The Weekly Encourager – October 28, 2016 – A Prayer for the Pain

Are you in pain? This week I spoke with a friend who is still suffering from something that happened decades ago. She pointed to a barely visible scar, saying that it had healed well, with only a thin white line remaining, but what one person did to her in the past is still a raw red wound many years later. Although the Lord Jesus calls us to forgive people as He has forgiven us, there's still pain sometimes.

Asheritah Ciuciu wrote a prayer we can pray when we're feeling ongoing hurt from another person's actions. I believe it could also apply to physical pain that just goes on and on. Either way, we must look to the Lord Jesus, for He is the only one who is able to heal us completely. He alone can restore emotional and physical health. In His presence is fulness of joy.

A Prayer for When You Can't Forget the Pain
by Asheritah Ciuciu

O Lord, You see my pain, You know my grief, and You catch my every tear. Nothing is hidden from You. I can't forget, but You can heal, so I humbly ask that you heal me, Lord. Just as You spoke life over dead bones, so speak life over this wounded heart.

The enemy intended to harm me, but You promise you will use this for good, and I trust You.

You tell us to forget the old things of the past and instead to look at the new things you are doing. Help me believe that You are doing a new thing in me, and help me step forward into the future that You're fashioning for me.

You will be faithful to complete this good work that You started. I don't know how, and it's hard to picture what that will look like, but I can't wait to see it happen.

Thank You for always caring and always holding me close to Your heart. I love You, Lord. Amen.

The following verses are cited with the prayer. These would make a great little Bible study for anyone suffering from pain today.
Psalm 139; Psalm 56:8; Ezekiel 37; Genesis 50:20; Isaiah 43:18; Philippians 3:13; Philippians 1:6.

We talked with dear friends who suddenly lost their son. They are in deep sorrow. I said, I'm glad you've kept your faith in Christ. The husband replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” - John 6:68 ESV

A note about forgiveness: Jesus didn't wait until He felt no pain to forgive His tormenters and murderers. He didn't wait until all His wounds were fully healed. Nor did He wait for evil people to apologize. He was hanging on the cross bleeding with open red wounds, barely able to breathe, in unimaginable pain physically, emotionally, and spiritually, when He prayed, “Father, forgive them.” It is at the point of greatest personal pain when forgiveness means the most. “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” - Galatians 2:20 NASB

Thank You, Lord Jesus of the Cross, for forgiving me when my sin caused You the most pain! Teach me how to forgive others in the same way. They may not know what they do, but I know what I must do. May my life reflect my thankfulness for Your sacrifice.

God is faithful,
j

http://onethingalone.com/a-prayer-for-when-you-cant-forget-the-pain/