He already knows

If you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome!

Sometimes God wakes me in the night and I feel such an urgency to pray, but to be honest I don’t always have the words.

That’s when I reach for the Word and simply pray scripture. The power of scripture shakes me, in a good way. It shakes off my fear of not knowing that to say. It shakes my own sense of inadequacy and reminds me of the power of His Word.

Today I’m sharing 10 of those scriptures and the intimate prayers that came from the when I had no words. I pray that you’ll take them as yours. ~ Suzie

When you are afraid

The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1 (NLT)

Lord, you are my light and my salvation, so help me see that over my fear. You are my fortress and protect me from danger. Still my fearful thoughts. 

When you are angry with a loved one

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9 (NLT)

Jesus, I’m angry and hurt. Help me see this the way you do. Step into my feelings and replace the anger with tenderness and a different attitude. Help me to turn the conversation in a new direction, one of healing over conflict or drama. Thank you for this person. Remind me of why I love them. Thank you that you love me right where I am. 

When you don’t know how to respond

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:1-4 (NLT)

Lord, some people tell me to take revenge or say the words that are boiling up on the inside of me. Help me. Close my ears to bad advice. Thank you that you will show me through Your word what to do. Help me stand strong, my roots deep in my faith. Let me live free regardless of what is going on around me. 

When you are sad

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18 (NLT)

Father, I’m sad. I feel crushed and I’m thankful that I have a place to go with those feelings. You rescued me before and I place my emotions and my heart in your hands one more time. Thank you for healing my broken heart. 

When you are in mourning

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (NLT)

Lord, You allow sacred space for mourning and I’m grateful for that, but today I step into your promise that You will pour peace over my heart and my thoughts. 

When people let you down

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 42:11 (NLT)

I’m not going to pretend with you, Jesus. I’m discouraged by how people mess up and how that impacts my life. Yet You are a safe place to share those thoughts.  I find my hope and establish my identity in You, a steadfast Savior and friend. 

When you are afraid

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT)

Abba Father, my instinct is to run or hide and to live in fear. Yet You do not fail to walk through this with me. You are not unaware of the evil around us, but greater are You, Father. Let your strength be my courage. 

When your temper is bigger than you

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1 (NLT)

Jesus, help me see further down the road than this moment. Help me to hold back hasty words that only inflame and lead me to words that are wise and that will work through this conflict.

When nothing is going the way you thought it would

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

Jesus, I thought it was going to happen one way and it hasn’t. I choose to believe that You have new strength for me, even in this hard place. Regardless of what is happening or not happening, take me to new places in my relationship with You. Show me that it’s not where I am, but who I am with that is the most transforming. 

When you no longer feel your faith

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence,
and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:10-12 (NLT)

Lord, regardless of how I got here, open your arms as I run to You. Let’s start anew. Fresh. Reignite my love for You and fill me back up with Your Spirit. I desire to follow You, not like I’d follow a list of rules, but because following You gives me life and more abundantly. 

What are your favorite scriptures? Will you share one and make it a prayer today? Let’s encourage each other.

Suzie

Related Resource

Come With Me Prayers: 31 Prayers for the Journey