A prayer in the midst of distress:
Heavy concerns weigh upon my heart, Lord,
beyond my abilities to remedy.
My thoughts bounce from faith-affirmations
to faltering “what-ifs.”
I wonder, “How long, O Lord; how long?” (Psalm 6:3)
And so I come, to curl up on your footstool (Psalm 132:7),
to rest in your comforting presence ( Psalm 62:1),
to catch my breath, slow my heart rate, and
look to you for uplift in my mind and spirit (Psalm 145:14).
I hear your tender voice reminding me:
“I am watching over you (Psalm 121:8),
surrounding you with my unfailing love (Psalm 32:10).
Just as I’ve promised in my Word,
I will provide guidance for the path ahead (Proverbs 3:5-6)
and the power to endure (Isaiah 40:29).
I am faithful in all I do, never forsaking those who seek me (Psalm 36:5; Psalm 9:10).
Remember, I have always been your help (Psalm 46:1);
I have always sustained you through every challenge (Isaiah 41:10).”
Thank you, Father, for your reassurances.
Already I feel strength returning to my soul (Psalm 138:3)
and hope cheering my heart (Psalm 94:19).
I praise you for your attentiveness (Matthew 10:29-31)—
your watchful care, unfailing love, and reliable guidance,
your unstoppable power, everlasting faithfulness, and ever-ready help.*
I picture you reaching down,
cupping my chin in your hand,
and lifting my head to look into your eyes (Psalm 3:3)—
eyes that speak-without-words of your love,
compassion, patience, and forgiveness.*
And in my heart I hear you reaffirm:
“Know this:
As you come into my presence and
allow me to lift your head (Psalm 3:3)—
To encourage, edify, and inspire your spirit,
I will bestow multiple blessings, including:
ALLEVIATION—
As I firmly support you to bear these burdens (Psalm 68:19),
ANTICIPATION—
for the intervention I can provide (Isaiah 64:4),
CONSOLATION—
to ease the distress (Matthew 11:28-29).
INSPIRATION—
to press on with confidence (Galatians 6:9),
LIBERATION—
from crippling guilt and nagging doubts (Romans 8:1; Isaiah 41:10),
MANIFESTION—
of my comforting, empowering presence (Psalm 23:4), and
RESTORATION—
of hope to fuel your spirit and faith to carry on (Isaiah 40:31).
“Then the uplift of your spirit will become evident
In the uplift of your face (Proverbs 27:19),
as trust supersedes concern, and
expectation displaces doubt.”
I praise you, Lord—
You’ve heard my cry for mercy.
You are my strength and shield;
my heart trusts in you, and you help me (Psalm 28:6-7).
Hallelujah!
*Psalms 103 and 145 celebrate many of God’s awesome attributes.
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From the Inside Out 