I often receive prayer requests. Those are tough messages for folks to even write – I know, I used to not ask for prayer. I thought that I should be stronger than that. But it is just the opposite. When we humble ourselves to ask others for prayer, that is when Jesus can use us, that is when He has a chance to make us strong. It is when we see no hope, or no end to the struggle we are in, that we finally realize that we can’t do it on our own, that we need help from others, and that we need the Lord to take our pain. That is the miracle that I get to see in the requests that come my way. And what a miracle it is when we say, “I am in need of prayer!”

Complete Trust In God

Do not look forward to the trials and crosses of this life with dread and fear. Rather, look to them with full confidence that, as they arise. God, to whom you belong, will deliver you from them.

He has guided and guarded you thus far in life. Do you but hold fast to his dear hand, and he will lead you safely through all trials. Whenever you cannot stand, he will carry you lovingly in his arms.

Do not look forward to what happens tomorrow. The same Eternal Father who cares for you today will take good care of you tomorrow and every day of your life. Either he will shield you from suffering or he will give you the unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace then and put aside all useless thoughts, vain dreads, and anxious imaginations.

—St. Francis de Sales

Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.
1 Peter 5:7

So today, Lord, we surrender our burdens to You. We surrender our pain to You. We pray for the strength so that we may be used by You for Your Glory. Amen.