Praying As the Times Are A-Changin'

Jun 17, 2019 | by Wally Nickel

(Bob Dylan - 1963)

We can all agree that life isn’t simple and the many changes we face can make it easy us for to lose our stamina, clear sense of direction and even our motivation. God’s plan for us is always present, even though it may not always be clear to us. We may not know what is coming next, but God always knows and He is always present with us. What follows are simple prayers to help us navigate life's changes as individuals and as a church:

Prayers in Change

Claim God’s promised identity as the One who goes before you, who will be with you and never leave you nor forsake you. Ask Him to help you not fear or be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Thank God that nothing comes as a surprise to Him; He knows the plans He has for you – plans for your welfare and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Thank Jesus for His changeless nature – He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Acknowledge before the Lord that He designed the changing seasons of life. Pray that He would help you accept that for everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. Thank Him for allowing seasons of change for His distinct purposes (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Ask the Lord to help you to not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, to present your requests to Him. Call on His promised peace that surpasses our human understanding and ask that it guard your heart (Philippians 4:6-7).
Commit to the Lord that you will not look to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen, for the things that are seen are fleeting, but the things that are unseen are eternal. Ask Him to help you look beneath the surface of your circumstances, to God’s eternal purpose and His everlasting Kingdom (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Praise God that change can be one of His perfect gifts. Thank Him for changing you into a new creation when you received Jesus Christ as your Savior (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Prayer for New Vision

God, you know us better than we know ourselves. Guide us throughout our time of transition. Empower each one of us to use our unique gifts to create an abundant and beautiful life, to share our thoughts openly and honestly, to respect the opinions of others, and to do so with humility, patience and joy. Instill in us a vision of the life you intend for us to live as your people. Guided by your Holy Spirit, we want to be united in your love and accomplish your mission, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for New Beginnings

God of Love, you are with us in every change and transition. As we enter into this new era with anxiety and excitement, we recall your deep compassion, presence, and abounding love over all generations. We thank you for the gifts, talents and skills with which you have blessed us. We thank you for the experiences that have brought us to this moment. We thank you for the work of others before us that gives breadth and depth to our own work. Be with us as we move forward, give us your joy and strength to support one another and to welcome others as they join us. We pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.