40 Prayers for Perilous Times - ebook

_“YES! YES! YES!!!! The enemy would love nothing more than that a precious servant of the Lord be silenced. What joy that the light has broken through!”_

Deanne N.

_“You are such a wonderful tool for our Lord! Thank you for encouraging me!”_

Andrea C.

_“I’m daring to ask God for the impossible. Your writings have reignited my faith to believe again. I’m excited!”_

Jill F.

_“Your words continue to bless those of us who are going through losses and pain. We can praise Him in the midst of it if we press on. I thank God for the gift of words that He has given you to share with others. Thank you for listening to Him.”_

Karen B._In the summer of 2016, America was on fire._

In the searing heat of the all-too long season, America was in the middle of one of the most divisive elections in the history of our country. Emotions were tender and painfully public, throbbing like an exposed nerve in the salty air of that oppressive summer.

Rage was everywhere, in the constant stream of news reports citing riots, corruption, back-fighting, allegations and embarrassing innuendos, all leading to a feeling of despair and hopelessness.

Worse, political differences violently separated many Americans who were once close personally, tearing apart families members, generations, races, friendships, business cultures and even church communities. It was like an invisible entity was pouring gasoline on a fire that was burning out of control.

_America was in trouble._

I recall standing in front of my television screen amazed at what I was seeing. Every night, the reports seem to flame the rage, supplying ample fuel for the fires of discord. Watching those reports night after night, I admit to wondering if America was forever lost. Had we become our own worst enemy? How had we grown to be so prone to bitterness and hatred?

In near despair, I believed that there wasn’t much that I could do to help. After all, I was but one small voice, a middle-aged mother and wife trying to make ends meet, and certainly overlooked by most. Who was I to have any kind of impact for a change?

The situation seemed truly hopeless—_or was it?_

Yet, there was one thing that I could do, and maybe—just maybe—that one thing was _exactly why God had chosen to place me here_, in this time and season.

If America needs supernatural help—and believe me, she does—then I want to pray for that heavenly help to come. That kind of massive assistance can only come from one place: from God the Father, and from Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

I began to pray. At first, my prayers were quiet and hesitant, as if I wondered if God would answer them at all. As time went by, however, I began to add scriptural promises to my prayers, knowing that He is faithful to each one, and believing that God’s word will not return void:

_For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, making it bear and sprout, and providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it._

Isaiah 55:10-11 (AMP)

I scoured the Bible to uncover these precious promises to include them in my prayers, reminding God daily of His Word.

Soon, as you will see as you read, my quiet prayers grew in boldness and audacity, as I began to understand that our right to “approach the throne with boldness” came only by the great and costly sacrifice of Jesus:

_Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need ._

Hebrews 4:16 (AMP)

Two Truths that Have Forever Changed Me

First, I know that Christ _died to give us the privilege to approach the Holy throne of God_; and secondly, I know that God honors _every promise_ in His word. _Every. Single Promise._

Amazingly, because of our relationship with Christ, Christians are heirs to these precious promises, including those given to God’s chosen people, Israel:

_For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God._

2 Corinthians 1:20 (AMP)

In the dawning of this revelation—a revelation that I am forever grateful to the Holy Spirit for leading me to it—_40 Prayers for Perilous Times_ was birthed.

As you read these prayers, know that my prayer for you is that you will realize that we do have a thrilling role to play in God’s will for the world in which we live. We are called to be a part of the story—_in prayer_.

Right now, God is seeking people who will humble themselves and pray, who will trust His Word and intercede for our families, for our neighborhoods, and for the nations of this world.

Yes, there exists a _secret army of prayer warriors_, living in simple homes and quiet spaces. The world does not recognize them, but know this: _God does_. He hears their prayers as they remind Him of His Word. As they pray God’s Word, angels hearken to it to do His bidding.

Our enemy wants us to believe that our circumstances are hopeless. Because he hates God and all that God loves—including His children—he tells us that we are insignificant and over-powered.

Above all, our enemy does not want us to understand the power of prayer to change our hearts so we will return to the Lord, because if we do, God will honor His promise and heal our land:

_If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land._

2 Chronicles 7:14 (HCSB)

The choice is up to you.

Will you jump in with me in for the next 40 days to pray in one of the most powerful ways we can pray? Will you join me in praying God’s Word—reminding Him of His promises to us—in a cry for help?

