I remember with stark clarity a time several years ago when our family sat staring at changes on every front. The kids were neck deep in school and activities. David was going through a job transition that took its own sweet time unfolding. As I wrote my first book, I dealt with tricky relationships. Much of what went on behind the scenes managed to culminate before we took our annual summer trip to visit family in Oklahoma. I remember being so haggard on that trip, completing the simplest task or request felt impossible. When we arrived to my in-laws’ lake house on Grand Lake, I sputtered through the front door with my suitcase in one hand and my daughter’s in the other. Sliding them into a corner of the entryway, I then plopped myself down on one of the bar stools.
At that point, my mother-in-law, who stood in the kitchen kindly making sandwiches for us all, asked me if I wanted a ham or turkey sandwich. I blinked and stared at her like she asked me to explain differential equations. I opened my mouth and stuttered, “Uh . . . umm . . . well . . . I’ll have . . . umm . . . ham.” Then I exhaled as if I’d just taken an exam on differential equations.
It’s worth mentioning that even when I’m hanging in there just fine, I have no idea how to solve a differential equation.
Sometimes a season of change will come on you, and you’re too thrown or floored or overwhelmed by your circumstances to form sentences, let alone sentences within prayers. You sputter and stutter like you’ve forgotten how to talk, like the simplest endeavors are suddenly difficult equations.
If that’s you today, first of all, I’m so sorry. What you’re going through is no small thing, and I hope you have a loved one with whom you can share your inside thoughts on the outside. And second of all, I offer up this prayer to you as some words to say when you’re at a loss for words yourself.
Dear Heavenly Father,
As I sit in this difficult change, remind me that nothing gets through the door of my life and the door of my heart without Your say so.
Bring me comfort right now through Your presence, gleaned from the Word and through the words of others, and speak to me through them, Lord.
When I feel disoriented, give me an anchored verse to repeat, such as “I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
When I feel lonely, show up for me in ways that can’t be explained except by You moving in my life.
When I feel anxious, help me to know that through even this, You are faithful. Help me recall all the ways You’ve been for me in the past and how You are for me still today.
Lord, you’ve seen me through 100% of all my former change, and I know You’ll see me through this one too.
When this change affects me directly, show me the next thing I can do. I will get through this change by doing only the next thing within my assignment: stirring the soup, picking up the kids, paying the bills, or taking a nap.
When this change affects a loved one of mine, show me how I can sit with them and support them.
Lord, I am powerless, yet I know there is power in this very prayer. You tell us that we can go to Your throne to find mercy and receive grace in our time of need. Well, this is my time of need, and I am reflecting obedience to You by coming to You now.
Help me to know when it’s time for me to act and when it’s time for me to sit and wait upon You.
Lord, I pray that the storm from this change be removed. But if it’s Your will for me to walk through it, I thank You that You go with me.
Thank you also that You raise up good things from impossible circumstances.
Come what may, I trust You to see me all the way through.
In Jesus’ name, whose resurrection assures me You always raise up hope,
Amen
Ruth Mills says
Kristen, what a beautiful prayer to pray for ourselves & for others! At least one in our circle will always need those truths or maybe it’s all of us all at once. The amazing thing is those principles & promises are true for all of us ALL the time! God doesn’t dole them out a little here a little there. He remains faithful even as our circumstances are not constant. Thank you for sharing & encouraging. Blessings!
Kristen Strong says
Thank you, Ruth, for sharing & encouraging me right back. Grateful for you!
Melanie Chitwood says
I feel you! I’ve been in the exact same place! Thank u for this beautiful prayer!
Kristen Strong says
Solidarity, Melanie! Thank you for your warm encouragement and presence. xo
Madeline says
Such an incredible prayer. Thank you. I struggle with the right words to use in prayer- it never feels right. But this touched me today and was what I needed. Just when things seemed to settle down, life happened and I found myself struggling with a very unexpected health concern. As I muddle through it, I will definitely reflect on this prayer.
Kristen Strong says
Madeline, I’m so thankful you found this prayer helpful. I also sometimes struggle to form words for prayers. At those times, it’s well and good to embrace someone else’s words as we remember that the Holy Spirit prayers for us too, especially when we don’t have the words to pray ourselves. Thank you for being here in our community, Madeline. xo
Bunny Harrison says
Thank you for this most timely and comforting prayer! I have forwarded it to one who has been blind sided by rejection. God bless your works, you and your family. In His Service, BH
Kristen Strong says
Hi Bunny! I’m so glad you found this prayer comforting, and I’m praying for your friend blind sided by rejection. That is never easy or fun. Praying we all feel and know the Lord’s presence within our own changing circumstances. Grateful for you!
JJJ says
Powerful prayer. I read it. I am praying with it. I need it. Thank you for praying with me and touching my heart
Kristen Strong says
Praying it alongside you!
Maura Michael says
I’m putting this prayer in my Bible!
Kristen Strong says
xoxo
Irene says
Kristen, I’m tempted to print this out and keep it in a safe place. Right now I am in a calm place. But I know the storms are coming! They may even already be brewing. And I will need the comfort of praying and hoping in these words. Thank you.
Kristen Strong says
Yes, we can definitely count on change to keep changing things! Thanking God right now for your calmer season–and for you being in this community, Irene.
Lyn says
Thank you Kristen,
So timely of a reminder in my life these days. We can always lean on prayer.
Kristen Strong says
Amen.
Nancy Ruegg says
I read your prayer in the context of a stressful time we faced some years ago. Such comfort, strength, and encouragement are woven into your words! I’m going to print it out to share with others in crisis, and keep for the next time trouble enters our lives. Thank you, Kristen!
Kristen Strong says
Thank you, Nancy, for the generous, warm encouragement. You are such a dear, and I’m so grateful for you!
Deborah Welch says
Thank you so much…I really needed to bears today!
Kristen Strong says
You’re so welcome, Deborah.
Giacomina says
Thank you
Kristen Strong says
You’re welcome, Giacomina!
Rachel Marie Kang says
This prayer met me where I needed to be met in this moment. Thank you <33
Kristen Strong says
Beautiful Rachel! What a treat to see you here!! I’m so glad the prayer encouraged you, and thank YOU for encouraging me right back. Love you! xo
Sandra says
This post and prayer was so needed for me too. Thank you!
Beth Williams says
Kristen,
Change is inevitable. Seasons change & life happens. Going through some big changes at work. New manager (third one in two years), plus staffing shortages & possible unit shut down-this will be second one in two years. Asking God for discernment to know His will in this situation. One thing is certain God WILL see me through this trial just as He’s done before. Thank you for the great prayer. I will print it out & say it daily. Others can use it also.
Blessings 🙂