A Prayer During A Crisis

[Jehoshaphat] prayed, “O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. They said, . . . ‘We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’ . . .

2 Chronicles 20:6-9, 12

King Jehoshaphat was surrounded by enemy armies as he prayed this prayer. But he knew God was a fortress that could withstand all his enemies’ assaults. Even though his situation seemed hopeless, Jehoshaphat started recounting the ways God had faithfully delivered his people in the past, and then he asked for his help in the present. Jehoshaphat’s trust was well placed, for the next day the Lord caused his enemies to turn on each other.

When you face impossible situations, take time to remind yourself of the way God has taken care of you and your family in the past. You may be powerless, but through prayer you have access to an all-powerful God.

• Dear Lord, I am powerless, so I am looking to you for help . . .