I hope so, because God is waiting to answer._And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it._

John 14:13-14 (NIV)

Lord, I come before You in simplicity today. I bring only myself. I am not dressed up or lofty, just simply “me,” drawing near to You—_the Almighty God_—in a perilous time.

I thank you, Lord, for granting me this precious moment to be with You. Thank You for Your provisions today: for food, for shelter and for hearing my prayer. I know that nothing escapes You and that even now, You are aware of everything going on in the world. Despite great despair and pain, You are watching, leaning in, and listening for the cries of Your children.

Today, Lord, I am crying out to You.

Lord, I see the suffering of so many. I sense their pain, and I see the chaos around me. Each day, it intensifies. When will it end, Lord?

I see so many deceptions, countless lies, and unspeakable evil. I see so many who are struggling to see _Your Light_, while others do all that they can to hide it from them. And yet, I know that they will fail.

Darkness will always give way to light, and

Your Light has already overcome this world.

Today, Lord—in this moment—I draw near to You and ask that You guide me in my steps today.

Open my eyes to the needs around me, and provide for my family today so that we may, in turn, provide for others in need.

Cause me to walk in stillness today so that I may hear Your voice throughout the day.

Help me bring Your Light to someone today who needs encouragement. Help me to be Your eyes, Your arms, Your feet and Your voice so that others may be comforted and know Your Love… the only hope for this world.

I thank You that you offer it to us—this incredible gift of Love—an offering poured out through Jesus’ great sacrifice to anyone who will accept it. I thank you, too, that you loved us enough to give us freewill to choose it for ourselves; it is never forced upon us.

I choose today to accept Your Love. May it so shine in my life that others will be drawn to You, too.

_I ask these things in the precious and Most Holy Name of Jesus. Amen!_

_If I close the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the grasshopper to consume the land, or if I send pestilence on My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. My eyes will now be open and My ears attentive to prayer from this place._

2 Chronicles 7:13-15 (HCSB)

My Father—my God—my ears strain to hear You speak!

I have surrendered my life to Jesus, “the way, the truth and the life.” He took my sins and washed them clean in His sacrifice.

I thank you for Jesus, for providing the way to the Father. I am now one of those called by Your Name! I can now approach your throne in safety, covered completely by mercy and grace.

So now, Lord, I boldly come before You in prayer, my Holy Father. I lift my voice to You as a child of God.

I bring all of my concerns to You and lay them now at Your feet. Take them from me, Father, for they are too heavy for me to carry… and I am tired.

Lord, forgive me for turning away from You in so many things. Forgive me for wandering off on my own. I have tried to do things my own way and in my own power, but my efforts have been all in vain.

I am turning back to You now, Father.

You are my hope and victory!

Lord, I cry out to You, asking You to restore our land. Comfort the many people who are hurting today.

Where there are _division and chaos_, bring _Your peace and unity in Christ_. Restore peace once again to the nation, and let it start with my own home. May it be a place of refuge for weary travelers, for those You are calling.

May this neighborhood be a light to our city, and our city a light to our nation. Once again, let our nation be a light to a world in need.

Fill the land with Your Mighty Presence, Lord! Fill it with your Light. Remember your people, and turn our hearts back to you. Let it start with me.

Thank you, Father, for listening to me. Thank You for hearing my prayer. To You be the glory forever!

_I ask these things in the name of Jesus, Amen!_

_I pray that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power in the inner man through His Spirit, and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, 1and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God._

Ephesians 3:16-19 (HCSB)

A tree without strong roots will topple in the winds of a raging storm.

What a gift we have in the Holy Spirit, Lord! A gift purchased at such a sacrificial cost. Who am I that such a priceless gift be given?

I am so thankful that through this Spirit, I can be with You, Lord. _I am never alone!_

Vast are the riches of Your wisdom and glory. Oh, Lord, may Your wisdom guide me today.

Teach me Your ways, Lord, that I may be victorious in the plans that You have set before me. Beyond my wildest imagination, You empower me with strength. In you, Lord, I am rich indeed.

For whatever need I have, and in whatever trial I face today— both great and small—You promise to provide for me through the abundance of Your glorious riches. They are never depleted!

Make your home, Lord Jesus, in my heart today. Help me to trust You fully. When I am pressed, help me to say, “I will trust in the Lord.”

