Lord, you will not disappoint

When you experience trauma and grief, you feel hopeless. The future is frightening.

But God’s promises are powerful. 

Pray this prayer, based on Isaiah’s prophecies in Isaiah 49: 

God of heaven,

You declare great things over me–

help me to believe them!

You say,

“You have formed me and designed me for your purpose.

No matter what I’ve done, 

no thing is too hard for you to redeem.”

You say,

“You who are overlooked and hated,

some day, you will be noticed and accepted.

The Lord is faithful.”

You say,

“In good times, I will pour out my blessing on you;

I will covenant to you

to set you free from darkness.

You will find sustenance on every hill.

You will not hunger or thirst.

I will make roads for you where there are none.

My compassion will lead you.”

Shout for joy!

The Lord remembers his people;

he will comfort me in distress.

It’s not possible for a mother to forget her nursing baby;

it is not possible for you to forget me.

You have engraved your spirit on my hands;

you place walls of protection around me.

You say,

“As surely as I live,

your children will hang about your neck

like ornaments. 

You will be a bride adorned for her husband.

You matter how much you feel that you’ve been ruined,

I will redeem you.

Even when you’re grieving,

rejected,

barren,

alone–

I will bring you into a spacious place for you to live.”

You say,

“I will raise my banner over you;

I will give you sons and daughters.

You will be mentored by kings and queens.

I will not disappoint you.”

Lord, I trust you.

Redeem my sorrow and my sadness.

Restore my joy.

Lead me in your way toward righteousness.

In Jesus’ name, 

Amen.