June 23–“Help Lord”

Good Tuesday to you and my prayers for a day where God will be glorified. My sister and I spent most of the day driving yesterday and at the end of it, we went to see our mother. Mom doesn’t have her mental capacities any longer and there really isn’t a conversation to be had with her. Visits are difficult and sad, but praying for her helps us. We ask God to keep her and comfort her wherever she may be. 


Lately, I’ve been asked to pray for several different situations and I’ve felt a strong leading to prayer for a few others. When we can’t move it, fix it or go around it, we are left with but one option, prayer. When Jacob faced one of those situations, he said “We are now going to Bethel, where I will build an altar to the God who answered my prayers when I was in distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.”” Genesis‬ ‭35:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬


Im not talking about usual quiet time prayer, but rather one of specific need—something that is certainly troubling. When we are in times of uncertainty and confusion, of fear or panic, we don’t have to compose a rhyming soliloquie for God to hear and understand us, we can with urgency call on him. When things are dire, we can learn from the Psalmist when he said ““ Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.” Psalms‬ ‭107:28‬ ‭NLT‬‬


Lord help. It doesn’t get any easier than that, does it? We can add a name or a condition to the end of that and God will hear. And is it sufficient? Of course it is. God knows our hearts, minds and circumstances and He knows what we are saying even if we say nothing at all.


When these situations are real struggles, really difficult circumstances, the Apostle tells us to “Pray long and hard.” (Ep 6:18) and that “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matt 17:21). There are things, circumstances, life shattering events that will (and should) cause us to pray and fast, and to pray long and hard. 


Looking back, there is one thing we can rest in: A crisis will never be faced that after earnest prayer (short or long) that God will not respond. He will make a way. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16. 


Lord God Almighty, thank you for answering prayer, for making a way where there was none and for the wonderful results. We know that prayer is not always answered in the way we might be watching for, but we can rest confidently that you will answer in your way—the best way. We are so blessed to be called your children and that we can bring any issue directly to you. When our world is collapsing, you alone can make it right. We worship you Father for who you are and for the mighty works of your hand. Help us this day to learn to be more like you and to love people as you do. Surround those with disease and illness, and we ask for your healing touch for those we are lifting up to you. We call their names to the Most High. Thank you Lord for your mercy and your great grace on us. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear one,

Pam

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