Prayer can take many shapes and forms, ranging from a simple, urgent plea for help to the intricacies of formal litany and liturgy. Prayer might be silent, spoken words or repetitive chant. Whether short or long, all our prayers are heard and answered by God, usually with a “yes”, “no” or “wait”, though not always in ways we might expect.
“Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” — Max Lucado
The poem I’m sharing today was birthed in a place of extra weakness, weariness, anxiety and pain. When we feel that way it’s often hard to pray, isn’t it? At such times we might prefer to let our tears speak for themselves, ask family and friends for support, or turn to the written prayers of others for inspiration and help.
If anything resonates with you in the words below, feel free to use them for yourself. I’m always happy if others can see merit in the thoughts God gives me to share. And I’m always blessed if I can encourage someone else, which we can all do by our testimony and prayers, even when we’re struggling ourselves.
A plea
oh let me rest
lean my head on Jesus’ breast
and hear God’s heartbeat
pounding softly through my days
like a metronome of grace
oh let me stay
may I faithfully remain
listen well with love
keep a vigil by his side
the best place for me to thrive
oh let me know
become wise, not shallow
learn how to live
full of compassion, like him
ready to help and to give
oh let me accept
how to live without regret
while I stretch my faith
note my own limitations
empowered by his strength
oh let me wait
when prayer seems unanswered
make space for grace
for God’s perfect timing
and sense his peace within
© joylenton
“God can handle your doubt, anger, fear, grief, confusion, and questions. You can bring everything to him in prayer.” — Rick Warren
You can pray about anything. Nothing is too small or too great to bring to God. He hears the cries of our hearts and never becomes wearied by our need of Him. If you are having a hard time of things, please let me know so I can pray for you. You could leave a message here or email me via my contact page instead. It would be an honour to support you, my friend. Blessings and love. xo ❤️🙏🏻🌺
Poetry Joy 
Good morning dear Joy, thank you for sharing so openly. If we as His Church is honest, we all struggle to keep praying sometimes. My sister whom I know as a prayer warrior just recently shared with me she is in a season of prayer struggle. I reminded her Holy Spirit intervenes when we can’t. I will share this post with her too. Such powerful connection in prayer, whether we feel it or not. Love to you across the pond dear Joy. XOJulie
Good afternoon, dear Julie. I think open sharing has become my default mode since God called me into the blogging and public writing spheres. Sometimes I wince a bit and double check with God when about to press publish on a post. But the consoling thought is having the potential to bless, encourage or inspire others in the process. So I’m grateful these words spoke to you, and I pray they will be helpful for your sister too. Seasons of prayer struggles can be very wearying on the soul and cause worry and anxiety as well. Praise God for Holy Spirit intervention and the prayers of others when we’re finding it hard to pray ourselves! Love and blessings across the pond to you, too, dear friend. xo ❤️
Dear Joy,
Oh thank you for your precious words here. This stanza especially:
oh let me stay
may I faithfully remain
listen well with love
keep a vigil by his side
the best place for me to thrive
I love this thought, that while I am feeling so weak & having to just rest on Him, I am actually keeping “a vigil by his side.” I am so blessed by your beautiful encouragement, dear sister. Love and prayers and hugs for you now too. xoxo
Dear Bettie, I think those seasons of withdrawal are really tough, but they become sweetened by their emphasis on experiencing quality alone, intimate time with God. Resting by His side does wonders for calming our hearts, healing our bodies, and relaxing our fretful minds. May you sense the hidden treasure wrapped up in these months of absence from your usual online busyness. May God meet with you tenderly, lovingly and powerfully in these days, hold you close, pour out His grace, and whisper words of reassurance and wisdom into your receptive soul. Much love, prayers and hugs to you, dear heart-sister and precious friend. xoxo 💜