We thought recently on the blog about praying in difficult situations when we don’t seem to have the words. The Psalms can help us to cry out to God in lament and prayer. Clare has crafted this prayer below based on Psalm 42, to help us pray for people in turmoil.

Lord,

Would _______ know your love today and know your song tonight. I pray that as the waves and breakers sweep over them that you would hold them fast, that they would know you protecting and anchoring them in the middle of the sadness, the overwhelming thoughts and the changes that the next couple of months might bring.

Thank you that your word recognises what it is to be downcast, to come before you and ask why? As we question “why?” help us depend on you. As we question “why?” to so many things in this life, help us to remember your goodness and to rest in you.

Amen

Psalm 42:7-11

Deep calls to deep
    in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
    have swept over me.

By day the Lord directs his love,
    at night his song is with me—
    a prayer to the God of my life.

I say to God my Rock,
    “Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
    oppressed by the enemy?”
My bones suffer mortal agony
    as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
    “Where is your God?”

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Saviour and my God.