I have begun to use an online app to learn a new language. Last night, the lesson included some new vocabulary words. I had several applications where I matched the new word in Spanish to its English equivalent. The words were not given within a context; they were simply two lists, one in Spanish and one in English. I was not as highly successful with those exercises, but they served to introduce the words. In the next exercise, those exact vocabulary words were used in sentences containing words I had previously learned. I was more familiar with the new vocabulary words used in sentences I understood. I had a much higher success rate with that exercise!

Last week, we discussed praying Scripture back to God when we don’t know how to pray for a situation or others. Just as I was more successful in lessons with vocabulary words and sentences that I understood, having a firm foundational knowledge of Scripture teaches me to pray more powerfully. There are many benefits to memorizing Scripture, but if we read His Word daily without memorizing it, the Holy Spirit can still call that Scripture to mind as we need it. The more time we spend reading and studying Scripture, the more we can readily recall that same Scripture when we need to pray. If you do not have a daily quiet time to read Scripture, I encourage you to develop the practice.

Several people I pray for daily are in longstanding, challenging situations. Some serve as the primary caregiver for a family member. Some are in tough work situations. A few are students who feel overwhelmed. Whatever their specific situation, they often feel discouraged. I pray daily that the LORD will be their comfort and strength and encourage them. I acknowledge that as their Creator, He loves them more than I ever could and knows what they need that day. My prayers include Scripture verses that celebrate His care of them and His desire to bring comfort and strengthen them. Sometimes, I personalize the Scripture by adding their name; some days, I just cry out to the Lord and remind Him of His promises to His children. I have included some of my favorite Scriptures to pray for those who require encouragement and comfort.

Psalm 27:5

Lord, today _____ is experiencing trouble! Please hide ___ in Your shelter; in the secret place of Your tent hide ____; Please set _____ high upon a rock that ____ may have a firm footing to face the situation.

Psalm 119:50

Father, I pray that You will give comfort and consolation with the knowledge that Your Word has revived ___ and given ___ life.

Psalm 138:7-8

Lord, _____ is surrounded by troubles. You are His God and will preserve him against the anger of his enemies! Your power will save____. You LORD will work out Your plans for his life- Your faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 62:1-2

Lord, I pray you will help ____ to wait in silence for You. You are the source of _____ salvation. You only are _____  Rock and Salvation and Defender. I pray _____ will not be greatly moved.

Sometimes, I require encouragement and comfort! If my words fail, I turn to these passages and others to pray for myself in those moments. Today, you may require comfort and encouragement. I am praying for you!

What are your favorite Scripture passages to pray for those needing encouragement and comfort?

Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God

 (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Amplified Bible)

Serving alongside you,

Carla