Life doesn't always go as planned, and no matter what we do, or how strong we feel our faith in God is, we can sometimes be left feeling hopeless. It can sometimes be challenging to know what to do in these situations, after all , most people find panicking doesn't help, and worrying seems to make the problem worse.
So what can we do when we feel hopeless? We can pray. In all situations, we can reach out to God in prayer, knowing that nothing is too big (or small) for him, even those situations that feel to us, with our earthly perspective, as truly hopeless.
Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed". When we are hurting, God hurts with us.
Here are 5 prayers to turn to if you are feeling hopeless. If you'd like someone to pray with you, reach out to us and one of our trained volunteers would count it as their privilege to pray for you.
A Prayer for Hope.
Hope is the bold expectation that something good is going to happen, even when it might not immediately seem that way. Hope is closely related to our faith, and we often find that when we dare to hope, it floods our life with joy and peace. Why not pray this prayer for hope today?
Heavenly Father, I'm running to you today in a situation that feels hopeless. I pray that you fill me up with hope and give me a reminder today that hope is an anchor for my soul and that it holds me firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19-20). God, you know the things in my heart that I dare not hope for, and I give them to you today. I trust you, God, and know that You can do more than I can and ask that you because I know that you can do immeasurably more than I could ever imagine (Eph 3:20). Almighty God, you are my hope, and I place my trust in you. Amen.
A Prayer to Bring our Burdens to Jesus.
When you are in a situation that feels hopeless, it can often feel like you have the burdens of of the world on your shoulders. The amazing thing is that we can cast all our anxiety and Burdens on Jeuss as he cares so much for us. 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for us". So why not use this prayer below to throw your burdens on Jesus and let Him carry your burdens with you?
Lord Jesus, I bring my burdens to You, knowing You will take care of me, just like you have taken care of me throughout my life. I know you will not allow me to fall. I know that you will save me from this predicament that feel so hopeless. O Jesus, have mercy on me, for the troubles feels relentless. But almighty Jesus, I put my trust in You. I praise You and thank You for delivering me from my sins. I trust in You Jesus, Thankyou for carrying my burdens. Amen
A Prayer to God, our Rescuer.
Psalm 91:4 tells us that God can be our rescuer, "He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler." So why not pray this prayer to God our rescuer today?
God of Rescue, please do not ignore my cry. I know that you will listen and answer me in this moment when I am feeling overwhelmed by my troubles. I know that, no matter how hopeless it may seem to us on earth, You can turn this situation around,. I know, in time, that you will deliver me from my troubles and help me triumph. Throughout the day I call on You, Lord, and I thank You that You hear me. Amen
Thomas à Kempis's Prayer for Refuge and Hope.
Thomas à Kempis was a German-Dutch canon in the late medieval period, and he authored The Initiation of Christ, which was is one of the most popular and best known medieval Christian Devontioan Books. Within this book, Thomas included a prayer for Hope and Refuge, so why not pray it today?
"In You, O Lord God, I place all my hope and my refuge. On You I cast all my troubles and anguish because whatever I have outside of You I find to be weak and unstable. It will not serve me to have many friends, nor will powerful helpers be able to assist me, nor prudent advisers to give useful answers, nor the books of learned men to console, nor any precious substance to win my freedom, nor any place, secret and beautiful though it be, to shelter me, if You Yourself do not assist, comfort, console, instruct and guard me. For all things which seem to be for our peace and happiness are nothing when You are absent and truly confer no happiness.
You, indeed, are the fountain of all good, the height of life, the depth of all that can be spoken. To trust in You above all things is the strongest comfort of Your servants.
My God, the Father of mercies, to You I look, in You I trust. Bless and sanctify my soul with heavenly benediction so that it may become Your holy dwelling and the seat of Your eternal glory." Source The Initiation of Christ 208-210.
A Prayer to God for Redemption
Scripture is clear that God can redeem, restore, and make all things new (2 Corinthians 5:17, Revelation 21:5). So, why not pray this prayer to remind you of the redeeming power of our almighty God?
Almighty God, Your Word says You cause all things to work together for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purposes (Romans 8:28). I know that this is true for even the unexpected and unwanted things, and that whilst you may not have caused my situation, you will work it for my ultimate good. I know that you will grow me through this situation. In your almighty name, Amen.
We hope these prayers have given you some comfort in your situation today. Remember, If you'd like someone to pray with you, reach out to us and one of our trained volunteers would count it as their privilege to pray for you.
