April | 2024 | Proverbs 31 Wanna-be

Strategic Prayers in Perilous Times

When my eyes behold what is transpiring in our world, I can’t help but think that we are living in the perilous times mentioned in 2 Timothy 3. I find myself wanting to pray, but at the same time, I am at a loss for words because my heart is so overwhelmed. That feeling of helplessness and frustration has become an impetus to me as I read the Word. I am always on the hunt for scriptures that make great prayers. It helps me to add words to those overwhelming emotions that are flooding my soul. I have even read some of the Psalms out loud, adding the emotion that I picture the psalmist feeling as they poured out their own emotions. It is quite therapeutic!

I want to share some of those treasured scriptures with you to encourage you and perhaps even help you when you find your own heart is feeling overwhelmed.

“Lord, as I live out Your commands, help me to do so from a pure heart, a good conscience, and from sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5)

“Lord, I ask that You make me complete in every good work to do Your will, working in me that which is pleasing in Your sight, through Jesus my Lord. To Him be glory forever and ever.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)

As we stand on truth, we know opposition and persecution will come. To help me stand firm in those times, the following scriptures have become part of my arsenal of spiritual weapons.

“Lord, take note of the threats that face me. Help me to speak your Word with all confidence.” (Acts 4:29-30)

“Lord, help me not to be afraid of sudden danger, nor of trouble from from the wicked when it comes. For You will be my confidence, and You will keep my feet from being snared.” (Proverbs 3:25-26)

When I start battling fear, or feel like my faith is becoming a bit shaky, these scriptures have encouraged me.

“Lord, establish my footsteps in Your word. Don’t let any wrongdoing have power over me.” (Psalm 119:133)

“Protect my life from the fear of the enemy.” (Psalm 64:1)

“Lord, lead me in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before me.” (Psalm 5:8, NASB)

“Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, To practice deeds of wickedness with people who do wrong; And may I not taste their delicacies.” (Psalm 141:4, NASB)

“Keep me from presumptuous sins and don’t let them rule over me. Help me to be innocent and blameless of any wrongdoing.” (Psalm 19:13)

“Be to me a rock of dwelling to which I may continually come; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.” (Psalm 71:3, NASB)

“Help me to remember You alone are my rock, salvation, and refuge. Help me not to be shaken.” (Psalm 62:6)

“Teach me Your way, Lord. Help me to walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11)

Sometimes I simply need to focus on the Lord and His ways. When I remember His character, it reminds me of how truly awesome He is!

“For the word of the Lord is right, And all His work is done in faithfulness.” (Psalm 33:4, NASB)

“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” (Psalm 9:9-10, NKJV)

“The Lord upholds the righteous.” (Psalm 37:17, NKJV)

“But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord. He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them. He shall deliver them from the wicked and save them because they trust in Him.” (Psalm 37:39-40, NKJV)

I hope this motivates you to search for your own treasures in the Word to help you navigate the stormy seas of life.