Prayer When All Around Me Is Changing

A Prayer for When You Battle Depression

If you're feeling depressed, remember that you're not alone. God is with you always. Don't be afraid to reach out to people in your family, your church, or your friend circles.

Ask them to pray with and for you, and continue to pray each day, asking God to draw you closer to Himself.

If you're feeling down today or if you've felt down for quite some time, pray this prayer today:

A Prayer for Battling Depression

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that you never change, even when everything around me is changing and unpredictable. (Hebrews 13:8) Thank you that you are stable, even when I feel so very unstable. (Isaiah 33:6) It feels Satan has been whipping me around! Please sustain me, protect me, and enable me to stand. (1 John 4:4; Psalm 28:7)

I know that because sin entered the world, all of creation is under a curse–all creation groans. (Romans 8:22) Because of this, I struggle physically, emotionally and spiritually. Thank you for how my body is made, and that it sends me warning signals to tell me that I need help. Right now my brain and emotions are telling me that something isn’t right.

Help me to see if there is something physical that is causing my depression. Help me to sift through my circumstances to see if there is a need for change in some way. If I am experiencing depression as a result of a spiritual battle, please bring that to light and show me the best way to fight that battle.

There were times that He was distressed, grieved, faced loneliness, experienced deep sorrow, and after the death of John He went into isolation (Matthew 14:13). He cried in prayer (Hebrews 5:7-9), and at times he was overwhelmingly sad (Isaiah 53:3).

There was even a time that he was afraid his body would not survive the anguish he felt. (Matthew 26:38)

I pray that You would send someone to  help bear my burden.

(Galatians 6:2) Thank you for again reminding me of how weak I am, and for the body of Christ that you have provided to help bear burdens when we grow too weary to bear them alone.

 I need someone to come along side me, take my arms, wrap them around their neck, and help me walk until I am strong enough to walk on my own. (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

Thank you for the grace that you have provided. (Hebrews 4:16)  I pray You will use this difficult time to cause me to go deeper in my relationship with You, and that You would get the glory for anything that is produced in me. (James 1)

Thank you for how you are going to use this time in my life and for all you are doing through this depression. Thank you that You have allowed my weakness to manifest itself in the form of depression, so that You can work more of Your image into my life. (Galatians 2:20; Galatians 4:19)

Thank you that I am not defined by this weakness.  Since I am Your child, I am defined by what You accomplished on the cross. Because of Christ’s death on the cross, I can wake up every morning and live life knowing that no matter what I do, think, say, or feel–the cross covers it.

Because You offered up Your own beloved Son, I can have peace with You and can face each day with fresh hope and grace.  Help me to focus on what is true, and not focus on how I feel.

Help me to embrace my weakness as a gift. Remind me that my weakness allows You to work through me even when I am so very weak and feel as though I can do nothing. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Through this time, I pray that you would enlarged my heart that I might love and obey You, and love others more deeply. (Psalm 119:32; Galatians 6:2; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Amen

A Prayer Against Depression

“Heavenly Father, please strengthen our hearts, and remind us to encourage one another when the troubles of life start to overwhelm us. Please guard our hearts from depression. Give us the strength up to rise up each day and fight against the struggles which seek to weigh us down. Amen.” ~ John Barnett

A Prayer For Escaping the Pit of Depression

“Lord, it seems as if my world has collapsed, hurling me into a deep, dark pit. I come to you in complete surrender. I am desperate for you, helpless and afraid. Please lift me this pit and show me the way, Lord.   In Jesus’ name, Amen” ~ Mary Southerland

Discover what the Bible says about depression and how to fight it. Find Scripture that will encourage us to find peace and joy in the midst of depressing circumstances and feelings.  – Bible Verses for Fighting Depression

This article originally appeared on GinalSmith.com. Used with permission.

Gina Smith is the author of Grace Gifts: Celebrating Your Children Every Day, and writes at her personal blog GinalSmith.

com   She has also been featured on HSLDA'S Homeschool Heartbeat Radio. She has been married to her husband Brian for 29 years and they have 2 adult children.

You can follow her on Instagramand .

This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Strength
Prayer for Protection
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers

Image courtesy: Unsplash.com

Источник: //www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/a-prayer-for-when-you-battle-depression.html

A Prayer When the Future Is Uncertain

One of the things I often fear is the future, as the future is uncertain. I worry about what might happen, what could happen and what I will do if any of the scenarios I’ve imagined takes place. I play out these situations in my mind, a disc set on repeat. I try to anticipate what will happen and plan for every possibility.

RELATED CONTENT: A Prayer for Those Needing Clarity Today

In our culture today, there is much uncertainty about the future. Fears often trigger other emotions, including despair and anger and much of it is played out on social media. In truth, there is much to fear in our lives and in our world.

The unknown can seem dark and filled with danger, as the future is uncertain. We wonder if we can handle it. We wonder how we can endure.

From our children’s health to paying for college; from job security to who runs the country; from prayers unanswered to relationships under strain; we worry about what could happen and what we will do when it does.

True safety is found in God’s presence.

