A Prayer for the Hurting: Sunday Gathering 8.13.23

Dear Jesus,

Some days we feel as if our faith is unsteady, worn out, weak. I used to be strong, so excited to follow you. You were always on my mind, my grip on you was firm and never changing. But then, when trials hit me unexpectedly, I stand shocked, surprised… because I thought you would hand me the good behavior free pass. I thought this would all be easy. I thought there was a different way. But in those trials, your grip is firm on me. Whether I pull away or try to wiggle to get to what I think is solid ground, your grip is strong and mighty. And your grip says, I’ve had you all along. I love you. You’re mine.

Father, we come to you with many hurts. Some of us have been wounded by mom, dad, brother, sister. Some of us wounded by teachers, friends, and some of us wounded by churches. The wounds are so overwhelmingly deep that sometimes we just cover them up and move on, but we know they are there. And sometimes Jesus, we are just eager to go to the one who made the wounds and ask them to fix it, explain it, and make it better. We want the one who hurt us to say sorry and to realize all that they did. But Jesus, why would we go to the one who hurt us and ask them to heal us? What kind of healing power do they have? Jesus, you heal our wounds. You touch them in a way no one else can. You are the great healer.

You have sent your son, while we were still sinners, to enter into the storm on our behalf. What was on your mind to possibly do something so unfair like that? We were on your mind. It was the worst, most judging, deadly storm one could imagine. It had my name on it. But as God called my name to enter into that storm of punishment, you stepped up and butted in line. And you willingly entered the wicked storm on my behalf. What can I do to repay you? How can I even match that, God? Your grace and mercy is beyond my ability to repay, so we worship you in thanksgiving. If you entered the worst storm ever out of love to me, when my worst storm occurs, why would I ever doubt you to enter into my storm?

Father, I pray for Compass Church today. Pastor Craig Kidder is serving hard for the flock. Equip and encourage their elders. Give boldness and patience to the congregation. And may their chairs, at their church building as well as in their homes each week, be full of hungry hearts.

Jesus, I also pray for Drew and Meg Glosson in Japan this morning as they are in a season of transition, hard work, and busy schedules. I pray that you would continue to grow their finances and faith. Show them now that you are a good good Father and your grip on them is firm. 

Father, I pray for our Karis leaders. I pray for our leaders, their families, their marriages. Strengthen and bless them with wisdom to continue on making hard decisions but also grow their delight and joy in serving. 

When we are weak, you remain. When we are tired, you remain. When we are lonely, you remain. When we need direction, you remain. When we fear the unknown, you remain. When we have loss, you remain. When we regret, you remain. When we want other things more than you, you remain. When we struggle, you remain. When we tell you to go away, you remain. You are a good good Father. There is none like you.

Amen.