Lyn Cooke Christian Blog and Commentary

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Prayer for a World on Fire

My heart is heavy.  I cannot shake the images of children, blindfolded on their knees, hands bound behind them and guns pointed at their heads.  Lambs to the slaughter.

Babies mutilated.  Mothers and fathers in utter agony.  Swords entering their very souls.

Images of crucifixions. Beheadings.  Scenes reminiscent of a first century Roman coliseum.

There are wars and rumors of wars.  Famine.  Disease.

And the love of many has grown cold.  Lives have been ripped apart by disasters of every kind.  Both near and far.

It seems that the world is all at once on fire and at the same time, frozen over with hate.

Lord, have mercy.

David's words that prophesied the death of Jesus keep coming to my mind. These words are familiar because I have spoken them in prayer myself.  With face to the carpet, during times I didn't think I would survive.  So I raise them again on behalf of those whose pain I cannot even fathom. I raise them to One who understands because He has walked this agony out step by step.

 

Be not far from Me,
For trouble is near;
For there is none to help.

Many bulls have surrounded Me;
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me.
They gape at Me with their mouths,
Like a raging and roaring lion.

I am poured out like water,
And all My bones are out of joint;
My heart is like wax;
It has melted within Me.
My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
And My tongue clings to My jaws;
You have brought Me to the dust of death.
For dogs have surrounded Me;
The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.
They pierced My hands and My feet;
I can count all My bones.
They look and stare at Me.
They divide My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots.

But You, O Lord, do not be far from Me;
O My Strength, hasten to help Me!

Deliver Me from the sword,
My precious life from the power of the dog.

Save Me from the lion’s mouth
And from the horns of the wild oxen!

 

-Psalm 22:11-21 NKJV

 

Father, I lift up all those in need today. All who are suffering. All who are surrounded by evil, disaster, threats and danger. Come near, Lord God. Encompass them with Your power, Your protection, Your love. Send help in whichever way You choose, O Lord. We beseech You on behalf of those who cannot find the words, who do not have strength, who are at the end of their rope today. Have mercy on them, Lord. Have mercy on all of us. In Jesus' name, Amen.


This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you struggle to find the words to pray. 

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