“You in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way by which they should go.” – (Nehemiah 9:19, ESV)
INTRODUCTION
Here is a compilation of prayers I have come to call, “Moments in the Wilderness Prayers.” Originally, I was going to call them “Wilderness Prayers,” but God reminded me that this is temporary, a moment in time, and someday things will change and be better. When I heard this, I did not know that I would be in the wilderness for years. But it has been years, and it has been hard, long, up, down, high and low. Many times, I asked for a formula to get out, a key to open a new door, a quick fix and for it all to be over immediately … for this wilderness, along with its storms, battles and dry places to be over NOW! I have pleaded, cried, prayed, fasted, done whatever I could think of, and asked God again and again to change things immediately but I am still here. I have said, “PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE LORD” but no way out came … no quick fix came, no “Three-Steps to Success” came or path out came. In the wilderness I have felt alone, helpless, disappointed, lost, forsaken, and hopeless. I have been angry, frustrated, fearful, and cried my share of tears.
If any of this sounds familiar, if you know someone that is presently here or if you want to understand what others are going through this prayer journal is for you. Prayer and journaling helped me, and it could help you too. I have added songs for each prayer because sometimes when words couldn’t reach me … worship could.
Please know that God is listening, He cares for you, and you are not alone. God can get a word to you. God can provide hope, benefits and clarity in your wilderness experience. But most of all, I pray that you discover that your wilderness experience is temporary, and it will pass. I pray you will know for yourself, that God is there - present, purposeful, and powerful … working on your behalf as your protector, provider and promise keeper, for real … for real. So, stay the course and together and with God’s help, let’s get to this other side of the wilderness.
- Dr. Kasey Whitney
Song: “3 AM” - Gabby Callwood
PRAYER
Can’t Sleep …
The rain of my thoughts is beating on my heart again, telling me I won’t make it. I missed another personal deadline. Certain relationships feel strained from my view, and there are other things on my plate that are weightier and more crucial. I tossed and turned before finally getting up, because I could not sleep.
Am I supposed to pray for someone? A couple of names run through my mind, so LORD, I pray for ______. Please help them.
It’s 2:37 a.m.—what is going on? Why haven’t things changed? Lord, please move, change this, and help me. I am tired of hearing myself. I don’t want to say the wrong thing, so let me be quiet, because I am tired of hearing myself say the same things.
The song with the words, “Great Is Your Faithfulness to Me,” is coming to mind, but that feels opposite of what I am feeling. Everything I feel, see, and think—everything I am experiencing—seems opposite of where I thought I would be, so I run to YOU.
Give me a word, a song, a Scripture—something.
LORD, I am afraid that I won’t make it. LORD, I am disappointed because deadlines have passed, and I thought You would have moved by now. Help me separate my tangled thoughts. Father, silence these thoughts and give me peace.
I am beginning to feel better. My chest is not as weighty and my breathing is lighter. Lord, thank You for silencing my thoughts by reminding me of Your faithfulness and consistency. Thank You for settling my soul, for meeting me here so I can finally sleep.
Prayer Prompt: Write a prayer about the thoughts that keep you awake at night. What fears, disappointments, or unanswered questions feel loudest? Bring them honestly before God. Then ask Him for peace, clarity, and the strength to bless Him—even before circumstances change.