Finding Solace in Prayer During Dark Times
When faced with spiritual darkness, it can be overwhelming and isolating. However, it is in these moments that we can turn to the Lord in prayer and find comfort in His word. The following prayers, adapted from The ESV Prayer Bible, offer a glimpse into the hearts of believers throughout history who have cried out to God in times of despair and discouragement.
A Cry for Illumination
In the midst of darkness, we can pray for illumination, just as Henry Wotherspoon Grant did:
“Lord, hear our prayer… For all from whom God’s face is hidden—by extremity of suffering, by unbelief, by loss of faith, by wickedness of men… For all righteous and faithful men, who are tempted to cast away faith or to lose confidence in God.”
A Plea for Transformation
John Calvin’s prayer reminds us that even in darkness, God’s light can transform us:
“O grant that we may make such advances in the light of truth, that every one of us may be ashamed of his former ignorance, and that we may freely and ingenuously confess that we were lost sheep, until we were brought back into the way of salvation by your hand.”
A Request for Mercy
Wilhelm Loehe’s prayer shows us that we can come to God with our guilt and sin, and ask for His mercy:
“Lord Jesus Christ, who carries the lost sheep back into the fold in your arms, and deigns to hear the confession of the publican, graciously remit all my guilt and sin.”
An Appeal to God’s Mercies
Henry Smith’s prayer encourages us to appeal to God’s mercies, knowing they are greater than our sins:
“We appeal, O Lord, to your mercies, knowing them to be much more greater than our sins; and you came not to call the righteous but the sinners to repentance, to whom you say, ‘Come unto me all you that are overladen and diseased with the burden of sins, and I will ease you and refresh you.’”
Finding Comfort in God’s Word
These prayers remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. We can turn to God’s word and the prayers of the saints to find comfort and solace in times of spiritual darkness. Whether we are anxious, repentant, sorrowed, or struggling with spiritual darkness, God is near and ready to defend, protect, and preserve those He loves.
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