David wrote, “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war breaks out against me, even then I will be confident” (Psalm 27:3). Psalm 27 is a song and a prayer of trusting God in the face of fears.

We learn from this Psalm that our confidence is God’s unending protection,”The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (vs. 1).

True safety is found in God’s presence, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple” (vs. 4).

The ultimate fulfillment of this Psalm is found in Christ, the One who conquered our worst fears at the cross, and though the future is uncertain, I know in Jesus that everything will be okay.

He is our light and salvation. Because of Jesus, we can come into God’s presence with confidence and hope.

As Paul wrote in Romans, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32). If God sacrificed His own Son to save us from our sins, how would He not also be with us in the fears we face today?

RELATED ARTICLE: Worry About the Future Is Beyond Us, and This Is Why

Dear friend, whatever you fear this day, go before the throne of grace in confidence because Christ has made the way for you. Cry out to God, give Him your fears, worries and cares. Ask for salvation, rescue and deliverance.

Rest in the One who doesn’t let a sparrow fall from the sky unless He so wills it (Matthew 10:29). Find your peace in the knowledge that He is the Alpha and Omega, the One who knows the beginning and the end.

Nothing in your future will surprise your God because it is all under His sovereign rule and care. And because you are His, all things will work toward your ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

Photo by Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock.com

A prayer for when the future is uncertain:

Father in Heaven,

I come before you with my stomach twisted in knots. My heart is pounding, my head hurts and I can’t find any rest.

I open my computer, and all I read is bad news. The discussions, debates, articles and arguments all join together a loud clanging that I can’t escape. The future seems bleak and dark. I’m worried for myself and my family. I fear what the future holds. I wonder what life will be for my children and my grandchildren.

Then, I think about the struggles in my particular life, and I can’t catch my breath. What will we do if jobs are lost? What will we do if relationships aren’t restored? What about the challenges with our children? What about the call from the doctor about the tests? What if the worst happens? What if?

I come before you as the psalmist did: weary, worn and frightened. I come before You because You are King and you rule all things. I come before You because You are my Father—my Abba. You adopted me as your child and have given me every privilege that comes with being a part of Your family. I come before You because You are my Savior.

You alone can rescue me from fear, sin, temptation and all evil. I come before You because You are my Provider, Jehovah-jireh. You created all things and own all things. All I have comes to me from your generous hands. I come before You because You are my Redeemer.

You alone can redeem and restore all that is broken in my life and in the world around me.

Forgive me for turning my gaze from You and looking at the frightening things happening around me. Forgive me for forgetting that You are with me. Forgive me for not trusting. Forgive me for not crying out to You sooner, but trying to conquer my fears in my own strength. Forgive me for not living in complete dependence upon You.

In my life, Lord, give me a peace that passes all understanding. Though I don’t know what will happen with all that troubles me this day, help me to trust you. Help me to remember that you are not surprised.

Help me to remember that nothing will happen today that takes You off guard. You are not asleep or too busy, but are actively involved in all the cares of my life. Help me to wait and watch for Your glory.

Help me to obey and do the right thing in the moment, knowing You are there in all the moments to come.

Most of all, help me to remember Jesus, the One who cried out in the garden on the night he was betrayed, “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me.

Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36). I thank you that “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

Even now, He intercedes for me—what a marvelous truth!

I pray all this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Instead of focusing on the fact that the future is uncertain, focus on the One who will guide your way.

READ MORE

YOUR PAST MATTERS, BUT IT DOES NOT MATTER AS MUCH AS YOUR FUTURE
We all have things in our past that we are not proud of. But do not let your past prevent you from living into everything that life has in store for you.

Источник: //www.lightworkers.com/a-prayer-when-the-future-is-uncertain/

50 Prayer Prompts that will Inspire Your Writing – Counting My Blessings

Do you have that blank, what in the world, should I write feeling?

You have a deadline looming and you’re ideas. You’ve prayed and thought and prayed some more but your typically wordy self is at a loss.

Please tell me I’m not alone.

I love writing about the ways God is at work in my life. . . . the way He’s gotten me through past struggles and given me hope for the future.

About everyday faith . . . how my relationship with God through Jesus gives me freedom, joy, patience, and peace and how I love searching the pages of the Bible for truth and wisdom.

Often the words just flow…

But once in a while, they don’t. I feel I’ve written and rewritten the same posts and if I haven’t written it—you have.

I need help and wondered if you do too.

So, I’ve been brainstorming and writing as many ideas as I can think of to help me on those occasions when I’m at a loss for words.

Today’s prompts are on prayer. You can use them for blog post ideas or if you’re not a blogger, use them as topics for your prayer journal. However use them, here are…

Prayer the Who, How, What, When, and Why…

1. Why is Prayer Important to You?
2. What Does the Bible Say about Prayer?
3. If God Knows Everything – Why Should I Pray?
4. What Does it Mean to “Pray without Ceasing?”
5. How Fasting has Blessed Your Prayer Life.
6. Who Taught You to Pray and What Lessons Do You Still Apply Today.

