Friday Morning Prayer:)… January 21, 2021

January 22, 2021 - 7 minutes read

‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.[1]

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”[2]

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“How long, O Lord?  Will you forget me forever?  How long will you hide your face from me?”[3]  The Psalmist reflects the aching heart of mankind in the midst of suffering and pain.  We all suffer in some measure whether or not we believe in a sovereign merciful God.  C.S. Lewis “God whispers to us in our pleasure, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains…”  I thought about the Psalmist when I spoke to an aching heart today.  Her words were similar, “God is not answering my prayers,” accompanied by that very real desperate emotional expression and need for healing comfort.  The Psalmist knew his anguish couldn’t go on forever; he pleaded, “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?”[4]  I do not know the specific purpose of God for your pain and suffering.  However, the God of mercy through the Lord Jesus has a purpose and calls us to “…fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith…”

The Psalmist in his overwhelming circumstances expressed his real vulnerability, mental anguish, even impending death if things did not change. “Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;” Oh man! We too experience overwhelming, heavy, full of sorrow events, we hurt emotionally and physically like the Psalmist and it seems like there is no light in sight.  “But” is a great transitional word!  There is a light that is coming for the heart that holds on!  Keep praying through painful circumstances, seemingly unbearable emotions, and cry out for help, supernatural strength to persevere—relying on amazing grace to echo the words of the Psalmist, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.  I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.”[5]  The Psalmist was not forgotten, nor will you be forgotten by our merciful God.

Without a doubt the purpose of past self-induced pain and suffering in my life was at the hand of our sovereign God to show saving mercy to my lost soul.  Many other times of suffering was the hand of discipline to help me change my wayward ways.  The Scriptures do not leave us guessing or uncertain about the purpose of pain.  “God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.”  And, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”[6]  In no way do I wish pain on anyone—it is an inherent inevitability for everyone in this life.  I do pray for God’s wisdom, discernment, and much, ever-increasing desire to show mercy for those suffering.  And, may the shouts of God through pain cause you and me too to trust our Lord Jesus and persevere to the end.  Oh, for grace to trust him more!

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

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Sisters are meeting to pray together.  First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way, Alpine, 0900

You are invited!  Gals trusting in Jesus gather week after week to encourage one another and pray.  If your schedule allows, join sisters in Christ for a sweet hour of prayer.  Thank you, sisters.

Brothers are meeting too!  Mt. View Bible, 2710  Alpine Blvd. Alpine, 0730

Diverse brothers representing various churches gather to pray and encourage one another.  The prayers of the righteous in Christ are powerful and effective!  In the midst of it all, brothers gathering for a time of sharing, bringing our petitions, even silence before the throne of grace is essential as we persevere in our shared faith.   Join us.

Brothers can join us via Zoom too!  Tap in and listen, share, pray as we cry out for the Spirit of God to lead our time together.  The link is for brothers who can’t make it or just prefer to join via ZOOM.  Either way is a blessing!  Let’s glorify our God together with genuine expressions of reliance on his amazing grace.

Brothers are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting, 0730 – 0830

Topic: Friday Morning Prayer

Any brothers in Jesus wanting to join via Zoom? Reach out via email to confirm your desire.


[1] https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Tis_So_Sweet_to_Trust_in_Jesus/

[2] Hebrews 12:2

[3] Psalm 13:1

[4] Ibid v. 2

[5] Ibid v. 5-6

[6] Hebrews 12:10-11