Lenten Season – Day 21 – Very Rev. Prof. Konyinsola Àjàyí, SAN.

 

*March 25: Day 21 – PRAYER FOR HELP FROM TROUBLES AND EVIL*

 

God Almighty, Whose greatness no one can fathom, LORD God, Who spreads the universe like a divination cloth, God the Great Reformer of the universe, the Gnome that sounds through human beings like cymbals, I come before You today praying as David for Your help in present trouble that You, O Awesome God, hear my just plea for mercy; Father,    listen to my cry; hear my prayer — and let my vindication come from You O Lord.

 

Though You probe my heart, though You examine me at night and test me, and know that I am sinner, yet it is Your nature to have mercy, so have mercy on me, and do not let my enemies use my sins against me, nor as justification for vilifying me. Father, keep me from the ways of the violent through what Your lips have commanded.

 

Hold my steps to Your paths, O Lord, so my feet will not stumble, lest I fall by the wayside or in the pit dug by my enemies and the accuser.

 

I call on You, my God, Who created us for Himself. Please answer me, turn Your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of Your great love, and save me from evil men, You Who save by Your right hand those who take refuge in You from their foes. Father, the Preserver of humankind, keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings, from the wicked who are out to destroy me, and from my mortal enemies who surround me.

 

God, the Most High: Wholesome Mighty, Steadfast and Immovable, Who sees all things and saves by his outstretched arm, save me from enemies who close up their callous hearts, who have tracked me down, surrounding me, with eyes alert, and mind intent to throw me to the ground, and turn my fortunes to misfortune and take my joy in You away; Father save me from these forces of evil who are like a lion hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover – arise against them, O Lord, confront them, bring them down; and with Your sword rescue me from these wicked initiates.

 

By Your hand, save me from such evil people and contrary and demonic forces so that I will be vindicated, see Your face and enjoy Your loving-kindness in Christ Jesus.

 

*Amen.*

 

 

 

*The Patriarch’s Note.*

 

*Key Bible Verses for “Prayer for Help from Troubles and Evil”*

The verses provided are foundational for understanding the concept of repentance and divine forgiveness and reflect the core of Christian faith—God’s unending love and grace towards humanity.

 

1. *Psalm 51:1-2* calls on God’s mercy, highlighting the human need for His cleansing touch. It is a beautiful reminder of David’s heartfelt plea for forgiveness, making it a profound choice for Lenten reflection on sins and the grace we have in Jesus’ redemptive sacrifice for us.

 

2. *1 John 1:9* assures believers that confession leads to faithfulness and justice from the Lord. This verse underscores the importance of acknowledging our shortcomings while affirming that God’s response is one of love and forgiveness, cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

 

3. *Isaiah 1:18* paints a vivid picture of transformation, portraying God as a loving Father who invites His children to reason with Him. The imagery of turning scarlet sins into whiteness is a powerful metaphor for the complete renewal God offers through His grace.

 

4. *2 Corinthians 5:17* speaks to our identity in Christ. It beautifully captures the essence of being made new—a central theme in the life of every believer. It reassures us that our past sins do not define us; we become new creations through Christ’s sacrifice.

 

5. *Romans 5:8* highlights the depth of God’s love. Demonstrating His love through Christ’s sacrifice while we were still sinners encourages us to understand the magnitude of grace that invites us into a relationship with Him, regardless of our past.

 

 

As Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal, these verses can serve as anchors to guide one’s prayers and meditations. They can help individuals seek forgiveness and embrace God’s transformative work.

 

We must encourage the recipients of our prayers to take time to meditate on these scriptures, allowing the Word of God to penetrate their hearts and awaken a deeper understanding of His mercy and love.

 

 

1. *Psalm 54:1*

*_“Save me, O God, by Your Name, and vindicate me by Your strength.”_*

 

2. *Psalm 17:8-9*

 

*_“Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me.”_*

 

3. *Psalm 121:1-2*

 

*_“I will lift my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”_*

 

4. *Psalm 18:2*

 

*_”The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”_*

 

5. *Romans 8:31*

 

*_“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”_*

 

6. *2 Thessalonians 3:3*

 

*_“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”_*

 

The journey through trials can feel daunting, yet these scriptures remind us that we are never alone in our struggles. God’s promise of protection, guidance, and deliverance is a beacon of hope. As we earnestly seek His presence, we can rest assured that He is our refuge and strength, always ready to shield us from harm and lead us away from evil.

 

Just as David called upon the Lord in his times of trouble, we can, too, find solace in prayer and trust in God’s unwavering faithfulness.

 

*_May these verses inspire you to cling to His promises as you navigate challenges, knowing that He is always with you, ever watchful and concerned for your well-being._*

 

Lastly, prayerfully consider incorporating these verses into your Lenten reflections, facilitating a deeper connection with God’s enduring commitment to pardon and His desire to make us whole.

 

*_May God’s love and protection surround you so that you may experience His mighty hand at work as you lean on Him in faith. Then, your Lenten journey will be filled with profound blessings, renewal, and peace, in Jesus’ Name._*