May 26 – Day 146. God is watching over us

Welcome to another episode of the EBC’s Prayer Podcast. Our scripture will be taken from Jeremiah 31:28, and it reads: “And it shall come to pass, that as I have watched over them to pluck up, to break down, to throw down, to destroy, and to afflict, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, says the Lord.”

The Lord is reminding us of the contrast between destruction and restoration. He wants us to recognize his role in the lives of his people. He is both our figure of judgment and our beacon of correction. In times of uncertainty, we may find ourselves struggling with difficulties and hard times. But God is reminding us of his restoration, that he is flourishing in our lives.

As we pray, let us embrace this divine promise. So, we can uncover a source of strength, rooted in the assurance that God is active in our lives. He is at work behind the scenes, transforming our trials into joy for spiritual growth and renewal. Through His grace, we can rise above our challenges, emerging stronger and more resistant than before.

Transcript

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Lord, God, and Savior. Father, we come before you in this sacred moment, with our hearts bowed and lifted in admiration of your presence. Thank you for the gift of life, and the assurance of your promises that sustain us day by day.

Lord, nothing in our lives is hidden from your sight. You have been faithful in the past, you are faithful in the present, and you will remain faithful for all eternity. You are reminding us that “it shall come to pass, that as you have watched over us to pluck up, to break down, to throw down, to destroy, and to afflict, so you will watch over us to build and to plant.”

Lord, help us to cling to this promise, for you are reassuring us that your desire is to cultivate and establish a future for us that is filled with hope.  Even in our seasons of discouragement, you are attentive to our prayer. Even when life feels as if it is falling apart, you are still sovereign, still watching, and still guiding us toward your perfect plan.

Father, thank you for plucking up the weeds of fear that tried to choke or pull our faith. Please break down the walls of pride, bitterness, and unbelief that separated us from your love. Throw down the strongholds of sin, addiction, and despair that tried to entrap or capture us. Destroy the lies of the enemy that whispered we are unloved, unworthy, or forgotten. Let us remember that seasons of affliction, though painful, are refining us like gold and bringing us closer to you.

Lord, help us to rejoice in the assurance that you are watching over us to build and to plant. Father, plant in us seeds of hope and joy that will grow into testimonies of your glory. Build within us strong foundations of faith, integrity, and love, so that our lives can stand firm even in the strongest storms. Help us reflect your goodness to everyone we encounter.

Lord, bless our families and everyone who is praying. Have mercy on those who are weary. Teach us to extend compassion where there is pain, mercy where there is failure, and kindness where there is need. Restore our bodies, minds, and spirits, and help us to be instruments of reconciliation.

Father, thank you for reminding us that every trial is an opportunity to witness your power, every setback is a setup for your glory, and every unanswered question is an invitation to trust you more deeply. Build in us a spirit of gratitude that will not dwell on what we lack but will celebrate the abundance of your blessings.

Father, in closing, help us to be ready for what you are building and planting in our lives this day. Help us to stand in faith, to rejoice in hope, and to love as you have loved us. Let every word we speak and every action we take bring honor to your holy name. Fill us with boldness to proclaim the gospel and with humility to serve others.

In the precious, mighty, and victorious name of Jesus Christ, we pray…Amen.

Everyone. Have a great day, and by God’s grace, we will pray again tomorrow…Bye-bye.