Look at the Birds - Prayer by Robin Weimer

Following is a prayer that was written by a very dear friend of mine. She comes as close as anyone I know to being a bonafide prayer warrior. To some people, it might feel a bit artificial to pray a prayer written by someone else. But Christians have been doing this for centuries; praying the prayers of David from the Psalms, praying the Lord’s Prayer, praying Paul’s prayers from his letters. If it’s a genuine cry from your heart to God, then there’s nothing artificial about it.

I highly recommend that you find a quiet place, get alone with God and cry out the following prayer from the depths of your being. I believe it will be life-changing for you and for the people you pray for.

-Ava

Thank you, Lord, that during these times of uncertainty, when we are concerned about our health and finances, we can have confidence that You are our firm foundation. Thank you that when we are anxious about the safety of our family and loved ones we can rest assured that You are our refuge, our shelter, our very present help in trouble.

Thank you, Lord, that You not only invite us, but You tell us to bring our needs and our concerns to You. In fact, Your word tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)

So we bring our burdens, our fears, our stress, our heaviness that weigh us down, our EVERY need and lay them at Your feet with thankful hearts, knowing that You hear us. Thank you, Lord, that you would not have told us to "be anxious for nothing" if it were impossible. Somehow, as crazy as it is, when we cast our cares on You, You, in turn, give us peace beyond what we can comprehend. How amazing is that! How wonderful You are! Thank You, Lord, that when we bring our request before You (with thanksgiving) that you guard our hearts and our minds.

O Lord, how we need our minds guarded right now. I pray that You would protect our minds that are being bombarded with frightening news. Help us, Lord, to keep our thoughts upon You. Help us to get our focus upon You and not let the Covid-19 news consume us. Your Word tells us that You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You. O Lord, help us to keep our minds on You and Your goodness. When we begin to catch ourselves worrying, help us to turn that worry into prayer, knowing that we can trust You.

Lord, I pray that during this time You will use us and teach us how to pray for others. As we turn our focus from ourselves to You, use us to pray for our President and the leaders of our nation. Use us to pray for the leaders of our states and our cities. Use us to pray for all those involved in medical care. Use us to pray for individuals and businesses who are hurting financially because of this crisis. Use us to pray for the health and the emotional well being of the elderly that have been isolated and are not allowed to have visitors.

Lord, there are so many in need of prayer, it's almost overwhelming, but I am asking for You to open our hearts up to You and to be willing to be used by You through prayer; perhaps in a way that we have never been used before. Draw us by Your Spirit into prayer for others. Lay upon our hearts those that are in need of prayer. Show us what we can do to help others.

Thank you that in the midst of chaos You give us reminders of Your care for us and that You are in control. When I looked out the window last week, after being cooped up in the house and listening to the unsettling news, I saw a robin. You used a simple thing like a bird to get my attention. Looking at it, it dawned on me that it was just going about its normal business. It didn't seem to realize that there was a pandemic going on. Then You reminded me of the scripture that says, "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather in barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" (Matt. 6:26-27)

Thank you for this reminder. Thank you for Your Word that encourages and uplifts us. Help us to spend time in your word so that we can receive the encouragement and strength that we need. Open our eyes to see Your beauty all around us and to see Your hand at work in the midst of turmoil.

Lord, I pray for those who are overwhelmed and living in fear. Give them Your peace. When they feel like they are on the edge of a rushing river that is swelling up, about to sweep them off their feet and drag them under, may they call out to You for Help! I picture arms stretched out to You, grasping for help as they are about to be swallowed up by the cares of this world, but then Your mighty arm and strong hand reaches out and rescues them, pulling them to safety. Thank You, Lord, that when we call out to You, You hear our cry and You deliver us!

Your Word also says that You are our Good Shepherd that leads us beside the still waters. That means in order to get to that place we have to follow You. Help us to follow You beside the still waters and there in Your Presence find rest and peace.

Now I pray, Lord, that you would fill us with joy and songs of praise in the midst of these trials. For You, O Lord, are our Provider, our Shelter, our Caregiver, our Healer, our Wisdom, our Guide, our Help, our Song, our Rest, our Peace, our Strength, our Shield, our Defender, our Rock, and our Fortress!

You, O Lord, are EVERYTHING we need!

Amen