Times of pain and suffering may challenge our faith, but they also are invitations to deeper prayer. By asking for God’s healing presence to enter into our suffering, we acknowledge that our loving Creator has known us from the beginning and provides for all our needs. In particular, God promises relief from fear, so expressing ourselves in prayer – especially when tears are more plentiful than words – can help us feel less alone and less afraid. This PrayerNote offers short meditations on how to place yourself under God’s protective care, so that you may be led along the path of hope, comfort, and strength to find healing and hope.

By Joel Schorn