Prayers that will Strengthen When You Have Weak Faith
This verse has been rattling around my head and stirring my heart this week…
Why do you have so little faith?
Matthew 6:30
I keep thinking about the times Jesus’ followers allowed their fears and worries to overshadow their trust in the Lord.
And if I’m being honest, I have to admit I have times when I’m guilty.
Like Peter, I can jump out of the boat enthusiastic about walking on water only to get distracted by the strength of the wind and the water that’s splashing around my ankles.
And before I know it, I’ve taken my eyes off Jesus and the water is up around my knees as I allow fear to take over.
Maybe you can relate.
But the more I’ve thought about it … I’m noticing the blessing of the moments that followed.
You see, there is grace for our sinking moments of weak faith. Look at what happened next between Jesus and Peter.
“Save me, Lord!” [Peter] shouted.
Matthew 14:30–31
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.
Peter cried out and Jesus reached out. And…
When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped Him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
Matthew 14:32–33
The Good News is that when we have weak faith, we can cry out to Jesus trusting that He will reach out and grab hold of us.
And when we’ve climbed back into the boat with our eyes fixed on Him … we will worship and praise Him for lifting us up yet again.
So, if you feel like you’re sinking today. If the wind and the waves of life are pulling you under … join me as I cry out to Jesus asking Him to grab hold of me and strengthen my faith.
Prayers that will Strengthen When You Have Weak Faith
The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Mark 9:24
Jesus, Please help me. I believe You are my Lord and Savior. I believe You are able to answer this prayer. But right now I feel overwhelmed. I’m worried about people I love. The enemy’s attacks leave me unsettled and anxious. Please help me overcome my doubts. Help me trust You in my circumstances whatever they are. And please help me keep my focus on You as I pray, “not my will but Yours be done.”
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
Romans 8:26
Father, thank you for giving us the gift of Your Spirit. When problems distract me and I feel like I’m sinking into the sea of doubt and confusion, when I can’t find the words to express my feelings or put my needs into prayers, please help me. Your Word says Your Spirit prays for me. He brings my “wordless sighs and aching groans” (MSG) to You in ways that align with Your will. And Father, You not only hear those prayers for me but You take action in ways that bless me and give You glory.
Please help me trust this promise today and every day.
Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:7
Lord, this is my prayer … may my life might be built on a foundation of Your grace, mercy, and love. That I would know, trust, and follow Your truth as it is revealed in Your Word. Fill me with Your Spirit and give me all I need to stand strong in the faith You have given me. Give the faith I need to walk on water.
When the enemy tempts me with doubts and lies … please help me remain focused on You, the One who began my faith and makes it perfect. Thank you for giving me all I need to walk with You one day at a time.
When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future.
John 16:13
Thank you for giving Your Spirit of truth to us.
The father of lies is intent on causing chaos and confusion and there are times when all the unsettling noise troubles me. But I have Your Spirit, the Voice of Truth, with and within me. He reminds me of Your promises. He fills me with hope. He helps me climb back into the boat where I will give You thanks and shout Your praise.
Whatever the future brings … You are with me to give me the courage, strength, and guidance I need.
I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
Ephesians 3:16–17
Father, You are the Creator of all things. You maintain and sustain everything by Your infinite power. The same power, that strengthens me when my faith is weak.
Your intimate compassionate love reaches every corner of my life. You are with me no matter what is happening to me or around me. Help me see my circumstances from Your perspective. Increase my faith and give me all I need to trust Your love and live for Your glory.
Friend, I’m worshipping and praising Jesus in the boat and with His help, I believe I can walk on water even when the winds grow strong and the water is rough.
Not because of who I am or even because of my faith but because the One in whom I have placed my faith will always hear my cries, reach out and grab me.
I believe that’s true for you, too. That’s just how much He loves us.
Amen!
Bless you,
Jennifer
So grateful that God holds us IN FAITH for the long haul!
Thank you for this faith-filled post! I continually need to turn my heart to Him and away from my circumstances.
I love that verse in Mark 9:24. I want to be one that declares my faith even before I feel it. And then I ask God to fill in the gaps!
Such comfort in knowing that when we feel our faith is sinking, we can cry out to Jesus, and He will reach out to save us. As always, Deb, the scripture you’ve shared along with your prayers have inspired me! Blessings!
It still amazes me how if I cry out to Jesus when I’m in the middle of the storm, he shows up. He increases my faith and trust, even when I’m the one who blew it!
Deb, I relate to Peter too. Thankful Jesus is big enough to take our little faith and make it grow.
Thank you for these, as always. laurensparks.net
I’m so thankful for these truths! “You not only hear those prayers for me but You take action in ways that bless me and give You glory.” We are so blessed that we have a Father who cares for us in ways we can’t even imagine.
Deb, how have I never heard the verse Colossians 2:7? As I read the words my heart cried, “Yes”, Yes this is what I want. I want my life to be so rooted in Him that thankfulness and praise flow from everything I do. Thank you for your beautiful prayers as always, and sharing this amazing post.
I had no idea how much I needed your post this morning until I started reading it. What a blessing – thank you. Over the last few days, I have felt so overwhelmed, exhausted, and pulled in a million different directions. To be honest, I didn’t realize I had taken my eyes off of Jesus. After all, I was checking the boxes off, church, bible study, and prayer. But this morning I decided I would put off my quiet time until later today which there is nothing wrong with except I need HIM now. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction. I am going to take a little walk with Jesus.