Lord, the storm clouds darken the horizon, yet I am confident that you have conquered the storm. I feel the menacing winds on my cheeks, and I see the dust clouds swirl at my feet.

But You, Lord, have loved me well. I will stand rooted in Your extravagant love.

In Your love, Lord may I continue to stand, and through this great storm may I be a blessing to others.

May I provide shelter to someone in need today.

May I grow spiritually taller in this Love—through Christ—so that my branches can be a shelter to others who suffer in the storm.

May my face be ever looking upward, glistening with Your sweet radiance when the rains hit.

In this, Lord, may You be glorified. In this, Lord, may Your kingdom come.

_I ask these things in the name of Jesus, Amen!_

_I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God._

Ephesians 3:17-19 (HCSB)

Father, we are in a mess right now. Everywhere I look, I see sorrow and rage. The earth is moaning in distress. Fear is nipping at my heel.

I hear the whispers of those who do not know You. They murmur, “Where is your God?” I confess, Father, that sometimes I wonder it, too. I can’t hide these doubts from You… You know my innermost thought.

So I come to you now, bringing my questions to You in prayer. When I don’t understand, I go to Your Word. You have the answers that I seek.

Your ways, it says, are not my ways. Your thoughts, Scripture tells me, are higher, so I surrender to Your will. I place every fear at your throne.

Lift me up, Father, in your strong arms so I can see from Your perspective.

How vast is the measure of your love! How wide and long and high and deep! Of it, there is no end!

Everywhere that I go, Father, You are there! I cannot be hidden from You.

Though the enemy tries to discourage me, I am confident that Your plan is unfolding as You have predicted. Every detail is being arranged with perfect precision. In the end, what a beautiful story it will be! You’ve even written the last chapter, giving it to us as a hope and encouragement.

As I think about this Great Love, there is no place for fear. When I consider it, I am strong.

Your goodness and mercy will surround me all of the days of my life.

And so I choose to trust You, Father. I trust your plan for this world and trust in Your plan for me.

I trust You to be faithful to every promise! Thank you for these precious promises, Father, they are our inheritance.

And thank You for Your Great Love.

_I ask these things in the name of Jesus, Amen!_

_Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments and untraceable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?_

Romans 11:33-34 (HCSB)

How astonishingly beautiful are the secrets of the Lord! How intricate are the details Your plan!

Who am I to understand it? Who dares to question Your ways?

You make a vibrant garden from the dust of the earth. You fashion a rainbow and place it in the clouds after a raging storm.

You take what is meant for evil and make it for good.

You cause our weakness to be our strength. You create stunning beauty from fragile ashes.

Your grace is limitless; it reaches to the ends of the earth! To every man, woman, and child! Your offer of mercy extends to our broken places where we are confused and deceived.

Who am I to judge when only You know the hidden places of the heart?

Teach me, Lord, to have peace in the “not knowing.”

Sing over me and quiet my questions with Your spiritual song.

Remind me that I am not god. No! I was created to walk in your Light and bring You glory.

I was created to enjoy the presence of my God. Think of that!

You are at work, secretly, behind the headlines and the closed doors. When all seems lost and in your perfect timing, we’ll see the big reveal! Jesus!

Every knee will bow and tongue confess that Name… when our suffering will be like waters gone by.

_Until that day, Lord, I ask these things in the name of Jesus, Amen!_

_Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory._

Romans 8:17 (NIV)

In this life, Lord, You’ve given us choices. _Big choices… small choices._

Some choices make little difference in our lives, like choosing what to wear on any given day. Others are significant, like choosing a line of work.

Lord, in this country—America—You have blessed us with innumerable, precious choices.

And yet, Lord, we’ve taken these freedoms for granted.

I’m so sorry, Lord, that I sometimes forget the immeasurable value of the freedom to worship You openly. What an amazing gift it is! Thank You for it, and thank you every drop of blood sacrificed so that we may be counted as a free people.

Still, Lord, there’s another gift that is even greater:

The mysterious gift of freewill.

In that gift—_a freedom_—You’ve given us an extraordinary choice: We have the freedom—through the sacrifice of Christ—to choose to become one of Your own: a child of the Most High God! Or, we can choose to be our own god.

_The choice is ours._

How astounding that You’ve laid this choice at our feet! Every man, woman, and child have been blessed with freewill.

