Prayer for Strength and Patience in Affliction

Lord, all my desire is before Thee; and my groaning is not hid from Thee. Yea, my God, my groaning is not hid from Thee, and my misery and distress are well known to Thee. This is my consolation, that I know my affliction comes from Thy hands. I have not brought it on myself; Thou hast laid it upon me.

But since this is the case, do Thou help me to bear it. And as patience is one of Thy good gifts which come down from above, O Father of lights, grant it to me according to Thy loving-kindness. If Thou dost strengthen and help and sustain me, then I can bear and endure all. I can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth me. Let not my burden become too heavy for me nor the trial too great. Have patience with my weakness; strengthen the weary hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to my trembling heart: “Thy God is King, thy Jesus is with thee, thy King cometh to thee with a recompense; He will come and save thee.” If Thou dost help me, I am helped indeed.

Therefore help me, O my Saviour, for Thy name’s sake. I seek refuge in Thee. Let me recognize it as Thy holy will that I should suffer as I do, and have my cross to bear; so that I may bear it cheerfully, and say: Father, not my will but Thine be done. Give me the assurance that amid all my affliction and sorrow Thou still lovest me; that my sufferings shall endure for a short season only and not forever; yea, that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. Help me to bear in mind, that Thou art my gracious God and loving Father, and that my cross is not a sign of Thy wrath but of Thy love. Convince me of its beneficent purpose by drawing me closer to Thee.

O Lord, hold up before my soul the example of my dear Saviour Jesus Christ, who patiently endured all things, and, like a lamb before its shearers, opened not His mouth. Give me grace to follow the example of His meekness and submission. Grant that I may suffer with Him, that I may also be glorified together with Him. Let not my cross drive Thy Word from my heart, nor weaken my faith, nor hinder my prayers; but give me new strength and new courage whenever I must weather a new storm or have just passed through one. Yea, assure me that Thou wilt soon come to my rescue, and wilt certainly help and sustain me. Amen.