Lord Jesus,

I come before you and acknowledge that I do not know everyone who will read this, nor do I know what they are going through. But I know that you know each and every one of them. You have loved them since before time. As you knit them together in their mother's womb, you loved them. As you hung on that cross, shedding your atoning blood for them, you were still loving them. And yet, Father, today one of your children is hurting.

I ask that you would wrap your arms around your child. Lord, that in the midst of this pain, the sweetness of your presence would be even greater. Would you remember the promises you have made? "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34)." "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147)." Would you be close to the brokenhearted, to save those who are crushed in spirit and bind up their wounds. And perhaps, Father, would you provide them rest from this pain.

However, in the middle of this heartache and this brokenness, would you be ever near. Lord, I ask that during this storm or season that you would draw your child closer to you than they have ever been before. Would you open their eyes that they may see an invisible God. Would your presence be felt and would it be sweet. Although the pain is real and hard, would your spirit be enough. Would sew back together the gashes, apply balm on the wounds, and fill up all the holes with yourself. Father, please just be enough for them.

I also would ask that in the midst of your child's pain, in all of our pain, would you forgive us for crying out in anger. When our hearts are breaking, and we raise our fists to heaven demanding to know where you are and why these circumstances are happening, would you forgive our doubt rooted in pain. Give us strength and desire to seek your will and carry it out. Even when the words are so hard to speak, would we ever pray, "Thy will be done." Teach us to stop pursuing our own agendas and to simply rest in your arms.

Father would you direct your love by day, and at night would you sing your song over your children, a prayer to the God of their life (Psalm 42). O Lord, I ask that you would not let them go. Hold them fast in your hands. Open their eyes to the truths and realities of you.

Your children are hurting today; Father, would you hold them.

Amen.