No ruler can seize another man’s innermost heart. You’ve made it ours to give freely. Think about that!

Of all of the choices in life, this is the one that matters most! One choice leads to life everlasting, and the other leads to death.

Lord, I make this choice today—I believe Jesus is God’s son, and that He died to save me:

_If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved._

Romans 10:9 (HCSB)

I also believe that Jesus, through His sacrifice on the cross, has completely washed every sin clean, and that through Him, I have full access to the Father as a child of God.

_Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need._

Hebrews 14:6 (NIV)

So I will lean into You, Jesus, that I may know You and be filled to the measure of Your fullness.

In a perilous time, I need the fullness of You now more than ever!

We are at war, but it’s not a war against flesh and blood. Only as a child of God can we stand firm in this war.

For this reason, I ask You for the measure of all of the fullness of God, as your Word offers me.

Then I can pray in Your Name, in Your authority, and with great expectation!

Your Kingdom Come! Your will be done! To You be glory forever!

_I ask these things in the name of Jesus, Amen!_

_I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God._

Ephesians 3:17-21 (HCSB)

Sometimes I’m afraid to ask, Lord. I’m afraid You won’t hear me.

I’m afraid my request isn’t important.

I’m afraid that maybe You don’t have time for me.

Or maybe I’m afraid that Your answer will be “No.”

So I haven’t asked. But that needs to change because this world is in need, Lord… a terrible need. This isn’t the time to be afraid.

_So I’m going to ask._

See, there’s fighting everywhere, Lord. Between nations and between races. Between friends and families. So much hate. Even murderous hate.

_So I’ve got to ask._

I can’t see the reason for so much turmoil, but it’s everywhere I look!

We see our neighbors as our enemy, and that’s a lie. We see ourselves as worthless, and that’s a bigger lie.

We see you as distant, and that’s the biggest lie yet.

I know that You’re here, waiting. Waiting for Your children to ask. So I’m asking, Lord.

_Would you rain down some peace?_

Would you send it down to our smoldering souls? Wash away the discontent? The arrogance of our pride?

Would You hold a mirror to our faces so we can see how we look from heaven with our pitchforks raised and our teeth clenched?

_Would you rain down some peace today?_

Your Word says:

_What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from the cravings that are at war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war._

James 4:1-2 (HCSB)

Shine a light on our souls so we can truly see what You want to fix! Open our hard hearts to Your Love again!

_Would you rain down some peace, Lord? Some Jesus peace?_

Ah, Lord, we are dry. I am dry.

Your Word says:

_You do not have because you do not ask._

James 4:2 (HCSB)

_So I’m asking now._ Your Word says:

_You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires._

James 4:3 (HCSB)

Would You teach me Your will So I can ask the things of Your heart? Things like patience and kindness and humility?

Would you teach me Your Truth?

Would you teach me to hope again?

I’m asking, Lord, and I know You are here. I know You are leaning down to listen to my prayer.

I’m asking for some Jesus peace.

I’m asking for our nation, and I’m asking for our world.

And would you rain it down, Lord? Rain it down on me.

_I ask in the name of Jesus, Amen!_

_Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”_

Joshua 1:9 (HCSB)

I remember, Lord:

Moses was dead and You encouraged Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. After 40 years of wandering, it was time for the Israelites to cross the Jordan River.

The land was theirs—but they would have to take possession of it. It wouldn’t be easy.

_“Be strong and courageous.”_

He must have been on edge, Joshua, standing in the long shadow of a such a reputable predecessor as Moses.

When the scouts, four decades ago, saw giants in the land, the Israelites quickly lost their faith, though they knew Your will and they knew Your promise, Lord—the promise You whispered to their ancestors _who believed without seeing_. And they had You, Lord, with them.

The Israelites had a choice to make: Believe Your Word and trust in Your promise—or back away in doubt.

Yet, the giants were intimidating and they were afraid, so they choose to live in their circumstances rather than cross into Your promise. With the promise just over the horizon, they turned back.

Forty years passed and Joshua faced the giants once again.

_“Be strong and courageous.”_

It wasn’t a suggestion, but a commandment. Joshua chose to believe. He believed in the promise, and he believed that You were with him.

Joshua took possession of the land. It wasn’t easy.

Today, Lord, I need to trust You more than ever before—because there are giants in our land, too. And I have a choice to make.

