Prayer for a friend

I have known Debbie for 18 months, and meeting with her once. She had battled depression and alcoholism for years. 3 1/2 years ago God found her and graced her with new life.

She has grown in her faith and God is using her in recovery ministry. But she has also found that the path can be difficult. I have written to her about this being the process of her becoming a “theologian of the cross,” which refers to any Christian, not a pastor or theologian. It is painful. There will be doubts. Fears. Challenges. Worry.

Debbie is facing some of that now. Am I really battling suicidal thoughts again? How can that be after all God has done for me?

But, that is not the end of the story for her—or for us. The big BUT is the end: God’s grace! Free. Unconditional. Never-ending. Unearned. Transforming.

Prayer

Lord God, Your servant, Debbie, is experiencing difficult days. But nothing is beyond Your grasp and care. Grant her a special measure of Your Mercy in the days ahead. Strengthen and comfort her. May she remain always in Your care, even as the Psalmist wrote:

Because he is lovingly devoted to Me,
I will deliver him;
I will protect him because he knows My name.
When he calls out to Me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble.
I will rescue him and give him honor.
I will satisfy him with a long life
and show him My salvation. (Psalm 91:14-16 HCSB)

We entrust Debbie to Your infinite care and love through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen