This prayer grows out of a sermon I once preached on the life of faith. This part of the sermon was a practical application, a way in which the believer in Christ may alter their perspective in real time in any situation in their lives. It works by asking four simple questions and recognizing Scriptures unyielding and clear answers to guide you through any given moment, relieving ones confusion and giving way to faith. The questions are:
Who am I?
Where am I?
What can change these things?
What then shall I do in this moment?
In this prayer I ask and answer each of these so that the one experiencing free fall from confusion may be rooted in God’s objective perspective on you personally, as well as on the challenges you face. The answers to these questions are not up for debate, but are a settled matter according to God, and no circumstance occurring in the world can change them, nor can any inner conflict thwart His purpose. If the matter is settled according to the God of the Universe, and He surely has the last word, are we justified in insisting otherwise? Thus, true and perfect freedom from fear and confusion is given by knowing the truth, or more properly, knowing the One who is Truth. You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free (Jn 8:32).
The circumstances of your life do not need to be brought under the control of God or into alignment with Him; they are already well in His hands, and nothing happens outside the council of His will. What needs to be changed and brought into alignment with God is the believers perspective, practice, and faith. This prayer is for when one’s inner feelings or outward threats and circumstances work to thwart the otherwise intact confidence in and cognizance of God in the believer. It works by directly confronting the confusion, even if one is still unable to identify its source, and instead countering those subjective fears by recognition of what is objectively and unchangeably true of the believer according to God in all circumstances. In other words, this prayer is a practical means to live the life of faith, to abide in Christ in all circumstances.
Unchanging God, I don't know what to do. In a world dependent upon knowledge, today I find myself unequipped, and so unable to understand or navigate my next steps. Life's conditions and concerns today coalesce to corner me, such that confusion is my portion, and I fear my next step for the landmines hidden beneath. Who am I, and what do I do in the midst of such threat? Confusion casts shadows in my corner, 'til even my name and my place seem malleable, unsure and unseen. When my world quakes around me, where can I flee where vibrations do not threaten to unseat me? Who is it that can offer safe passage? How is vision restored when shadows spread to shade my sight? Remind me of those things true and unchanging, things set for all time by order of the King of kings. For who am I to dispute with God? Your pronouncements do not admit of mistake, nor are your judgments pliable, for Your word concerning me withstands all threats. For I am called chosen in Christ, a special possession for Him. I am one who though marred by sin, am redeemed by his very great love. I have in me the perfect righteousness of Christ by faith, a guaranteed inheritor of all things in Him. I am blessed with every spiritual blessing, perpetual recipient of all that I need, according to the glorious riches in Christ Jesus. I reside in God's world, perfectly ordered and ordained by him, in every time, place, and situation, such that nothing can occur which is outside of his knowledge or power. Here it is not possible that anything may rob me, not even of the smallest portion of God’s perfect inheritance, kept safe forever for me. May inward feelings or outward challenges change this? No. For who can challenge His stature? Who may alter what He has affirmed? What in creation may interfere with the Creator? For I live and move where loss is turned to gain, where paupers are turned to princes in Him, where perfect love has procured perpetual life, and where guarantees meet no expiration. What then shall I do in this moment? Armed with all things, approved, and appointed, my steps shall be lively as I walk His path, doing all things which glorify Him, with immense joy and thankfulness, no matter the cost to me. Amen.
Thanks for saying so Deb, my hope is that it blesses them and draws their eyes toward their Savior.
Appreciate the thought and guidance for prayer. Shared with one of my sons who recently lost his job and had other challenges, and forwarded to prayer group for this evening. Thank you Chris. -Deb