Most Christians have no trouble praying for the needs of someone who is struggling. Words seem to flow from them no matter how often they pray.

Not so with me. I tend to pray very short prayers, and once prayed, don’t see the need to repeat them. God heard me. God will handle the situation. What else is there to say?

But recently I have found a situation that requires daily prayer. Several people I know are in intense battles for their minds, souls, finances, relationships, and health. A one-time prayer doesn’t seem to fit anymore.  And yet, I am unable to repeat myself every day without it becoming rote and passionless.  

I wonder how many Christians can identify with me.

For those who have no problem praying verbally, this series of blogs is not intended for you, although you may certainly read and pray them, too. This set of blogs is for those who struggle to find the words. As I work to put into words the yearning of my heart for my loved ones, I hope posting them will empower others to pray for their own struggling loved ones easier and more faithfully. May the Lord use our prayers to free His people from the battles that bind them.

(I will refer to the person I’m praying for as SIL – Someone I Love – in these posts. But when I pray, I use their real names. It would be good if you did the same.)

Day One

Lord, I lift up SIL to You. Please calm the storm around her so she can see. So she can hear Your words to her. Help her to fight. Strengthen her and show her who the enemy is. Whatever is in her, whatever pain or confusion or pride that is controlling her thoughts and reactions – and her silence and passive aggressiveness – I pray You break through and free her as You freed me. Not because I want it, though I do. Not because she needs it, though she does. But because You love her and died to set her free. Protect her from all forces trying to destroy her. Protect her from demonic thoughts as she fights her own flesh. Fill her with your Spirit. Let Your light illuminate the issues she’s struggling with. And let Your strength bolster her enough to have victory in this battle.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  2 Corinthians 4:6

Scripture paraphrased:

May You, O God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” shine in the SIL’s heart to give her the light of the knowledge of Your glory in the face of Jesus Christ.

For it is in Jesus we find freedom.

Amen.