Prayer – Praising God In Difficult Times

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When life crumbles all around you and you are left to pick up the broken pieces, when you have lost a loved one, or your business has crashed down, when you have gone through a divorce or have failed a very important exam, and when everything is just not going your way… 

In these difficult times, there’s almost nothing to praise God for, humanly speaking. We tend to focus on our predicament, instead of focusing on God. We may even feel forgotten by God. But what does the Bible say?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

And it furthermore continues to say, in Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

Rejoicing even in difficult circumstances

How can I rejoice after failing my final year at varsity? Paul and Silas make a good example for us in the Book of Acts. They were stripped and thrown into jail in the name of Jesus Christ.

But instead of them thinking that Jesus didn’t even appreciate their work, or that God had left them, they decided to pile up praises unto the God of heaven!

This should be our attitude. How many times did we think God has forsaken us just because it was stormy? I’m sure that their beatings were still painful, the same way our current hardship has affected us. But they still praised God. 

So our circumstances should not hinder us from praising God. Through our pain, let us rejoice and praise God, for this is the will of our heavenly Father.

Praising God in all situations

Praising God in times of hardship and difficulty is like a sweet-smelling aroma before God. If we can understand that no matter what we go through, God is faithful, then our hardships will lead us to praise Him more. Circumstances do not change God, God changes circumstances.

While Paul and Silas were praising and worshiping God, their chains were loosed, and those of the other prisoners who were with them. As you start praising God, may the chains of your debts and pain be loosed, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Let Us Pray

In the Midst of the Storm, You Are My Anchor

O Lord, as I walk through challenging moments, when the world around me seems chaotic and my heart is weighed down with burdens, I choose to lift my eyes to You. Even when I don’t understand the reason for my trials, I trust in Your sovereign plan.

The winds may howl, and the waves may crash, but in the midst of the storm, You are my anchor. Your steadfast love and unchanging nature are the constants I can hold onto.

Despite the tears that may blur my vision and the doubts that cloud my mind, I praise You. For in the depths of my pain, I’ve seen Your hand work miracles. The trials that seemed insurmountable became platforms for showcasing Your might.

Even when it feels like I’m walking through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me. In the face of adversity, Your presence is my joy, and Your promises are my hope.

Psalm 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Praise God In Difficult Times

Mighty God, sometimes my heart feels heavy, and it becomes challenging to see the silver lining. But in these moments, I remember the sacrifices Jesus made for me. Despite the pain and humiliation He endured, He considered the joy set before Him and bore it all for my sake.

As I reflect on this, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and a renewed strength to embrace joy even amid sorrow. When disappointments come my way, when doors close, and answers seem distant, I am reminded of Your faithfulness throughout the ages.

The stories of the saints who, even in the face of persecution and hardship, never ceased to praise You inspire me. They found strength in their adoration, in their songs, and in their unwavering faith. Just as they drew near to You in their times of need, I too, seek Your face, knowing that joy comes in the morning.

James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Psalm 30:5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

The Melody of Gratitude in Affliction

Father, even when it’s hard to utter words of praise, I pray that my heart would hum a melody of gratitude. For I recognize that my difficulties are not denials of Your love but often a deeper call into the essence of faith.

I choose to see the blessings disguised in trials, the lessons embedded in challenges, and the opportunities for growth that pain often brings.

Your Word tells me that in everything I should give thanks. While it’s easy to be grateful in seasons of abundance and calm, I desire the spiritual maturity to also recognize Your hand in the storms.

So, today, though my circumstances might not have changed, my perspective does. I praise You, not just for the good times but also for the hard times, understanding that they shape and mold my character and draw me closer to Your heart.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

Psalm 71:8 “Let my mouth be filled with your praise and with your honor all the day.”

Praising Even In The Face Of Trials

When my heart begins to murmur and complain against You, please remind me that you make all things beautiful in your time and that all things work together for the good of those who love You.

Even in the face of trials, I know that You are working for my good and Your glory. As I navigate the challenges of life, I am reminded of Your faithfulness and unfailing love.

Your praises will always be on my lips, for You are worthy, irrespective of my circumstances.

Through the highs and lows, in seasons of plenty and of want, I will continue to exalt Your name, for You are good, and Your mercies endure forever. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

John 14:27. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”