If “_Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,_” why, then, is it so much easier to believe in the things I see rather than trust Your promises?

I want to see, and I want to touch. Yet You require faith.

So do I trust You, even when the situation looks impossible?

I can hear Your words—the words You whispered to Joshua centuries ago as You encouraged him to take the land.

_“Be strong and courageous.”_

Yes, I have a choice, Lord. To trust you—or to turn back.

Give me the strength to make the correct choice! Shield my eyes from the giants that surround me. Lift my head so that I may only see You!

_Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go._

Joshua 1:7 (NIV)

Lead me, Lord, to walk a straight path, the one you have prepared for me. Keep me from temptation, and deliver me from every evil.

_“Be strong and courageous.”_

Lord, help me not lose heart… even when I see giants in the land.

_“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”_

Let Your joy, Lord, be my strength. Help me to know Your perfect love all the more in times of chaos and trouble.

In Your Love, there is no fear.

_For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go._

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

I want to reach Your “Promised Land” for my life! I want to go in and take possession of it!

Be with me, Lord, and lead me to the place You have prepared for me. _Drive out the giants in the land!_

Thank you for the rich inheritance of promises, Lord, that you extend to me through Christ Jesus. And always, Lord, to bring You glory. Your faithfulness abounds.

_In the name of Jesus, Amen!_

_Even now—this is the Lord’s declaration—turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning._

Joel 2:12 (HCSB)

_Return to me with all of your heart…_

Show me what that means, Lord, for only You know the deepest places of my heart. Break down the walls I’ve built to keep You at a distance.

_Return to me with fasting…_

Show me the things that I have idolized, Lord. I lay them at Your feet, every idol that has captured my fickle attentions and kept me from You. Restore my priorities, Lord. I’m placing You first again.

_Return to me with weeping._

How many tears have been shed, Lord? How many on this day alone? We have raised our fists to the heavens in defiance. How many times have we pushed you away? Out of our schools, our homes, and our hearts?

_Forgive us for turning our backs on You._

We’ve mocked. We’ve been self-centered. We’ve placed so many things before You, Lord, when You offer us so much!

Love. Safety. And precious freedoms.

_Return to me with mourning._

I mourn the days lost when I have wandered so far from Your path. I mourn the choices I have made that caused someone pain. I mourn that I have kept Your Word to myself because I was too afraid to share it.

_Forgive me, Lord._

I mourn for our nation when we’ve allowed our history of faith to be wiped away like chalk on a blackboard. What have we done? How many lies have we allowed ourselves believe?

_Forgive us, Lord._

I’m returning to You, asking, will You relent? Will You leave a blessing instead?

_Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God._

Joel 2:13-14 (NIV)

_I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen!_

_I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me._

Exodus 20:1-3 (NIV)

I come to You, Lord, in a perilous time. Would you hear my prayers today?

_“No other gods,” You say._

Other gods? Of course not, Lord! There is only You.

You… and work and play and food everything that fills the minutes and hours of my day.

But no other gods!

Only family and friends and projects and school and ambitions and home and decor.

But no other gods, Lord! Not in my life. And yet…

_How many hours of my day are filled with these “gods?”_

_How many hours do I wander away?_

_How many times do you wait for me?_

You wait while I rise and sip coffee and eat and dress. Wait while the news tickers dance on and on, and until I am late for work again.

You wait, patiently, while I finish the dishes and the laundry and tuck away the kids and all the details of my day.

But I have no other gods! Only You.

And yet….You whisper my name when I rise:

_“Come, spend some time with Me!”_

You walk beside me in the heat of the day:

_“Let Me guide your way!”_

Your presence is with me when the darkness falls:

_“Come! I’ll comfort you with sweet rest! No other gods, just me.”_

I have many requests for our nation, Lord, but first, show me where I’ve wandered astray. Uncover the idols that keep me from a closer walk with You.

Search me and reveal the things that steal my heart away. Strengthen me to put You first—only You! Clean out the cobwebs of my heart.

_No likeness of anything in heaven above… Nothing in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth…_

Yes, Lord, I ask you to turn our hearts back to You, Lord—but let it start with me. Sweet grace flows from heaven above. We are dry in this perilous time!

_Know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him._

Psalm 4:3 (HCSB)

_In the name of Jesus, Amen!_

_Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance._

Psalm 32:6-7 (NIV)

_I come to you now in stillness._

The world is raging, Lord, but you are calling me to rest.

