian requires help and in the form of an indication of what he needs, then in this case, one can not wait for a miracle.

It is extremely important to read the sacred test sincerely, with a pure soul and heart. Also, do not hope that after the first reading, a miracle will happen immediately.

The Lord knows us better when and at what time a person really needs help.

What if prayer does not help?

Do not despair, whena long time, prayer is read from depression, and the moral state does not improve. First of all, you need to think about how you read the prayer, whether it really flows from the lips sincerely, or whether there is a note of demand in the text.

Also it is worth remembering what your lifestyle was before they began to ask the Saints. Moreover, if a person has never read daily prayers, visited temples, do not expect that from the first time a miracle will happen. We need to thank the Lord every day for everything that he gives, and then a person, even without knowing it, will receive more vital energy.

Conclusion

When a person is in a prolonged depression andprofessional psychologists can not help in this situation, a significant part of the population resorts to the help of prayers.

It should be noted that such a remedy is quite effective, because there are a lot of examples of physical and moral healing only from the fact that the Christian became a truly believing person who started wearing God in his heart.

Lead the right way of life, thank the Lord for everything that you have, and periodically, when it is really necessary, ask for help.

Источник: //erch2014.com/duhovnoe-razvitie/25912-moschnaya-molitva-ot-depressii-i-otchayaniya.html

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