If you’ve been a part of our Tuesday morning ministry for any length of time, you know that prayer is an important part of our time together. For many of us, our small groups are the highlight of our morning. These groups are where we get personal—where people know us by name. We share our struggles, our victories, our fears and our joys. But most of all, we share our hearts when we come together and pray.
So I’d like to pray with you, and I’d like to start as we do every Tuesday, looking UPWARD in praise. I don’t know what you are dealing with today. You may be coming off a great time of rest and renewal—a time of vacation or celebration where you made wonderful memories with friends and family. Or maybe you’re feeling pulled in too many directions—empty from giving time and energy to kids and spouses and co-workers who seem to demand more of you than you have to give. Or maybe you’re feeling lonely, cut off from support and companionship. There may even be some of you who are facing a circumstance or struggle that seems way beyond what you can bear.
Whatever your frame of mind today, I hope you will pray with me: first, by reading David’s prayer from Psalm 34, and then by reading through my prayer that follows. When you finish, feel free to add a prayer of your own, either silently or in the comment section below. I hope the time we spend this way will be water to your soul.
Psalm 34: 1-10 (NLT)
I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the LORD, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing.
Lord, thank you for answering when we pray. What an awesome privilege we have to come before you—You, the One who created the universe and everything in it . . . the One who created us—knowing you will listen to our cries. And not merely listen, Lord, but answer . . . defend . . . guard and protect. Thank you for taking our fears and giving us freedom, for taking our shame and giving us joy. Thank you that when we are most desperate, you are more than able to save us. Your goodness fulfills our every need. So we bring every need . . . every fear . . . every heartache . . . every battle . . . and lay them at your feet today, confident that in You we will lack no good thing. We love you, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Equip Her 