prayer

photo of person lying down on beach

Singing Christ’s hope and love into depression

It drove me deeper and deeper into hopeless agony. Although no one knew it, I was suffering from depression, comorbid with years of undiagnosed chronic illness. My body was falling apart, with organ systems dysfunctioning and continual, severe pain. My ability to cope as a young wife and mother became Read more…

By Lauri Hogle, ago
grayscale photo of people raising their hands

Being careful of our songs as we suffer

I need to share something weighing heavy in my heart, out of great love and concern for my fellow sufferers. When we’re burdened by trials, we must be especially careful of our songs and ask God to help us choose them wisely, as prayers…because the nature of music itself causes Read more…

By Lauri Hogle, ago
close up photography of cappucino

Abundant life in Christ now, as we suffer

As a young believer, I thought an abundant life included God’s favor in healing my sick body. Sharing a dramatic “praise report” with others was a joy, seeking to glorify Him and encourage them. I remember introducing myself to our church women’s small group after we moved to another state, Read more…

By Lauri Hogle, ago
sad multiracial women hugging at home

“How long, O Lord?” A prayer of hope

Father, We cry along with the rest of Your believing children,  Across all of time and place, as we earth-dwellers perceive it, we cry along with Your invisible church, Your believing family of Christ-followers from every tribe, tongue, and nation. We cry as we see bickering, false teaching, persecution, wounding, Read more…

By Lauri Hogle, ago
'Simply to thy cross I

Healing beneath the cross of Jesus 

Jesus Christ, In this holiest of weeks, focusing on what You’ve done for me, I seek healing beneath the cross of Jesus.  I cannot relax or be calm; I have no rest, for turmoil has come (Job 3:26 CSB). The words of Job echo mine as I suffer. But they Read more…

By Lauri Hogle, ago
Sheep in a misty morning

Remembering You are our healer, as we suffer

Lord Jesus, We’re remembering You are our healer this week. When you walked this earth, You brought physical healing as mercy (Mt. 20:30) and with pity (Mt. 20:34). You did this to show people that You were indeed God who has authority over all (Mk. 2:1-10; Lk. 4:31-37; Rom. 13:1, Read more…

By Lauri Hogle, ago
woman looking at sunset

Jesus, “I Need Thee Every Hour” of chronic illness

Physical suffering brings tears and fears. Up at night, we join Job in turning to God: “My heart is heavy on account of my groaning” (Job 23:2) “and now my soul is poured out within me; days of affliction have taken hold of me. The night racks my bones, and Read more…

By Lauri Hogle, ago
people summer sun sign

Jesus, Your name is sweet, as I suffer

I’ve begged God for healing over many years of progressively worsening illness, so Job feels like a fellow chronic illness friend to me. He dealt with chronic pain and visible skin issues that were itchy, infected, and gross. He had no appetite and lost weight, with fevers and breathing challenges. Read more…

By Lauri Hogle, ago
letters surrounded with white flowers on a white surface

How can this suffering be good?

Father, we sing: The Lord has promised good to me,his Word my hope secures. (“Amazing Grace,” Newton, J., 1779) But sometimes, in the years of suffering, our hearts grieve so much that we cry to You when we sing this. You promised good to me…but how can this suffering be Read more…

By Lauri Hogle, ago
silhouette of person raising hands

Nothing at all can separate me from God’s love

How can a loving God let this happen to me? Including Job and myself, I don’t know one person who’s experienced deep suffering and hasn’t asked this question in moments of pain and despair. As a mature believer, Job lamented to God, “I loathe my life…do not condemn me…I am Read more…

By Lauri Hogle, ago

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