Struggle is inevitable. We all face the impact of other people’s choices and the consequences of our own. We’re all limited in our ability to see God, ourselves, and others as He does. The tension between different viewpoints shakes us up and sometimes we fight to hold on to our way of knowing things or the outcome we so desperately want.
Our struggle is more than the result of something that’s wrong. It’s what happens in our souls because we all need His righteous presence and power. We were made for more than this world can offer and our sense of longing is designed to draw us to God.
Thankfully, He doesn’t turn away from the wrestling we engage in. Rather, He meet us in them. Just like He did for Job, David, Hannah, Joseph, and so many others throughout scripture.
So many of us face things beyond what we could bear on our own. Whether it’s our personal situations or something a loved one is dealing with, we can’t always fix it and that’s frustrating too. We want what we think is best when we want it. If we don’t allow God to speak and lead us to the actions we can take, we’ll grow more disheartened.
When we don’t know what to do or how to do it, we can always come to Him in prayer.
If you’re the one who’s struggling, here’s my prayer for you.
Struggle is inevitable. We all face the impact of other people’s choices and the consequences of our own. We’re all limited in our ability to see God, ourselves, and others as He does. The tension between different viewpoints shakes us up and sometimes we fight to hold on to our way of knowing things or the outcome we so desperately want.
Our struggle is more than the result of something that’s wrong. It’s what happens in our souls because we all need His righteous presence and power. We were made for more than this world can offer and our sense of longing is designed to draw us to God.
Thankfully, He doesn’t turn away from the wrestling we engage in. Rather, He meet us in them. Just like He did for Job, David, Hannah, Joseph, and so many others throughout scripture.
So many of us face things beyond what we could bear on our own. Whether it’s our personal situations or something a loved one is dealing with, we can’t always fix it and that’s frustrating too. We want what we think is best when we want it. If we don’t allow God to speak and lead us to the actions we can take, we’ll grow more disheartened.
When we don’t know what to do or how to do it, we can always come to Him in prayer.
If you’re the one who’s struggling, here’s my prayer for you.
A Prayer for the Struggling Soul:
God, thank you for the man or woman who’s reading this now. Wherever they’re at and whatever they’re facing, you are there with them. It may not feel like it, and they may not feel you right now, but your Word reminds us you are faithful in every circumstance.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11 ESV)
Thank you for seeing them where they are and knowing exactly what they need. Where they feel unseen or uncared for, I pray you would speak to their hearts in new ways.
May they seek you and find you waiting for them.
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:12-14 ESV)
For the one who feels overwhelmed with tears overflowing, may they know you sit with them in the pain they face. You care about every raw feeling inside.
“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:7 ESV)
“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)
For the one facing a hard decision and moving forward the best way they know how, may they know they can never lose your love no matter what they choose. You have grace for them in abundance. It's available when and where they need it.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
For the one who's not sure how to move forward, because maybe emotions, thoughts, or circumstances overwhelm them, I pray they would hear from the Holy Spirit who guides them.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17 ESV).
(See also I Corinthians 6-16)
Whatever decision they make, may they know your love can’t be taken away. May they seek your best for them in every choice and not let confusion or doubt keep them from taking steps.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
For the one who's rejoicing today, may they see your face smiling with them. Thank you for all you've done and all you will do. If the one rejoicing is a friend, may you strengthen the struggling soul to rejoice with them too.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:25)
For the one who feels compelled to do something that's so very hard to do, but they know that to not do it would be to disobey you, give them strength and courage to do it anyway.
“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
For the one who faces harsh words, rejection, or changes in life that require grieving, thank you for being there with them. May they know you are a God who sees and a God who mourns with those who mourn. May you work through others to provide comfort and care through their presence.
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” (Psalm 118:22)
“But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation” (Luke 17:25)
“He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.” (John 1:11)
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)
And for the one who steps forward to do what you’ve called them to do, but it’s still hard and maybe others don’t understand, may they receive your comfort, and may they find safe community too.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 ESV)
Thank you for you who you are, Lord. Our struggles are safe with you. When we don’t understand, may we find rest in knowing you do. May we trust your wisdom and what you reveal.
May we know your love in new ways and may we turn to you with honest emotional expressions. Thank you that you are big enough to handle it all. Thank you for not turning us away but embracing us with every need we have.
Thank you for loving in the midst of pain. May we know your healing touch today.
Give us strength to continue with you.
Amen.
Jolene Underwood is a writer, coach, and emotional health warrior. She writes from a place of compassion for wounded Christians, encouraging and equipping them in a life of spiritual growth and emotional health. She draws upon her personal experiences, her psychology background, and a passion for Christian counseling to help others cultivate a life well-lived no matter the circumstance.
Jolene writes regularly at JoleneUnderwood.com. She also leads a community of writers called Rise Up Writers. Her tool, Unleash : Heart and Soul Care Sheets, has helped hundreds experience greater freedom. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her enjoying the journey by laughing with loved ones or adding to her collection of vintage glassware with a 70s flair. Connect with her online via YouTube, Twitter/
This article is part of our Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
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