“O Lord, I am calling to you. Please hurry!
Listen when I cry to you for help!
Accept my prayer as incense offered to you,
and my upraised hands as an evening offering.”
Psalm 141:1–2 NLT
Sometimes prayer feels effortless — like breathing. Other times, it feels like gasping for air. In this psalm, David doesn’t hide behind polite words or polished faith. He comes raw and real: “Please hurry! Listen when I cry to you for help!”
What a relief to know we can pray like this, too. God doesn’t require us to have it all together before we come to Him. Instead, He invites us to bring our honesty. Our weariness. Our waiting.
But notice David’s reverence too — his cry is paired with worship: “Accept my prayer as incense… my upraised hands as an offering.” Even in desperation, he remembers who God is: worthy, holy, attentive, kind.
This is the sacred rhythm of prayer: honesty and honor, lament and trust. When we lift our hearts like David, we create space for both grief and gratitude. Our tears become worship. Our cries become connection. And somewhere between the ache and the amen, hope begins to rise again.
So today, come to God as you are, no masks, no filters. Cry out for what you need. Remember who He’s always been. And thank Him for how He’s still at work, even now.
Community Practice:
In the comments, share a short prayer request — something you’re crying out to God for. Then, take a moment to pray for another sister who shares. Let’s lift one another up like incense before the Lord.
Some new tests and treatments coming up for my back discomfort. Praying that these will bring positive results. . .
Praying for you Sharon, that the Lord will bring you healing.
Many things going on in my life that have left me feeling weary and depressed. I have so much to be grateful for and it’s frustrating to feel this way. I’m praying the Lord will restore my joy and lift me out of this.
I know how it results frustrating not to find joy when we know we have so very much to be thankful… in spite of difficult periods in Live. I am praying for you to day Jen, trusting God to bring back to you the joy of life. Don’t feel bad if you need Doctor’s help or medication. God gave knowledge to them too. You will get out of this … with love
Prayers for new parents and siblings.
A prayer for healing for my husband Jim who has been suffering with pancreatitis for 9 months . It started because a biopsy in a small cist on his pancreas. He has lost 60 pounds and has been hospitalized 8 times.
I am standing with you and your husband in prayer. I pray Lord, that you will take the pain and discomfort from Jim’s body. Restore him and heal him Lord. Amen
I’m sorry to hear your husband is going through so much, as well as you. My sister has had another bout of it too recently after her second surgery, near to the pancreas, to clean out her ducts. It has been something else. The excruciating pain.
Thank you Lord for being the God above all my suffering. I come to you in need of lasting pain relief, body restored. For my soon to be ex husband, who just recently had a massive stroke and heart failure. A new home for me when I file for divorce. Yes, I am staying to see he gets better. Lord, I feel you near in my life, and I know the blessings are coming. In your name Jesus. Amen
I have been in severe pain for a year. Back surgery 6 weeks ago brought no relief . I ask for pain relief and that I can walk again .
I pray for Cindy being treated for cancer.
Lord – I am weary over the battle of my husbands addiction over the past 20 years and the trauma, tornado, destruction, emotional abuse, tearing apart of a marriage and family. Lord I plead with you to break the chains. Grip my husband, his whole being, overwhelm him with your love and cast out the enemies schemes in Jesus name and restore, repair, heal, my husband, myself and our family. In your timing and ways. We surrender all to you, you are a good, good father. We trust in your provision and love. Thank you for all you have done and are doing as we reach for you as you walk with us, one day at a time. We love you Lord! Amem