When you don’t have the words to pray

AMED 36.19

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One night, in the midst of battles and struggles, Lisa Whittle, the author of 5-Word Prayers, was at a loss for words to voice her distress. “I love You, Jesus, help!” is the first 5-word prayer she remembers. 

What about you? Have you ever felt unable to utter a lengthy prayer? Here’s what the psalmist says: “I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!” (Read the Bible, Psalm 121:1-2, NLT)

Some days, we might not feel like praying, like we’ve had enough of repeating the same things and not noticing any change. Maybe you’ve noticed some progress, but in other areas of your life, you lament the stagnation, the fact that you’re still struggling with the same weaknesses, repeating the same failures.

You, Lisa, and I…we’re not alone. We share the same humanity…we’re a people of hope, aspirations, prayers, and struggles, full of good intentions but so weak. We have great days, weeks, sometimes even months and years…and suddenly, the crash comes.

So we feel like everything good we experienced until then was just an enormous stroke of luck. We try not to fall into skepticism. The temptation is great to spend our days worrying and letting fear paralyze us.

It’s in these moments that we may only have these simple words to offer to God: “I love You, Jesus. Help.”

I’m sure that God hears them and answers in the fullness of His love. This short, abandoned prayer communicates to God:

  • That your heart is full of love for Him, but it’s bleeding from the frustrations the world inflicts.
  • That you’re at the end of your strength.
  • That He alone can rescue you.

Beyond these simple words, I invite you to lay yourself before the Lord, remembering that He is trustworthy and that He’ll never abandon you. Continue your prayer, strengthened by reading and meditating on Psalm 121, the whole chapter.

Pour out your prayer to the Lord today as you listen to this worship song by Martha Munizzi called “Say the Name.”

In your deepest distress, lift your eyes to the God who loves you!

Eric-handtekening-witteachtergrond

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6 Comments

  1. Jyoti on 19/11/2019 at 10:13 AM

    I lift up my eyes to the maker of heaven and earth. Rescue me I pray.

    Blessings to you Eric and all people around you.

    • Josephine on 19/11/2019 at 11:14 PM

      This is for me pastor Eric, even in my distress i look up to the Lord where my help come from, thank you man of God there’s something about the name of Jesus hallelujah glory to God in the highest.

  2. Edith on 19/11/2019 at 12:46 PM

    This word is for me. I seem to be overwhelmed these days with manipulations and opposing forces fighting the glory of God in my life and I see myself unable to pray at times- this makes me feel I will not get help from God. I am encouraged by these words. Thank you Lord.

  3. Marcus on 19/11/2019 at 4:54 PM

    I have subscribed to a miracle every day now for about an month.
    Still amaze me how this talks into my life, my questions, my struggles.
    It is like if I have wondered about something, it is brought up next day or some days later.
    This has an huge impact on my life and journey with the lord, so blessed!
    Thank U Jesus, and be blessed

  4. Charles selwati on 19/11/2019 at 8:31 PM

    I lift up my eyes on Jesus Amen????????????

  5. Simeko Revador on 19/11/2019 at 8:53 PM

    This is beautiful and so inspiring, a must share amen.

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