Prayers for Your Wilderness Journey--and a Free Booklet

Art by Gordana Sjostedt

Are you feeling lost? Out of control? Confused? What month is it? No end in sight?

Is it kind of like getting lost in the wilderness?

To me, this seems like a good time to pray. And I do pray—a lot! But sometimes I just don’t what to pray.

You may know that I write for people who love prodigals. Often we don’t know what to pray. So I put together this booklet of 10 kinds of prayers to give us the words and petitions to bring to God. I call it Prayers for Your Wilderness Journey. 

Some of the prayers are specifically for praying for a wandering loved one, but most are helpful for all of us.

For example, I am posting here the section called “Praying the Promises.” This can be a little tricky. Some promises in Scripture are spoken to everyone, some to anyone who meets the requirements. And many to the children of Israel. I explain a little bit of how we can pray the promises—for ourselves, our loved ones, anyone. And then list some of my oft-prayed requests. 

Praying the Promises

Often as I would read Scriptures, words from God—promises—to His people seemed to be exactly what our wayward son needed. So I would turn those promises to the children of Israel into prayers—asking God to do that for our prodigal. Sometimes He did just what He promised. For some we are still waiting.

As you read these promises I claimed for our son, perhaps God will speak to you through some of them—and you can pray them too, for a loved one, or for yourself:

Before you were born, I called you. You are my servant in whom I will display my splendor. (Isaiah 49:1) (For example, I might pray: Thank You, Lord, that you were there forming ____ before he was born. You have called him to be your child and live out the good works you have planned for him. May he say “yes” and let you shine through him.)

Listen to me. I upheld you since you were conceived and have carried you since your birth. I will sustain you and rescue you. (Isaiah 46:8-9) (I might pray: Lord, you know that ____ needs rescuing and sustaining right now. Please do that for him.)

(See if you can turn the rest of these promises into prayer for yourself or a loved one.)

I am your Redeemer. I teach you what is best. If you obey me, your peace will be like a river and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. (Isaiah 48:17-18)

I have swept away your sins like a cloud and your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you. (Isaiah 44:22)

Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing. I formed you for myself, that you may proclaim my praise. (Isaiah 43:18-19)

I have called you. I have chosen you and have not rejected you. I will strengthen you and help you. (Isaiah 41:9-10)

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

I will put breath in you and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord. (Ezekiel 37:6)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified or discouraged, for I will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:8)

I will guide you and satisfy your needs. You will be called Repairer of Broken Walls and Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. (Isaiah 58:11-12

I am the Lord. In its time I will do this swiftly. (Isaiah 60:22)

 A Gift for You

If these prayers could be helpful to you, I would like to offer you the booklet free. Other sections of prayer include Praying Scriptures, Prayers for the Battle, Turning Curses into Blessings, and six more topics.

Just click on Prayers for Your Wilderness Journey to download it, save it, print it. However you want to use it. Or copy and paste this: http://bit.ly/WildernessPrayers.

What about you? What are some different ways you pray?

c2020 Judy Douglass