By Brenda Jank
Originally published in June 2016, Brenda’s words have meaning for us this day!
The eyes of those around us speak volumes. Do you know and love someone who is weary? Have you seen their eyes? Do you know their ache? Consider using this prayer as a launching pad to go before the Throne of Grace on their behalf. It also might be a prayer we pray, today, for ourselves.
This prayer comes from one of my favorite resources for diving in deep. It comes from Sylvia Gunter’s Prayer Portions. . . seeped in Scripture and centered on Christ, it is a fabulous tool that will serve me in the “secret place” for years to come. The prayer below comes from “Why Know the Father’s Heart,” Prayer Portions, page 47, © 1991 by Sylvia Gunter.
But first, were you able to go on a personal retreat in the last few weeks? Or, did you enjoy the simple “power of an hour” with God? We would love to hear your stories! If you’re willing, we’d like to use them to encourage others along the way. Send note to brenda@runhardrestwell.org or feel free to share them in the comments below.
Abba, I come alongside _______ and lift them into Your presence.
Father, ________ is tired and needs Your divine strength, because they are running at the edge of their endurance. Heal and strengthen them body, soul, and spirit. Foil Satan’s plans to attack in physical and emotional areas that are vulnerable. Let their roots tap deeply into You and enable them to keep on keeping on in the demands on them. Lighten their steps; let them mount up with wings as an eagle, as they wait on You. Reveal any sin that is hindering them, and speak to their heart, as You draw them closer to You. Give them grace for today, and then tomorrow give a whole new supply of Your provision of Yourself. Give them Your sweet presence each moment, and let them feel secure in You. When they don’t know the outcome of their situation, show them that in You it is safe not to know, because You are good.
Please give _______wisdom and understanding, so that they will take only Your yoke and make only the plans that agree with Your divine purposes. Grant them Your favor and blessing. Increase their confidence in Your ability and presence at work in their lives to evict all fear and doubt.
Father, overcome _______’s fears with Your perfect love. Heal ________ where there is pain and hurt. Give them a breakthrough in the situations closest to their hearts, the ones that have wearied them most. Touch and restore the places that have been bruised and shut down. Open them up to new trust in You. Press through walls of disappointment, self-protection, separation, and pain. Minister reconciliation, so that all relationships might enjoy Your unity and sweet fellowship. Release Your fresh touch into each life that has claim upon their spiritual, emotional, and practical responsibility.
We come to Your cross and hide there from all stresses and pressures. Your glory outshines all the plans of the enemy to oppress _______. Mighty Warrior, reveal the real battle that they are up against. Let them rest in You, and stand steadfast, and see that the battle is the Lord’s. Let no fiery arrows pierce their safe place in Your refuge. Give them confidence that no weapon formed against them will prosper.
Place _______ in the refreshing stream of Living Water flowing from Your throne. Refresh them each moment in Jesus. Make them oaks of righteousness planted by streams of water, whose leaves do not wither. Bless them according to Your perfect will, as You watch over their way. Show them Your power and the glory of Your great love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.