1 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. (Psalm 61:1 – 3, New International Version)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18, New International Version)
Theme: Discipleship
Context:
The verses that you shared yesterday demonstrate your reliance on God’s promises when you pray. Your comments were aligned with another quote from Martin Luther, “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of God’s willingness.” Thanks to all who contributed!
Today we move into the Modern era to consider the contribution of Horatio Spafford (1828 – 1888) who was an American lawyer and Presbyterian church elder. Horatio and his wife Anna suffered tremendous loss during their lifetime. Six of their children died before the age of 12, including 4 daughters who died when the ship they were sailing across the Atlantic in with their mother sank. While sailing to reunite with his wife who survived the sinking of the ship, Horatio wrote a poem, which became the popular hymn, “It is Well With My Soul.” Embedded in the hymn is a passionate prayer:
“When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.”
Horatio’s prayer emphasizes that praying is for good times and bad times, and in our darkest moments God is our refuge.
Bible Passages:
Our Scripture passages today echo the sentiments expressed by Horatio. They encourage prayer to a God who provides refuge when we are overwhelmed. Please prayerfully read the passages and consider the question below.
Question:
In good times and bad times, disciples of Jesus should be drawn to prayer but sometimes the pain of distressing circumstances discourages prayer. Where do you find encouragement to pray even in the darkest hours?
Sharing your thoughts could be a big help to someone else. Please leave a comment on the blog.
March 14, 2024 at 7:22 am
I do a lot of projects that require lifting. When a time like that arises I usually ask one of my male family members to assist. The fact that they love me and care and realize my inability to carry out that task brings me comfort, and encouragement to ask when I’m in need. My encouragement to pray even in dark moments comes from my knowledge of who my Heavenly Father is, my personal relationship with Him, as well as prior experiences of being in situations where only calling upon God can help.
March 14, 2024 at 7:54 am
I am encouraged by remembering God’s word that reminds us that He heals the brokenhearted, that we should not be anxious for anything, but to pray to Him in any and every situation.
I am also encouraged by knowing that from past experience, God has never let me down. So, even in situations that seem hopeless or where I might lean towards being discouraged, I have to remember that if I sincerely and faithfully leave everything to God, He is going to make sure it works out in my best interest, as I live in His will.
March 14, 2024 at 8:05 am
I often find encouragement in worship music. If I’m unable to formulate the words for my prayer or need reminders of God’s promises, worship music helps to provide me with inspiration and redirect me. Oftentimes, singing worship music leads me to praying.
March 14, 2024 at 8:31 am
I often find encouragement from my support group, my close Christian friends , from worship songs and by being GRATEFUL despite the darkest moments. It is always hard to be grateful when you’re having difficulty but that’s the very first thing I need to do to be able to pray and pour out to God all that I want to say to Him.
Praying is an integral part of my life. The knowledge that God knows my heart helps me to pray and be opened to Him. I’ m sure everyone in this group have been to the lowest point in their lives, and the only way you can rise up, bounce back, and stand firm again is to humble yourself , ask forgiveness , move on and accept whatever God wants you to do. Also, giving myself some time to reflect on my problems while reading His word is also encouraging for me. Sharing my concerns with Christian friend or to my relatives who maybe older than me and have strong faith and relationships with Jesus , can also be encouraging for me. I am a people person so I need to talk to someone too in some cases. I make sure that the one who gives me advice is also rooted with faith, love and grace of God.
March 14, 2024 at 12:11 pm
In my darkest hours I find encouragement to pray through those that are praying for me. When I don’t have the right words I will hear a brother or sister in Christ, speaking a prayer over me, which often leads me to join in prayer.
I am also encouraged to pray when I’m in the silence. Thankfully my inner spirit knows that God is my only hope and prompts me to sing a song and most times the words (lyrics) are scripture.
March 14, 2024 at 4:57 pm
I find encouragement to pray as I know that is the best thing to do. There is comfort and hope. When I had placenta previa was one of my worst experiences. To be told, “just accept that you may not make it. When you are dead life goes on, get used to that”. My only desire was to pray , get close to God and stay close. That’s when without planning to, I prayed from the night to the morning, unaware of time.