A Prayer for the Tough Times

A Prayer for the Tough Times

Ever know you need to pray but just can’t find the words?
Ever feel so stymied in your prayer life, you thirst for a new way to pray?

I just finished reading and reviewing a simple gift book by Max Lucado titled For the Tough Times. I usually enjoy Lucado’s writing, especially his inspirational “Maxisms” and word pictures, but this book was almost too simplistic.

Nevertheless, it did remind me of an approach to prayer that I have not used for a long time and which can be very helpful in tough and/or dry times.

Take a short Bible verse and repeat it slowly, emphasizing the different words. Pause between each time the verse is repeated so the words can sink into your heart and refresh your soul.

In this book Lucado uses Romans 8:31 “God is for us.”So the prayer would be like this:
God is for us.
God is for us
God is for us
God is for us

Of course any meaningful Bible verse can be used. One of my favorites is:
The Lord is my shepherd.
The Lord is my shepherd.
The Lord is my shepherd.
The Lord is my shepherd.
The Lord is my shepherd.

Many times we just can’t find the words or feel God’s presence. God gives us the words, His Word, for those times. Repeating Bible phrases slowly in prayer lifts our heart as the words linger deep inside us and resonate in our soul.