Struggling with Our Faith

Faith is not blind, nor foolish. We see reality, we recognize difficulties, we're honest with ourselves and with God.

When times are tough, it is natural and reasonable to shout out to God; asking for strength and courage. This is such a prayer, inspired by Psalm 27.

The Text

Psalm Twenty-Seven
New Revised Standard Version

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh — my adversaries and foes — they shall stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.

One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.

Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!

“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!”

Your face, Lord, do I seek. Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!

If my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up.

Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Photo of a flower

Praying for Strength by Deborah Beach Giordano

God, Give Me Strength

The Holy One is my staunch defender
who will guard my life forever:
a mighty fortress never failing —
Then why am I such a mess?

God protects me
at all times,
in all places.
So nothing should frighten me.

When evil creeps up on me,
gnawing at my resolve,
eroding my peace of mind,
it shall be banished.

No matter how many temptations arise,
I will not succumb,
my faith with not waver.
Though I may struggle, I will succeed.

All I ask is that Christ abide in me;
so I may see with His eyes,
love with His compassion,
and live with His courage.

If God is for me, who can be against me?
He is my shelter when trouble comes,
my guide through the storm,
my light in the darkness.

O Holy One, uphold Your long tradition
of boundless compassion and mercy.
For God’s sake — for Your sake! —
answer my prayer!

I know that I ought to rely on You.
All I want, my Lord, is some assurance.
Show Yourself, send me a sign,
let me know that You are here, O Author of my life!

You are ever-faithful, Beloved,
persistent in Your love
regardless of what I do
or don’t do.

Even if my friends and family
condemn me
and cast me aside,
You are with me always.

Guide me along the right Path, O Lord,
Don’t let me fall into the snares
that will drag me down into the pit;
keep me from temptation,

like a Shepherd, Holy One,
lead me to the high ground,
away from all hurt and harm.
deliver me from evil.

I believe
that God’s goodness will triumph,
in this place
and in my lifetime.

I must be patient, strong, and courageous —
for God will see me through.
Soon I shall be singing songs of thanksgiving
at the top of my voice.

Amen, amen. Let it be so. Amen.