Prayer in Troubled Times

Click the candle to light a prayer for your concerns.

“Do not be troubled if you do not immediately receive from God what you ask him; for he desires to do something even greater for you, while you cling to him in prayer.”

Evagrius Ponticus, De oratione 34:PG 79,1173 (ref. CCC 2737).

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Many are distressed by the situation in Japan, and in a slowly growing way, beginning to worry if such a disaster may be only the first of many. There is growing fear and anxiety of the unknown. To one of my followers on Twitter, I shared:

“I think you share the concern of many who have been shocked by the happenings in Japan. But there is something stronger; more awesome than the power of nature that awaits us. The Lord’s love – this is His greatest power. And it waits for us. Let us trust in Him.”

For this reason, so we might place our hope anew in God, I am posting this candle, waiting for you to light it, and offer your concerns for whatever is on your heart. Clicking on the candle will direct you to gratefulness.org prayer page. Just follow the instructions, and take a moment in prayer.

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Behold me, my beloved Jesus,
weighed down under the burden of my trials and sufferings,
I cast myself at Your feet,
that You may renew my strength and my courage,
while I rest here in Your Presence.
Permit me to lay down my cross in Your Sacred Heart,
for only Your infinite goodness can sustain me;
only Your love can help me bear my cross;
only Your powerful hand can lighten its weight.
O Divine King, Jesus,
whose heart is so compassionate to the afflicted,
I wish to live in You;
suffer and die in You.
During my life be to me my model and my support;
At the hour of my death,
be my hope and my refuge.

Amen.

Related:

The Battle of Prayer

Prayers for Japan

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When too Distressed to Pray

For all who, like this person, find themselves with no words to pray in their suffering and pain…may you find comfort in knowing that our inmost groaning that comes when no words are found, is indeed a prayer heard by the Lord…and at times, is better than singing Alleluia!

Psalm 34:19 says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.”

Jesus confirms these words, telling us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Thus, let us, in the words of Saint Paul take heart, and “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.”

Note: When we cannot pray, it is always a good idea to ask others to pray for us. This is the grace and beauty of the Christian community. Be assured that any petitions left on this site, will be offered in prayer before the Lord. God bless you!

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Other related posts:

Always a Way Back to God

Forgiveness – A Way Home

Faith in Adversity – Intercessory Prayer

Making it Right with God