Cottonwood Church | Prayer week 6

Week 6

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Prayer for the Impossible

Overview:

The story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1-2 models prayer when we are faced with impossible situations. Hannah prays to God in desperation and He miraculously reverses things for her. So, she is able to dedicate the results of her answered prayers to God and His glory.

Prayer Prompt for the Week:

Are there any impossible situations that you’ve given up on? These can be situations in your own life, in the life of a loved one or an acquaintance, or even a situation on a national or global scale. Take time this week to open your heart to God about these situations, just like Hannah did.

Prayer:

“Lord, I come before You with a broken and contrite heart. I confess my sins to You and ask for Your forgiveness. Wash me clean from all unrighteousness. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Don’t cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. I trust in Your mercy, knowing that You are faithful to forgive. I surrender my life to You and ask You to make me whole again.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Questions for Reflection:

Hannah turns her desperate situation into desperation for God. What does the word “desperation” mean to you? What would it look like to be desperate for God in the middle of your desperate situations?
Hannah dedicates the results of her answered prayer to God and His glory. When your prayer is answered, how might you use the results to serve and glorify God?

Tips for Using This Prayer:

Share Your Concerns with Others: If you’re praying in a group, share your situations with those around you. If you are praying alone, you can share your concerns with a trusted spiritual friend or leader.
Get Alone: It’s good to pray with others, but it’s easier to fully express your feelings and your situation to God when you are alone. Set aside time this week to go to a place where you will not feel self-conscious about what others think of you.
Journaling: Sometimes, it’s easier to write our feelings out than it is to express them out loud. Take time to write out what you feel about the situation and what your hope in God is.

Additional Encouragement:

Repentance isn’t about shame; it’s about freedom and restoration. When we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. May this week be a time of renewal, where we experience the joy of God’s salvation.

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