Prayers All

He heaved and thrust the shovel into the earth. With a sudden jerk, it lurched from his hands.

The landscaper had arrived to plant a new tree in our front yard. Though the lush grass appeared soft on the surface, a few inches below lay the stump of an old oak tree. Solid as a rock. Vigilantly, the landscaper began digging again. This time, he relocated the sapling several yards away, allowing room for new growth.

The concealed, underground obstacle made me reflect on our verbal greetings and passing conversations, which may camouflage deeper feelings.

Hi, how are you? I’m fine. How about you? I’m doing well, too.

Yet, beneath the bright smiles and friendly greetings, most people struggle with hardship and hurt. Sometimes the devastation is visible, like those recovering from recent hurricane destruction. Or those battling physical issues such as cancer treatments.

Other times, the heartache lingers just below the surface.

How can we help the hurting?

Are you hurting? Or do you know someone who is hurting?

What can we do? Naturally, we should help in tangible ways as much as possible. Unfortunately, sometimes our limited physical strength or finances hinder us.

However, we can always pray and should always pray.

Who needs prayer and what can we pray for the hurting?

I invite you to pause and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal someone who could use your prayers today.

We don’t need to know all the details. God sees. God knows. God can touch hearts and move mountains through our prayers.

Or perhaps you are the one who is hurting and yearning for prayer. If so, please receive these prayers from my heart to yours.

Whether you are praying for someone else or receiving prayer for yourself, please pray with me now.

Here are 3 prayers for the hurting:

1.God’s Peace

Father God, thank you for your steadfast love which endures forever. Lord, you see your child who is hurting. Let us remember you are with us through the storms. You will never leave or forsake us. Let calmness wash over and lift each burdened heart. Remove all anxiety and grant us a quiet spirit. Flood our souls with your peace that passes all understanding. Help us be still and know you are God. As we recall your tender care for the sparrow, may we reach up like a child to receive the extravagant love you lavish upon us. Let us rest in your everlasting arms of love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

2.The Love of our Suffering Savior

Lord Jesus, thank you for your mercy and grace. We bring our broken hearts to you. We lay our burdens at your feet. Our hardships and tears matter to you because we matter to you. Thank you for laying down your life to save us from sin and redeem us for heaven. Help us remember you are our suffering and victorious Savior. Remind this person who is hurting today that your body was broken for us. Your blood poured down for us. That’s how much you love us. You see our tears, and you weep with us. Yet, you arose from the grave and offer us eternal hope. May your love and power be a healing balm reaching the depths of each person’s soul. Give us a fresh vision of heaven where you prepare a place for us to dwell in your love forever. May your amazing grace sustain us. In Your name, amen.

3.Comfort of the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, you are the great Comforter. Thank you for being our indwelling Counselor and ever-present Advocate. You walked through each rocky path with us, so you know our hidden hurts and battle scars. Console each weary person today. Soothe the brokenhearted and grieving. Be the salve for our wounds. Encourage, uplift, and lighten the burdens of the downtrodden. Inspire, reinvigorate, and refresh each soul with the living water of Christ and the nourishment of God’s Word. Remind us of God’s unchanging love. Spirit of the Living God, like a dove from heaven, shelter us under the Most High and enfold us in your wings. Be our refuge in life’s storms. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Whether you are hurting or you are praying for someone who is hurting, be encouraged today. The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective.

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:13-15 NKJV