Joyful Moments in Christ

A Prayer

Dear God,

The book of Ruth teaches us that it is okay to ask another person for something we need. When I consider that Ruth was asking for marriage to a near stranger, I know that this is much more difficult than anything I have ever requested! As I encounter my own difficulties, help me to remember that you put other people into my life so that I can have community. When times are good, I should help others. When times are bad, it is okay to ask for help, but sometimes I let my pride get in the way of asking for the things I need.

Ruth was not just asking for herself, but also to fulfill a promise made to care for her mother-in-law. As time went on, it became apparent that she would not be able to fulfill this promise without help, so she swallowed her pride and asked for Boaz to marry her. When my problems affect others, don’t let me tarry in asking for help, but help me to seek help when it is needed.

As I ask for help, I pray that it will come from a heart of gratitude and not from entitlement. In American culture, it is very easy to assume that we deserve everything good and that it is someone else’s responsibility to give it to us. Help me break free from this attitude and act in a way that is pleasing to you.

Ruth was known as a woman of noble character, which is what you want from all of us. Please give me wisdom so that I can also be known as a woman of noble character. Help me to develop the traits that you list as fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I particularly need help in the area of patience. When things don’t go my way, it is easy to be irritated and lose patience. Forgive me for this weakness.

When someone comes to me for help, please give me wisdom to know how to respond. I find it interesting that Boaz doesn’t give a definite answer at first. Did he want to help, but wanted to make sure that the other kinsman redeemer would not stand in the way? Or did he know that marriage to Ruth was a duty he felt compelled to fulfill, but was hoping for a way out? As I face requests, give me wisdom as to whether to answer with a yes, no, or maybe. If a no answer is needed, give me the wisdom to respond compassionately. If the request is hard and I say yes, give me the ability to follow through.

I thank you for the gift of community and ask for your help in being a full participant in both giving and receiving.

I pray in Jesus name. Amen.

Respond

Please pray a short prayer for the foreigner and refugee. If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

As you consider the themes of community and asking for help in times of need, are there any Bible verses that came to mind? If so, add a comment at the end of this post!

Related Resources

Read: Ruth 3 – A Bible Study about Taking Action while Remaining Humble and Respectful

Read: Ruth 3:11 – A Memory Verse with Reflection Questions

Read: Musings about Asking for Help

Visit the Joyful Moments in Christ homepage for all posts, or scroll through other blog posts related to the book of Ruth:

English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.