A Prayer for When You Need Encouragement

This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
— Lamentations 3:21-23

Father, I feel discouraged. Sorrow wells up in me because of disappointments, losses, deep needs, and unmet expectations. Of course, You understand my sadness even more than I do. You see what is truly causing this deep hurt and making me feel hopeless. But, Lord, I realize that when I focus on what I don’t have, my problems, or my regrets, they will always overwhelm me. They will always be bigger than they really are. So, Jesus, I will set my focus on You. Encourage and comfort me, my Lord and Savior.

I call Your faithfulness to mind, and therefore have hope. Thank You, Father, that You will always fulfill what You’ve promised. You have vowed to give me hope and a future. You have guaranteed that You will never leave or forsake me. You have assured me that You will walk with me on the mountains and in the valleys of life. I praise You because You are reliable, steadfast, unfailing, unwavering, constant, and trustworthy. You never forget, never falter, and You never fail.

• You are always unswervingly faithful in all things.

This is because You, Lord God, are omniscient — You know everything and, therefore, understand how to prepare, mature, and lead me in every changing season of life. You are omnipotent — You have the power to do anything and aren’t hindered by any force on earth or in Heaven. You are omnipresent — I am always within the reach of Your strong and loving hand. And You are unchanging — Your faithfulness endures forever. You can be trusted to keep Your promises in all things and at all times.

Surely, knowing You are with me encourages my heart and helps me to continue forward. You work all things together for my edification, and even the trials I experience are for my good and Your glory. Your precious Word gives me assurance, directs me through the changing seasons of life, and reminds me that no matter what I face, I can do so with absolute confidence. You have delivered me through many trials and will continue to do so. You have set me free from bondage and persistently work in me so I can walk in Your liberty. Your loving, faithful presence will be with me today and will accompany me in all my tomorrows.

There is no reason for my soul to be downcast, because I can put my hope in You — the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, my Great High Priest, Redeemer, Defender, and Provider. I praise You for how awesome, loving, and encouraging You are.

Thank You for encouraging me and comforting me, Father. Thank You for forgiving my sins and teaching me to walk in Your truth. Thank You that nothing is impossible for You. Thank You for the precious promises You bring to mind and Your presence, Your power, Your compassion, and Your loving-kindness toward me. I will put all my hope in You.

In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Excerpted with permission from When You Don’t Know What to Pray by Charles F. Stanley, copyright Charles F. Stanley.

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Your Turn

If you are discouraged today, the Lord holds you so close. He desires to comfort you with His presence and soothe your worries and hopelessness. Lean on Him for support and rest in Him! Come share your thoughts with us. We want to hear from you about relying on God for hope and encouragement! ~ Devotionals Daily