We all have those times in our lives when we feel utterly undone. Every day just seems to bring a new burden. Or perhaps negative emotions threaten to bury us. It could be grief, sickness, a jam-packed schedule, disappointment, or fear.
When that happens, I know where I need to go. It may not be what I feel like doing in the moment. But I’m writing this down here in hopes that I’ll look back and find encouragement in these words when I’m struggling through one of those seasons.
I’ve based this prayer on what I read from David in Psalm 61.
O, God, hear this prayer of mine.
I’m in a place I’ve never been before, and I’m overwhelmed. I can’t see my way out. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Set me in Christ, my Savior.
You’ve been my shelter in the past; shield me once again. I know I can find refuge in you. Help me trust You, lean on you when my strength is all gone. Let me have full confidence in your protection.
Measure out your mercy to me; I need it so much. Allow the truth of your Word to flood my mind and keep me safe from all the fears that want to take me down.
At the end of it all, dear Lord, let me praise your name. Have this situation bring you honor and glory. May I live every day, no matter how difficult, with a song of praise on my lips.
On the day that I was studying this chapter, I also read this hymn. I thought they fit well together!
Is there a heart o’erbound by sorrow?
Is there a life weighed down by care?
Come to the cross, each burden bearing;
All your anxiety—leave it there.
Refrain:
All your anxiety, all your care,
Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there,
Never a burden He cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus!
No other friend so swift to help you,
No other friend so quick to hear,
No other place to leave your burden,
No other one to hear your prayer.
Come then at once; delay no longer!
Heed His entreaty kind and sweet,
You need not fear a disappointment;
You shall find peace at the mercy seat.
~Edward H. Joy, 1920
Related posts:
A Mom’s Prayer for Today
5 Bible Verses to Encourage You in Your Prayer Life
What Hannah Teaches Me About Prayer
What a great prayer! Thank you for sharing it! Too often I feel overwhelmed, and I feel like there’s no help. But there’s always help! The Lord is always willing to help me when I’m overwhelmed — although I may not like His help. 🙂 Sometimes it doesn’t go the way I would like.
Yes, there are times when the way I want to be helped out of my overwhelm is different than the help that He provides, but I know that I need to trust that His way is best. Definitely not easy!!
This is such a perfect word for me right now – I really feel like I’m drowning, coming back from vacay. I haven’t had a single day, yet, to crash, and my rec cheer program obligations are hitting hard. I need to rest in Him *BIG TIME*. Thankfully all my overwhelmingness is positive – nothing horrible – but it’s still all stuff that cannot be ignored & I can’t rest until it’s done.
That hymn is perfect! I’ve never heard it!!!