Listen

I pray that the Lord answers you whenever you are in trouble. Let the name of Jacob’s God protect you. Let God send help to you from the sanctuary and support you from Zion.

Psalm 20:1-2

Think

When we are going through a difficult time, we might cry or express our feelings to someone we trust. Hopefully, that person will pray for us and support us in our time of need and trouble. In our scripture for today, we hear the psalmist praying for someone, offering them help from God. The psalmist knows that God supports us no matter what we face.

There’s a verse from another psalm that I find comforting: “When the righteous cry out, the Lord listens; God delivers them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). Knowing that God listens means we are not alone – when we struggle or when people we care about struggle. We are often quick to offer resources and aid to those we care for and support because we want to help them get through their pain as quickly as possible. We join with God in supporting those who are hurting, knowing God cares.

Tempest Strunge

Question to Ponder:

How did you make it through recent troubles you faced?

Pray

God, I pray that I will always make it through with your help. I also pray for __________, who I know is struggling right now.

Please help them feel your care and support and help me know how to care for them too.

Amen.

Go

May the peace of God reign in this place

and the love of God forever hold you tight.

May the Spirit of God flow through your life

and the joy of God uphold you day and night.

John Birch, Faith and Worship site, 2021