June 20 – Day 17. Pray with Rejoicing

Welcome to another episode of the EBC’s Prayer Podcast. As mentioned earlier, our prayers throughout the year will be taken from the 66 books of the Bible. We began in the book of Genesis and will conclude in the book of Revelation. 

Today, we are diving into the book of Habakkuk. Our scripture will be taken from Habakkuk 3:18-19, which reads: “I will rejoice in the Lord; I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And will make me walk on my high hills.” 

The Lord is encouraging us to pray. He is our strong fortress, who provides our salvation and fills our lives with love and hope. Let us lift our voices in prayer, for God is our source of strength during both the good times and the tough ones. He is ready to support us whenever we need it. In His loving presence, we find joy that fills our hearts and spirits, for he is showering us with a sense of peace and inspiration. 

As we pray, let us remember that the Lord will help us move with the grace and swiftness of a deer, guiding us through the twists and turns of life. With His wise guidance lighting our path, we can climb the hills of life, overcome challenges, and reach amazing new heights. Let us embrace this journey together, knowing that every step we take is backed by His everlasting love and strength, reminding us that we are never alone.

Transcript

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Lord, God, and Savior. Father, we come before you with heartfelt thanksgiving, much like your prophet Habakkuk. “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet we will rejoice in the Lord; we will have joy in the God of our salvation. For the Lord is our strength; He will make our feet like deer’s feet, and He will make us walk on our high hills.” 

Father, as we gather today, we find ourselves deeply united with your prophet, our hearts filled with gratitude and joy. Help us to rejoice, not because every circumstance around us is easy, not because life treats us kindly, and not because every path is free from obstacles, but because you are faithful and present in our lives. You are our Savior, the one who reached out to us in the moment of our despair, the one who pulled us out from the shadows, redeemed our lives, and called us your beloved children.

Lord, the joy we find in you is rooted in the comforting assurance that our lives are secure in your hands. No matter what storm or what trial may rage around us, or the overwhelming trials we face, we can lift our eyes with hope and know that our redeemer is standing beside us, guiding us through the difficult moments.

Father, you are our source of strength. In moments of weakness, when our hearts feel heavy with worries and life’s challenges seem overwhelming, you are the one who lifts us up and revives our spirits. You take our weaknesses and, in return, grant us the strength that only you can provide. When our feet grow weary and the path stretches endlessly before us, you offer us stability and assurance, empowering our steps with the knowledge that your grace is more than enough to sustain us in the toughest times of life.

Lord, your word promises that you will make our feet like those of a deer, swift, stable, and unshaken. A moment when we are able to navigate the rocky, steep paths of life with grace and quickness. Lord, we are praying for that same instant work in our spirits. When we face fearful challenges, and the road ahead appears to rise sharply or roughly, help us to move forward with confidence. Lord, help us to trust that no obstacle is too great, no mountain too high. So, we can step boldly, not by fear or doubt, knowing that you have equipped us for every mount and that no obstacle is too great when you are leading the way.

Father, you promise to elevate us to high hills, far above the depths of discouragement, the clouds of fear, and the heavy weights of anxiety that often anchor our hearts. Lord, place us on the heights and let us experience the mounting heights where we can gain a new perspective. A vantage point that allows us to see that, while the valleys may be profound and the shadows may feel overwhelming, you are unfailingly guiding us toward brighter possibilities. Lord, help us to find ourselves in those elevated spaces with you, where we are wrapped in vision, peace, and the victory that comes from your unwavering support.

God of our salvation, we rejoice not only for the countless blessings you have poured into our lives but for the knowledge of who you are. You are consistently faithful, merciful, and overflowing with lovingkindness. You are the shepherd who carries us tenderly when our strength fades, the father who covers us with warmth during our weariness, and the faithful friend who will never leave our sides, even during every season. Lord, our hearts are filled with gratitude because, even in moments of uncertainty and confusion, even when the outcomes seem mysterious, we can hold tightly to the truth that we can trust in your goodness and the depth of your love.

Lord, take hold of every fear that tries to destroy us, every action that allows us to feel weak or defeated. Help us to lay everything at your feet, for you are our strength. You will not allow us to live in despair or be defeated by circumstances. Lord, you will allow us to rise, like the deer mounting securely on the heights, because you are the One holding me.

Father, let our lives be a song of joy. Let our lips speak praise when trials come. Let our hearts rejoice when the day feels long, because joy comes in the morning. Lord, even in the waiting, help us to rejoice, for you are our salvation. You are the Rock of our lives, our ever-present help, and our unshakable foundation.

Lord, strengthen our hearts and teach us to rejoice even when we feel depressed. Teach us to worship when we feel weak. For you are the God of our salvation, and you are the one writing our stories with love and wisdom. Lord, help us to serve you faithfully in every season, through moments of valleys, plains, and high hills, for you are with us.

Lord, help us to encourage others. For our joy is not rooted in the world, but in you. Help us to see daily the strength you are providing and be drawn deeper into your presence. May our lives reflect the beauty of climbing higher, trusting deeper, and rejoicing always.

Father, in closing, help us to lift our voices in praise and rejoice. Help us to have joy in the God of our salvation. Help us to rely on your strength, and trust that in moments of difficulties, you will give us the feet of a deer and set us on high. Lord, as we close this prayer, may our heart rests in you, may our hope be anchored in you, and may our joy be complete in you.

In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, we pray…Amen.

Everyone. Please have a great day, and by God’s grace, we will pray again tomorrow…Bye-bye.