Prayer for Refuge in God’s Power

O good and gracious God! Thou knowest how sorely my heart is troubled. There lies upon it a great stone which I cannot roll away, a heavy burden which I can scarcely bear. Therefore I come to Thee, almighty God, and pour out my heart before Thee, who art my confidence. I cast my burden on Thee, and pray that Thou wouldst care for me, deliver me, and sustain me. The storm-tossed ship clings to the anchor, and I cling to Thee, O living and mighty God. The game pursued by the hunter seeks refuge in the mountains, and I lift up mine eyes to Thee, O my Rock, my Refuge, and my Defense. I will not despair; for I know that Thou art an almighty God, who art able to help, and to whom nothing is impossible. Therefore, O Lord, do Thou save me, and I shall be saved. Speak Thou the word, and my sorrow shall flee, and I shall be delivered.

O my God, I know that Thou art merciful; therefore have mercy now upon me, poor miserable one. Thou knowest my pain, Thou seest my heart; Thou hast laid this burden upon me: help me to bear it. I know Thou art a wise God. Thou knowest ways and means which are hidden from me. O reveal to my gaze a fountain of consolation as once to Hagar in the wilderness; speak comfort to me as once Thou didst to the sorrowing widow; help me as Thou didst the forsaken Elisha; and manifest Thy goodness in me as in the captive Peter. Loose the bonds of misery and wretchedness from my heart. Let the light of Thy joy arise within me, and let me be reassured by Thy words: “I will not leave Thee nor forsake Thee; for a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee.” I know Thou art a faithful God, who hast never yet forsaken any one, and who wilt not forsake me.

Behold, O Lord my God, the wretched and helpless soul which lies prostrate before Thy throne of grace. Send me help from the sanctuary, and strengthen me out of Zion. Lord, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me. My God and Father, if Thou wilt not help me, who shall? From my birth I have been dependent upon Thee. Thou hast taken me into the arms of Thy unwearied mercy, and hast carried me hitherto. O let me find help in Thee now. I will cry unto Thee until Thou sayest: “Be it unto Thee even as thou wilt.” Amen.