Active Hope (and Pumpkins)

I hope to grow my very own fall pumpkin. But that hope requires me to water my plant and also keep people from mowing it down (an accident which really only happened once). The point is—I have to guard and nurture my pumpkin hopes. And then, in due time, I can enjoy the fruit of…

A Prayer for Joy

Find the place deep within me where anxious thoughts and sadness live, and console me. Nothing is beyond your understanding. You are God Almighty. Wrap me in your gladness and give me voice to sing your praise even when trials and tribulation surround me. You are my joy.

A Prayer of Lament

My original plan included ending with a prayer for joy. That prayer is coming. I do believe joy comes in the morning, but that generally means we live through the night first. God understands the human need to lament, and sometimes I rush past that part. It isn’t fun to weep, or grieve, or suffer.

A Prayer for Humility

Thank you for being a God who is big enough to hold all of my insecurity, fear, and failure. Thank you for forgiving me time and again, for allowing me to grow—even if it’s hard—to be more like you. I am so thankful to be your child, and I trust you to be the one who is in control of my life. I lay down my anger and my pride in exchange for your grace and a humble heart. I surrender to you, Lord, and humbly ask to partake of your peace in love.

A Prayer for Comfort

Lord, thank you for your comfort and help when the world is too much. When I am sorrowful, distressed, troubled, or overwhelmed, may I seek You—as Jesus did—and find comfort in your presence. Please be my refuge.

A Prayer for Compassion

Lord, thank you for your compassion and being mindful of me. Help me turn from selfishness and find contentment in you. As a beneficiary of your divine compassion, help me advocate for the needs of others. Help me notice those in need, and help me honor others more than myself. I cannot do this without you, Lord. I need you.

A Prayer for Communion

Thank you for understanding what it is like to be lonely. Help me eagerly await the day when I will be eternally with you. And please help me endure physical loneliness as I wait for the freedom to fully commune with others in person. Give me strength and hope, Father.

A Prayer for Patience

Lord, thank you for blessing those who persevere. Thank you for your compassion and mercy as we wait. I confess I am weary in the waiting. I’m tired of the world being this way. Keep me from turning to sinful anger or fearful fretfulness. Forgive my grumbling and complaining. Help me run this race with joy in you, my redeemer. Thank you for your mercy and strength in my weakness

A Prayer for Peace

May my hope in you be the anchor for my soul—firm and secure. As I fix my eyes on you, I ask you to give me perfect peace even in the midst of the storm. You are my peace.

A Prayer for Healing

Father, you are the Creator, and you have compassion on your creation. You know how all living things function. Your knowledge and power can heal the brokenness in this world. You are Creator God, Healer, Redeemer!

A Prayer for Security

Father, I praise you for your unchanging nature. You do not change. You do not grow old or weak. You are timeless and powerful, full of love and truth. You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords! You are my refuge.

A Prayer Series for a Pandemic

An introduction to a series of prayers for security, healing, peace, patience, communion, compassion, comfort, humility, and joy as the world continues fighting a pandemic.