We are a few weeks into a new year.
How are things? Already some of us are walking through a season of grief and loss because of the passing of a loved one. Some of us are facing physical challenges we didn’t see coming. Still, others have experienced new relationships that are filled with hope and promise or even financial security they did not have last year. It’s hard to believe how much can happen in the first few weeks of a new year.
I hope your connection to God is strong. You will need Him as you live through the days ahead. Through the good, the bad and the ugly there is no substitute for the presence of God in your life. Let me remind you that a strong devotional life is so important. Simply put, read the Bible consistently and pray daily. Invite God into your life every day. Acknowledge Him as Lord and seek His will in all things. Let me give you some helpful prayers to pray right from the Bible.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:2-3 NLT
But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. Psalm 55:16-17 NLT
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:4-5 NLT
Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Psalm 27:7-8 NLT
Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. Psalm 143:7-10 NLT
Pray these prayers for a season if you need to. Use your own words as well. Cry out to God with joy, thanksgiving and with your needs. He wants to hear from you. He wants to be in a relationship you. I am praying for you and asking God to draw you close to Him and keep you all the rest of the days of 2023. If you ever need prayer, you can reach out to me through your ShareBox.
Pastor Wes Humble is the Executive Director of Ministry and Community Relations.