7. How Having a Prayer Mentor has Blessed You.
8. How Your Prayers Have Changed as You’ve Gotten Older.
9. Write about a Time When God Answered Your Prayer.
10. Share Advice on Why You Keep Praying When God Says No or Wait.

Think of this reporting. Tell your story and let people in on the ways prayer impacts your life.

An example from CMB – How to Put More Life in Your Prayer Life.

“The reality is, my prayers don’t change God.  But, I am convinced prayer changes me.  Praying boldly boots me that stale place of religious habit into authentic connection with God Himself.” – Lysa TerKeurst

10 Things to Pray for…

1. 10 Things to Pray for Your Children
2. 10 Things to Pray for Your Spouse
3. 10 Things to Pray for Your Parents
4. 10 Things to Pray for Your Pastor and Church Staff
5. 10 Things to Pray for Your Community

This offers an endless supply of ideas. Pray for your child’s teacher, your friends, your children’s friends, your neighbors, or for someone you know who is doubting, grieving, or struggling with life. Some examples from CMB – 10 Things to Pray for Your Big Crazy Family.

“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.” – Abraham Lincoln

Verses to Pray that…

1. List 5 – 7 Verses that Give You Hope
2. 5 – 7 Verses to Pray that will Strengthen Your Faith
3. 5 – 7 Verses to Pray when Your Heart is Broken
4. 5 – 7 Verses to Pray when You Need to Forgive
5. 5 – 7 Verses to Pray when Waiting is Hard

Some of my favorite posts are ones that share God’s promises with examples of how I can pray them. Many people talk about “praying Scripture” but it took me a while to understand what that meant or how to actually do it. Reading examples helped me so much. Here’s one from CMB – 5 Verses to Pray When You Need Wisdom. 

Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times. Romans 12:12

Prayer Journal tips…

1. Why You Keep a Prayer Journal
2. How to Set Up a Prayer Journal
3. 10 Prayer Journal Prompts
4. Prayer Journal Printables
5. How a Prayer Journal is Helping You Defeat Fear and Worry

I know there have been a lot of posts written about prayer journaling but keeping a journal is personal and intimate . . . so, your tips and prompts may be the perfect thought someone needs to have a faith growing time with the Lord. An example from CMB – 10 Ways to Focus and Make Prayer More Meaningful. 

“Don’t be overwhelmed . . . take it one day and one prayer at a time.” ~ Stormie Omartian

Prayer at Church…

1. Why Prayer is Important for Your Church
2. How Small Group Prayer has Blessed You
3. When Sharing Prayer Requests Becomes Gossip
4. Why You Should Replace “I’ll Pray for You” with Prayer
5.  The Importance of Prayer for Church Unity

Our churches, pastors, and ministry staffs need a covering of prayer. Your friends who sit in the pew near you need prayer. Visitors to your church need prayer. The spiritual battle going on around our churches is real and ongoing. AND faith families grounded in prayer are stronger against the battle. An example from CMB – 10 Ways to Love the People at Church When You Don’t Want To.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. Acts 2:42

Prayer Favorites…

1. Favorite Quotes about Prayer
2. Favorite Books about Prayer
3. Favorite Verses that Inspire You to Pray
4. Favorite Verses for Your War Room Wall
5. Favorite Bloggers who Write about Prayer

Tell people about the things that have helped your prayer life. What books inspired you? Which verses do you keep on your War Room wall? Whose blog posts make you drop to your knees? An example from CMB – Practical Help by Faithful Pray-ers that will Bless You.

“Prayer is the nearest approach to God and the highest enjoyment of Him that we are capable of in this life.” ~William Law

The Best Verses to Pray…

1. When You’re Afraid
2. When You’re Heartbroken
3. When You Don’t Know What to Do
4. When You’re Alone
5. When You Need More Faith
6. When You’re Ill
7. When You Need Forgiveness
8. When You Need to Know the Truth
9. When You Need Hope
10. When You Want to Worship and Thank God

Do you love digging through Scripture? Do you keep a list of verses to help when life is hard? Keep a list in your prayer journal and share it with a hurting friend. When life gets busy, when I’m feeling overwhelmed, or a friend is hurting . . . having God’s truth exactly what I need.   An example from CMB – How to Pray for Someone Who is Afraid.

But each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life. Psalm 42:9

Written Prayers…

1. A Prayer for Your Exhausted Mommy Moments
2. A Prayer for Your Visit with a Sick Friend
3. A Prayer for When You Don’t Know What to Pray
4. A Prayer for the Country
5. A Prayer to Know and Surrender to God’s Will

I remember the day I called Rev in tears saying, “I don’t know what to pray. I need you to pray with me.” When we don’t know how to put our emotions into prayer it helps when someone else has the words. If you can write the words . . . you may never know how many people you’ll bless when they can’t turn their pain into prayer. An example from CMB – A Prayer for When You Don’t Want to Surrender.

“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” – Mother Teresa

50 Prompts Printable
Click on the Graphic for a Printable Version. 

So, tell me . . . did I miss anything? What helps you when you can’t find the right words?

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I LOVE hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below… ;

Источник: //countingmyblessings.com/prayer-prompts/