From morning to night, the noise of the day’s chaos is deafening.

So many messages to process, of wars and mayhem and sorrows.

_I am so weary of it all._

Yet in the midst of this battle, Lord, you provide me with a place to rest.

A place to close my eyes and breathe deep.

Dark clouds are menacing. The thunder rolls in the distance,

But with you, I have nothing to fear. The battle is already won!

No matter how high the waves roll, Lord, you calm the rough waters and give me sweet peace.

_Sweet Jesus peace._

You could have required so much of me, Lord. You could have asked me to go on the offensive. To attack and slay the world’s dragons.

Or live up to impossible standards… but that’s not you at all, Lord.

How refreshing to know that it’s you who reached down to me.

This Jesus salvation is a gift that I’ll never earn. The price has been paid.

It’s finished. Complete!

You ask only that I receive.

Tonight the world moans and grumbles, but I will lie down and sleep tonight.

Yes, in stillness and peace, Lord, I’ll sleep.

Wars rage on and chaos rumbles through the streets, but you watch over my sleep and send me peace.

_Sweet Jesus peace._

_I will praise You, Jesus, Amen!_

_By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped._

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (MSG)

_Swimming upstream._

That’s what it feels like, Lord.

I struggle to keep a forward momentum, a rush of icy water push-back. Sometimes, Lord, I’m not sure if I’m making any progress at all.

My friends say they feel it, too. What was once so easy and clear—is now arduous.

Like swimming upstream in a murky river. The dam has cracked and the waters are rising, _but we aren’t home yet._

The Spirit unites God’s children, and I can see it in their eyes. This shifting, this sifting.

It started slowly—almost imperceptibly—but now we can feel it, too. Your people are reaching out to one another. We don’t want to journey alone:

_For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit._

1 Corinthians 12:13 (HCSB)

I walked down the street yesterday and saw a man in the Jesus ball cap. I had never seen him before, but I knew I had to speak to him.

To let him know we had Someone in common.

I think he felt it, too. We laughed like siblings, and it was nice, Lord.

A familiar face in this foreign place, _as we are journeying home._

You never meant for us to be alone, so help me, Father, to reach out bravely. Open my eyes to those who are your hands and feet to this world in need.

_Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another._

Proverbs 27:17 (HCSB)

Thank you for these well-timed friendships. I need them right now.

We are stronger together, and it’s too costly to let opportunities pass. So lead me to knock on a neighbor’s door.

Lord, as it began, let us meet again in homes.

_To pray together._

_To break bread together._

_To encourage one another._

Let us see these tangible evidence of your Great Love.

Tonight, I pray for my friends in Christ. Lift them up tonight, Lord. Watch over them as they sleep.

Give them rest for the day ahead and let them know that, praise God, we are not alone— and we never will be.

_I ask these things in the name of Jesus, Amen!_

_I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living._

Psalm 27:13 (AMP)

_Waiting._

Minutes to Hours. Hours to Days.

Days to Weeks. Weeks to Months.

We are waiting, Lord, in these perilous times.

We are waiting for You _to act._

We are waiting for You _to rise up and defend us._

We are waiting, Father, for You _to restore our land._

More than that, Lord, we are waiting for You _to make us whole again._

The morning’s light barely rises over the horizon and already the news reports filter in. They are there whenever I turn on the television. And in the car, when all I want is music to ease my anxious soul. In the coffee shop, too, and at work, or in a line at the grocery store.

The talk is all the same: _politics and greed and hate._

But You, Lord, You offer something better.

You offer _living hope_.

Not an empty hope, but hope with a promise of fulfillment:

_None of the good promises the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed. Everything was fulfilled._

Joshua 21:45 (HCSB)

And not an empty promise, but a promise from One who is faithful to each one:

_But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and guard you from the evil one._

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (HCSB)

You offer goodness in the land of the living.

You offer a hope that can be found:

_I will be found by you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and places where I banished you”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “I will restore you to the place I deported you from.”_

Jeremiah 29:14 (HCSB)

Hope for the future…and hope for right now!

So in the waiting hours…

I will not let the enemy snatch away my hope.

In the waiting hours…

I will remember Your promises,

and I will remind You of them every day!

In the waiting hours…

I will say, “I trust in You, Lord!”

