Prayer when discouraged

Prayer About Godly Encouragement vs. Discouragement (Based on 2 Chronicles 32:7-8)

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Photo taken in Nebraska.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Encouraging Heavenly Father, I come in Jesus’ Name to thank You for being the great encourager for born-again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a blessing You give through Your Word, the Bible. Isaiah 41:10 “‘Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous righthand.”

Thank you for the encouragement I can receive from meditating on Your attributes. For example, it is a great blessing to know from Your Word, the Bible, that You are all-knowing. Nothing about me is a surprise to You. Psalm 139:1-4 “O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.“

You are there when situations in my life seem large and looming. It does not matter what comes against me, You are far greater and more powerful. Like in King Hezekiah’s situation in 2 Chronicles 32:7, remind me often of what he told his people to encourage them that no matter the size of the army of their enemy against them, God was bigger and stronger. By remembering who God was, they were encouraged and found strength. Hezekiah said in 2 Chronicles 32:7-8a “‘Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.’“

I ask You to show me daily how to gain encouragement from Your powerful words in the Bible, including Bible stories and events. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.   

P.S. These prayers will only work if you have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. If you need help understanding God’s plan of salvation for you (the way to heaven), go to this page on our site: https://timewithourcreator.com/2016/06/02/salvation/

Prayer for Times When You’re Feeling Down and Discouraged (Based on Psalm 143)

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Photo taken in Colorado.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Compassionate Heavenly Father, I come in Jesus’ Name to thank You for this prayer example of David during his time of hopelessness and discouragement. Like David, I am saddened by the evil and brokenness in the world.  In my time of need, I ask for what David expressed in verse 7.  “Answer me speedily, O LORD; my spirit fails! Do not hide your face from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit.”

I ask You to teach me to pray like David did in this Psalm during difficult and down times. Show me how to fit my prayers into what I know is consistent with Your attributes and plans. Direct me to recall and think about You and all You have done to take care of me in the past.  Verse 5-6 “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse [meditate] on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land.” 

I know that when I am discouraged, only You can provide the comfort that I seek.  Rescue me from any enemies, for I hide myself in You. Verse 9 “Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; in You I take shelter.” Like David, I need Your guidance and the Holy Spirit to teach me in all truth about how to depend on Your sufficient grace to help me in times of need.  Thank you that if I ask, I can be assured that You will lead me in the path of perfect peace. Verse 10 “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the path of uprightness.” Refine my desires through the trials of life, and always redirect me toward Your will.  Even though I may not understand my suffering and distress now, I trust in Your perfect plan, and I submit myself to Your perfect will. 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.