Joyful Moments in Christ

By the time that we are adults, most of us will know what it feels like to cry out in distress. Sometimes our trouble comes from extremely painful circumstances, but at other times the trouble is more subtle and comes from choices that have quietly led us away from God. Jonah 2:2 reminds us that the Lord hears us whenever we feel lost or overwhelmed. His compassion does not waver, and his willingness to rescue reaches into the darkest places of fear, regret, or confusion. This prayer is shaped by that truth and offers a way to seek his help, confess our need, give thanks for his steady grace, and ask for strength to walk in his ways with joy and confidence.

A Prayer

Dear Father,

You know everything about each of us, and you delight in rescuing your children with a strength and compassion that never falters. You see our distress long before we recognize it, and you draw near with a steady hand. You are the God who listens when we cry out, just as Jonah declared in Jonah 2:2 (ESV): “I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.” Your attentiveness brings comfort and hope, and your willingness to save brings joy to hearts that often feel overwhelmed.

I confess that I require your rescue far too often. The dangers around me sometimes look appealing, and like a moth to a flame, I wander toward what harms my soul. I see the flames of temptation and foolishly believe I can stand close without being burned. I confess that my own decisions lead me into places I never intended to go, and each time you are the one who calls me back. Forgive me for treating lightly the warnings you give and for resisting the wisdom that would keep me safe.

Thank you that you do not give up on me. Thank you that your mercy remains steady when my choices are unsteady. I praise you for every moment that you redirect my path, even when I resist the change. Thank you that you continue to teach me your ways and patiently shape my heart through the ongoing work of sanctification. Your persistence reminds me that your love is stronger than my wandering.

Please continue your transforming work within me. Guide me away from danger and draw me toward what is holy, right, and just. Help me learn your ways and delight in them. When I face distress, teach me to cry out to you first, rather than after I have reached the point of exhaustion. Strengthen me to follow your voice, trust your wisdom, and rest in the assurance that you hear me every time I call.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Respond

Please pray a prayer about rescue and renewal.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can use the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, and Supplication:

• Adoration: Praise God. Does this topic bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
• Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Does this topic bring any specific sins to mind?
• Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from this topic inspire gratitude?
• Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from this topic inspire a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

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Related Resources

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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.