Lean
HOW TO PRAY DURING DIFFICULT SEASONS
NOTE #2
Withdraw and isolate when under pressure or in crisis—that’s me at my weakest. At my best, I’m openly reflective, hopeful and progressive (however small) in areas that mean a lot to me. If I tell you that today is a good day, then likely a few yesterdays weren’t good. After the fact, some flags will confirm that I really was MIA. Usually only length of time (or the Holy Spirit) will set off your Dannielle sensors. In truth, I bank on that gap to secure my defense mechanisms. And I know it doesn’t help that I’m naturally quiet.
While away, I usually try to pray on my own. I want to work it out with the Lord by myself. Often, though, I’m at a loss—for a few reasons, some obvious, but one in particular has handicapped me more than once. I’ve found that I don’t have specific words to pray, words that have the power to relieve me. All of a sudden, I’ve forgotten the heart of God for me. All of a sudden, the comfort I find in the dark begins to crush me.
I have core groups of people (family, friends) who I need to check in on me, and keep me in check when I trend in self-sufficient mode. I need people to inject themselves (sometimes) into my story. In light of my experiences, I have two recommendations:
Challenge yourself to be vulnerable. Leaning on someone or others opens the door to support in prayer; and you gain strength in knowing you’re not alone. This is real.
Have a pre-made list of Scriptures handy, especially if you’re in a situation that won’t be resolved quickly, like a health crisis.
Click here for a list of passages you can use to pray for health.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. -Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. -Hebrews 4:12
Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash