When It Hurts, Pray
Friday, September 6
When It Hurts, Pray
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. Romans 8:26
When we’re hurt, it’s easy to respond in ways that compound the pain. We might lash out in anger, withdraw in silence, or even begin to doubt God’s goodness. But prayer offers a different path. Prayer gives us His perfect peace. Instead of allowing hurt to lead us down a dark and destructive road, we can choose to bring our pain to God, knowing that He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18.
Self-inflicted wounds can be some of the hardest to bear. It’s difficult to forgive ourselves when we’re the cause of our own pain. But God invites us to come to Him in prayer, even with our deepest regrets and failures. When we confess our mistakes and seek His forgiveness, He is faithful to heal our hearts and restore our souls. Prayer is the pathway to receiving God’s grace, even when we’ve hurt ourselves.
Hurt from others, whether it’s from a family member, a friend, a loved one, your kids, a neighbor, a coworker, or anyone, it can be equally devastating. It’s natural to feel angry, betrayed, or even bitter when someone we trust wounds us. But instead of holding on to that pain, God calls us to release it to Him in prayer. Through prayer, we can find the strength to forgive, the wisdom to navigate difficult relationships, and the peace that comes from knowing God is our defender and healer.
Hurt can also come from circumstances beyond our control—illness, loss, or unexpected challenges. In these moments, when life doesn’t make sense, prayer becomes our lifeline. It’s the means by which we draw near to God, laying our burdens at His feet and trusting Him to carry us through.
No matter where the hurt comes from, the solution is the same: just pray. Prayer doesn’t always remove the pain immediately, but it connects us to the One who can heal our deepest wounds. It reminds us that we are not alone in our suffering, and that God is always near, ready to comfort and restore us.
Think about the different forms of hurt you’ve experienced—whether self-inflicted, caused by others, or brought on by life’s circumstances. Take each one to God in prayer. Ask Him to heal your heart, give you the strength to forgive, and help you trust Him through the pain. Allow prayer to be your refuge in every situation.
Prayer for today: Loving Father, I bring my hurts to You—whether they come from my own mistakes, from others, or from the trials of life. You know the pain I feel, and I trust You to heal my heart. Help me to forgive where forgiveness is needed, and to find peace in Your presence. When life hurts, teach me to turn to You in prayer, knowing that You are close to the brokenhearted and ready to restore me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.