Praying God’s Word

by Jane Josephs

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” –Deut. 33:27a

The attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023 caught Israel and many other nations (including the U.S.) by surprise. It sent me scrambling to find Biblical, God-breathed Scripture to pray during the days that would follow.

Here’s a small sample of what I found:

From Psalm 83:

“O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God. See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. ‘Come,’ they say, ‘let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more…’” (vs. 1-4). “Make them like tumbleweed, my God, like chaff before the wind… May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace” (vs. 11 & 17).

In the book of Deuteronomy (33:24-29), the words of Moses inspired my prayers:

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you saying, ‘Destroy them!’ So Israel will live in safety; Jacob will dwell secure in a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew. Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.”

From Psalm 5:3-4:

“In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly. For You are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with You evil people are not welcome.”

In times of great conflict and distress, when we can’t help but wonder if today’s events are a sign that Jesus is coming soon, we have the timeless words of Scripture to guide and empower our prayers. May we search them out and pray them often!

Dear Lord, thank You for YOUR Word when our words fail us. May You find us faithful in prayer, trusting in Your justice and mercy. Amen.