Psalm 22:24 says:

For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.

As you pray today, know that nothing is off limits with God. He does not look away, even in our darkest moments. Even our wonderings about the “why” of our current situations are very much at the center of ancient prayer. Our confession from Sunday was based off Psalm 143 and is a great pattern for praying through the “whys” of suffering.

Hear our prayer, O Lord;
Turn your ear to our need
In your faithfulness and righteousness answer us!

We are tired of enemies.
We are tired of being chased from one conflict to another.
We are tired of arguments that do not satisfy.

Hear our prayer, O Lord;
Turn your ear to our need.

For the enemy has pursued us;
He has crushed our lives to the ground
He has made us sit in darkness.
Why, O lord, must there always be controversy?
Why do we always have to be fighting, wrestling, struggling?

Hear our prayer, O Lord;
turn your ear to our need!
Answer us quickly, our spirits are failing!

Show us a better way;
Your ways are all justice and righteousness
Teach us your ways,
Your ways are all peace and truth.
Teach us to do your will;
Cover our spirits with your spirit
Bring us into your ways.
Let your spirit lead us to a level path.

In the name of Christ,
Grant us your steadfast love.
All glory be to him, ever seated at your right hand. Amen.

About the Author
Isaac Gaff is the Managing Director of Worship and Creative Arts at Calvary UMC