Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt. 11:28-30
(As I pray for hurting friends and real situations, ask the Holy Spirit to show you who to bring the throne of grace today.)
Dear Lord Jesus, though I slept really well last night, I begin today quite restless with concern. I’m burdened for a few friends who are dangerously depleted, emotionally on edge, and spiritually numb. I could not be more grateful for your call to the heavy-laden and promise of soul rest.
One friend can no longer fight the strong undertow of rage she faces every single day in her home. She’d rather “pull in her oars” and drift down stream, rather than continue to fight the cruel current.
Another brother lives in a vortex of shame—either unable or unwilling to believe you won’t crush him if he comes to you. Satan has convinced him he’s hopeless and irredeemable. Then there’s the married couple, who’ve lost sight of the issues, and, now, are simply trying to out-maneuver and “out-mean” each other. They seem oblivious to the ways their bitterness and bickering impact their children.
Jesus, I am weary and burdened for my friends, and I bring them to you right now. Out of the strength of your gentleness and the power of your humility, give me what I need to love well in messy places. Show me how to pray and wrestle in the Holy Spirit for them. I take on your yoke because it unites me to you.
Free me to be comfortable with not being able to fix anything and anyone. More than anything, I want you to receive glory in each of these broken stories.
Write stories of redemption for your name’s sake. Bring your resurrection power to bear in each of these three situations, I pray. The things that are impossible with us are more than possible with you.
Keep me restless for my friends, Jesus, but keep me fully resting in you. So very Amen I pray, in your gentle, humble-hearted name.