I know You have a plan for me. I have a future and a hope.

_Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful._

Hebrews 10:23 (HCSB)

_I ask these things in the name of Jesus, Amen!_

_Be careful that you are not enticed to turn aside, worship, and bow down to other gods. Then the Lord’s anger will burn against you. He will close the sky, and there will be no rain; the land will not yield its produce, and you will perish quickly from the good land the Lord is giving you._

Deuteronomy 11:16-17 (HCSB)

_If ever there was a need to hear Your voice clearly, Father, it is now._

There are so many conflicting perspectives, and deception is everywhere.

It’s a game of smoke and mirrors. A river of twisted words and spun tales.

We could easily drown if it were not for Your protection.

_Whom are we to believe?_

In these perilous times, Lord, help us know the truth. Deception runs wild, but even so, we don’t have to be deceived:

_Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit._

Galatians 6:7-8 (HCSB)

Because You, Jesus, have sent us the Holy Spirit. He promises to guide us into Your truth:

_When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come._

John 16:13 (HCSB)

So lead us, Lord, and keep us from evil.

How easy to be lured away from You—if only briefly.

_Just for a moment_, they say. Who would find fault in one simple gesture? One misplaced prayer? one nod to another god?

Make no mistake… this is no child’s game:

_For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens._

Ephesians 6:12 (HCSB)

A small step to the right or the left is all it takes. Before we know it, we’re lost:

_Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go._

Joshua 1:7 (HCSB)

Pull us from this river of lies and put our feet on a sure foundation of truth. Disclose the untruths—one by one—even the white lies, too!

Your Word is truth, Lord. Shield our hearts from the enemy’s clatter. Speak Your wisdom to our hearts and let us know Your way.

In these times—perilous times—draw us closer to You.

_When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come._

John 16:13 (HCSB)

_I ask these things Jesus’ name, Amen!_

_He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with a shout of joy._

Job 8:21 (HCSB)

_I want to laugh again, Lord!_

Not just a chuckle, but a full-blown, rolling belly laugh. It seems like it’s been so long since I had a really good laugh.

I hear you say softly, “Look up.”

So I do, noticing the considerable arc my neck makes to turn my gaze from the little screen in the palm of my hand to the bright sky above. Suddenly my two-dimensional world changes to all-out 3-D.

The sky is still the same shade of Carolina blue as it always was, but it seems more vivid somehow. The clouds are piled like mile-high mountains floating over my head.

_Lord, that I have been missing this view! I’ve been missing a carefree life!_

It amazes me, Lord, that this is how you call us to live—really live—in Christ.

Without worries, and without fear:

_I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears._

Psalm 34:4 (HCSB)

An abundant life—not for the future, but here and now:

_A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance._

John 10:10 (HCSB)

And to live as free! In Christ, we are truly free!

_if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed._

John 8:30-36 (NIV)

Why, then, Lord, have I been so discouraged? When did I stop seeing the daily gifts You’ve given me?

Gifts like the smiles on a stranger’s face. Or the flash of a bluebird in my yard. And the sound of children’s laughter in the yard.

Loads of rolling laughter.

_I’ve been missing it, Lord._

Thank you, Sweet Father, for this gift of laughter. I’m so glad that You laugh, too.

_Amen!_

_Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh._

Luke 6:21 (NIV)

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 (HCSB)

_All things._

Not some things, or a few things.

Not most things, or some things most of the time.

_All things, all of the time._

It’s a promise _I remind You of_ now with this prayer.

A promise that gives me great comfort. A confidence and peace that cannot be shaken:

For those who love You, Lord, all things work to our good.

_All things._

This is a miracle of Christian living and I see it every day.

You take our sorrows—our ashes—and make something beautiful out of them. You create a tapestry out of the colors of our life:

_To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair._

Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)

You take my hungry years and use them to strengthen my faith.

Scarcity proves that You provide.

Illness demonstrates Your faithfulness to every promise.

And failure brings me to a better place that You’ve prepared for me.

Even when I stumble, I fall into Your greater plan!

Sometimes, Lord, I confess that I forget the promise. I get weighed down in circumstances, focusing too much on the news of the day.

It’s like struggling in quicksand, I can’t seem to get my footing.

Days when it seems that all is lost and the enemy is winning.

Yet nothing could be further from the truth!

