Why re-invent the wheel? Sometimes the Book of Psalms is the only prayer resource we need. Psalm 143 is one to turn to when you are feeling overwhelmed by a trial. Use it today as your template for prayer.

Start with acknowledging the flawless character of God.

Hear my prayer, O Lord;
listen to my plea!
Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.

Segue to an honest look at your own character. 
Don’t put your servant on trial,
for no one is innocent before you.

Recount the wretched facts
My enemy has chased me.
He has knocked me to the ground
and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave.

Get real with God
I am losing all hope;
I am paralyzed with fear.
I remember the days of old.
I ponder all your great works
and think about what you have done.

Take a posture of faith and believe for a miracle
I lift my hands to you in prayer.
I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

Interlude – Sing a song or wait quietly

Get desperate for His presence
Come quickly, Lord, and answer me,
for my depression deepens.
Don’t turn away from me,
or I will die.
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.

Ask for direction and wisdom
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;
I run to you to hide me.
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing.
For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life.

Wage war with the forces of darkness through faith in His authority
Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.
In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies
and destroy all my foes [the devil and his cohorts],
for I am your servant.

The Lord hears every word we utter in prayer with faith in His character, love, and power. We rise from our time in prayer, continuing the conversation all day long, for His Spirit lives in us to walk with us, give us wisdom and guidance for every moment. Have confidence that you have done your part today in putting your concerns into His capable hands. Rest in the knowledge that He is for you, so who can be against you?

Keep the faith fire burning in your heart all day long. Nothing quenches that fire faster than strife or offense, so steer clear of that at all costs. This miracle is too dear to let squabbles and petty arguments hinder the outcome or the answer to your heart’s cry.

Stay in a tone of awe and worship all day. The fear of the Lord is to live in a constant state of  wonder at His goodness and mercy towards you. He loves you. His love will never let you down. His love never fails. Get his love embedded deeply within you, and that love will never fail!

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