We had a wonderful sermon last night on prayer. The title of the message was “When All Hope Is Lost”. In spite of that title, it was a wonderful uplifting, encouraging sermon. The answer was essentially – PRAY. The four points were:
1. Prayer does supernatural things.
2. Personalize your prayer
3. Persevere in prayer.
4. Proclaim the promise of hope.

For me the sermon itself was an answer to prayer. I had begun to wonder just how to pray in my situation. Do I continue to pray for the miracle, or does there come a point where I just give up and accept the circumstances as they are. I asked the Lord to show me how to pray, and I believe the Spirit spoke His answer to my heart last night.

When I was thinking about what to write today, I had all of this on my mind. I thought about how most of my writing is so “me” centered. Last night our Pastor talked about Praise as part of our praying when all hope is lost. Praise not only glorifies God, it reminds us of whom He is. It is, for me, in the midst of praise that peace and joy begin to fill my heart. I don’t want to talk about me today. I want to Praise the Ancient of Days, the Lord of Lords, the Great I Am.

Father in heaven,
I give you glory and honor and praise, for you alone are Holy and worthy to receive all of my praise. You are righteous and perfect in all your ways. There is no shadow of changing with You. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. I am so thankful for that because You are the firm foundation under my feet that will never be shaken. You are my shelter and my protection. You surround me with Your love and nothing can every separate us.

Holy Triune God – I praiseYou with my whole heart. Blessed Jesus, my Lord and Savior, I fall on my face before Your throne and cry with the angels, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lamb! Worthy to receive honor and glory and power.” You are my righteousness, my hope, my joy, my life. You are my Savior, my Redeemer, my Lord, my closest friend. You have walked where I walk. You understand my deepest needs with a love and compassion that is beyond measure. You share my joy and my sorrows. When I rejoice You rejoice with me, and when I weep Your tears are mingled with my own. You are my gentle Shepherd, leading me, guiding me, protecting me, supplying my every need, and carrying me when the way becomes too rough. I love You Lord Jesus. You are my very life.

Oh Lord, You are so good. Your lovingkindness is everlasting. Your word is powerful and life changing. Your wisdom and knowledge are far beyond my understanding, and yet You are mindful of me. It overwhelms me to think that You chose me before the foundation of the world. You, who are so Holy and righteous, love me as if I were Your only child numbering the very hairs of my head, inscribing my name on the palm of Your hand. I cannot find the words to say how wonderful You are.

You formed the heavens and the earth with the words of Your mouth. All of creation tells the story of Your greatness and power. Its beauty and intricacy astounds us. You are the Master Artist painting beautiful scenes that cause us to catch our breath.

You are wise beyond my understanding. Your love is beyond measure. You see all things and You control all things. Nothing happens that does not first pass through Your hands. You have a plan for the ages, and all will be just as You have said.

Almighty God, I praise You for who You are. You are high and lifted up and Your glory fills the heavens and the earth. I worship You in spirit and in truth. I trust in Your unfailing love. You are worthy of all my praise and love and trust. Blessed be Your Holy Name.

In the Name above All Names, Jesus,
Amen