When I’m so beaten me down that I cannot lift a prayer, even then, You meet me where I am.

Your Sweet Spirit lifts prayers on my behalf. All the way to Heaven’s throne. Consider that!

I am covered in prayer at all times!

So though night has fallen on the rocky path I walk, I am not afraid, because You are with me.

Your Presence is an unquenchable Light. I can never be lost again!

And one day… one sweet day…

I’ll stand astonished when You pull away the curtain—at last!

Then every eye will see that it’s been You, Lord, all along, weaving the tiniest of details into perfect place.

We’ll wonder together—for a thousand years and more!—at the beauty of Your story. _A glorious, eternal story._

_Let it be as You’ve declared it to be, Lord Jesus, Amen!_

_Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose._

Proverbs 18:21 (MSG)

There are times to speak out, and times to be silent. Sometimes, Lord, I’m not sure what to do, and it’s only getting harder.

_Especially in perilous times._

We are called to speak out for those who need Your Love:

_Then He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.”_

Mark 16:15 (HCSB)

We are called to share Your Word. To be a Light to a dark world. But honestly, Lord, there’s so much push back right now.

And so much offense:

_At that time many will be offended and repelled and will fall away and will betray one another and will hate one another._

Matthew 24:10 (AMP)

It’s so much easier to remain silent. _But I can’t._

See, Lord, the sun set long ago and it’s getting darker by the hour.

_Dark. Divided. And chaotic._

And there’s this: I know that Your Word has the antidote for the darkness. Your Words—are Life:

_Simon Peter answered, “Lord, who will we go to? You have the words of eternal life._

John 6:68 (HCSB)

I know that You are good… really good:

_For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations._

Psalm 100:5 (NIV)

I know that You heal our wounds and carry our burdens and lift us out of the muck and mire. So how can I be silent?

_And yet… there is a time to be silent._

So this is my prayer tonight, Lord: Would You help me know the difference? Would You give me the wisdom to know when I should speak up… and when I should not?

Would You help me listen more, and teach me Your Words and Your ways?

Would You whisper Your Words and bring them to mind?

Lord, help me speak and teach me what to say:

_Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.”_

Exodus 4:12 (HCSB)

Teach me the discipline to hold my tongue in anger. Never let me speak a hurtful word in anger, nor a word to lead someone astray.

Teach me to speak words of life—encouraging words—never curses:

_Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words._

Proverbs 18:21 (AMP)

Above all, Lord, give me the wisdom, Lord, to know when to speak and when to remain silent.

_I ask these things in the name of Jesus, Amen!_

_Then the Lord said to Paul in a night vision, “Don’t be afraid, but keep on speaking and don’t be silent. For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to hurt you, because I have many people in this city.”_

Acts 18:9-10 (HCSB)

_And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age_

Matthew 28:20 (NIV)

_It’s hard to wrap my mind around this truth, Jesus._

To think that You shared God’s glory before the world began, and then gave it up to walk in Jerusalem’s dust so that we might know the Father, too.

You’ve alway been here.

You were the Word that created all things, breathing life into creation:

_In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created._

John 1:1-3 (HCSB)

You were God’s ram in the thicket—taking our place:

_Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son._

Genesis 22:13 (NIV)

You were the fragile baby in a manager—Immanuel, God with us!

_See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.”_

Matthew 1:23 (HCSB)

You were there, lifted high on the cross and there, lowered to the grave.

You tore the veil—earth-shaking, rocks splitting!—then rose again victorious over death:

_At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life._

Matthew 27:51-52 (NIV)

You sit at God’s right hand!

_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 (NIV)

And You are with us in perilous times.

You sent the Spirit so we will never be alone in this world. Father. Son. Spirit—Holy Trinity!

_But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you ._

John 16:7 (AMP)

You are with me in times of joy and with me in times of uncertainty. Even to the end of the age!

And You are with me now.

So why should I fear or be discouraged? Why should I cower in a corner or walk in sorrow?

_No!_

I will not fear because I know Your promises are true.

I will not fear the future because You called this battle early, and rest assured… it’s won!

So, Lord, when I rise tomorrow, let me walk in complete assurance that wherever I go and whatever comes my way, I face it in not in my power, _but Yours_.

Let my life be a jubilant victory lap home to the place I belong. Why should it not?

_Praise You, Jesus, the Overcomer! Amen!_