Keep Praying

What do we do when life is messed up? What do we do when things seem worse instead of better? Life can be that way sometimes. Jesus told us in the world we would have troubles, and that He would overcome (John 16:33). But what do we do in the meantime?

It’s interesting to look at what Jesus told the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion (Matthew 26:38-46, Luke 22:39-46). He told them to pray, while He went off and prayed by Himself. And when He did, angels came and strengthened Him.

Why did he tell the disciples to pray? Would it have changed the circumstances? Would Jesus not have to go to the Cross?

Notice, Jesus didn’t just pray by Himself, He prayed for Himself. And that’s what He was telling the disciples to do. Specifically to Peter He said, “Pray that you might not enter into temptation.” In other words, pray for strength to not fall when the test or trial comes. Prayer changes things, yes, but sometimes prayer also helps us for whatever it is we have to go through. Sometimes we need wisdom, peace, or comfort in our trial. Sometimes we need strength, like Jesus did. Like Peter did.

But unfortunately, Peter didn’t pray. He and the disciples slept instead. And we all know what happened soon after. Peter denied Jesus. Perhaps if he had been praying…

Whatever our circumstances, we need prayer. Don’t ever think God doesn’t answer. Prayer always produces results, whether it’s the results we expect or not. God is always working toward the greater good for us. And He will give us His peace beyond human comprehension in the waiting (Philippians 4:7).

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Jesus said, “Always pray, and don’t lose heart” (Luke 18:1) Said another way, “If we always pray, we won’t lose heart.” So let’s not get discouraged or give up if we see things getting worse in our nation and our world, or in our own life. Let’s just “always pray.” And keep praying, and keep praying…

We need to pray, but remember, prayer isn’t always to change the circumstances; sometimes prayer is to change us for the circumstances.

So, let’s pray this scriptural prayer together for our nation and our world, and for us to have strength to stand no matter the circumstances.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and peace that is with us when we abide in Your truth and love. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, our Helper.

We come to Your throne of grace because we need Your mercy and grace in this time of need in our nation and our world. Oh Lord, deliver us from the evil that is ramped in our world.

Lord, confuse those who bring trouble on us, and frustrate their plans. Push back our nation’s enemies, and tread down those who rise up against us. Deliver us, O God, out of the hand of the wicked, and the unrighteous. You are our hope and trust. It is You who gives us help against our enemies, for man’s help is useless.

Help us not to lose heart, but to always pray and keep our eyes on You so we will have Your peace. May we abound in hope, be patient in trials, and constant in prayer for America and our world. Give us strength and uphold us with Your righteous right hand.

Lord, Deliver us from fear. For You are our refuge, our strength, our help in trouble; so we will not be moved even when nations rage and kingdoms fall. You make wars cease, so we will be still because You will be exalted in the nations.

Oh Father, be gracious to us and bless America once again. May Your face shine on us. May Your ways be known throughout all nations. And, Lord, bless Israel; we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for whoever blesses Israel You will bless.

All of this we pray in Jesus’ mighty name. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

2 John 1:3, John 14:16

Hebrews 4:16, Matthew 6:13

Psalm 44:5, Psalm 46:7, Psalm 71:4-5, Psalm 108:12

Luke 18:1, Isaiah 26.3, Romans 12:12, Isaiah 41:10

Psalm 46:1-2, 5, 6, 9, 10

Psalm 67:1-2, Psalm 122:6, Numbers 24:9

Friends, I appreciate you stopping by! I pray your time here has been a blessing to you. Now it’s your turn, I’d love to hear from you here or on social media where I’ve posted this blog. Are you feeling anxious or discouraged? How do you keep from losing heart?

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Meantime, for more on prayer, check out

Pursuing Prayer – Being Effective in a Busy World

Please also join us on our podcast, Seeds of Hope with Del and Penny. You can find us on your favorite podcast app, or you can watch the live show on Vero’s Voice Magazine’s Facebook page on Wednesdays at 12:12 PM ET, or the replays by clicking on “Podcast” above.