[Please join me in praying for children, families, and our future on Thursdays this year.]
I’ve probably heard this song before, but when I heard it in a new context last weekend it caught my heart in a different way. Today, would you join me in praying for parents who have no other choice but to lean on the Lord as they parent their child(ren) and/or grandchild(ren) through hard circumstances?
When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast
God, for parents of children or grandchildren who, despite their upbringing, are not walking in close communion with Jesus Christ and have no intentions to do so, in your mercy, hear our prayer and hold them fast.
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Saviour loves me so
He will hold me fast
Those He saves are His delight
Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight
He will hold me fast
God, for parents of children and grandchildren who have been kidnapped or whose whereabouts are unknown, for those who have chosen the life of a prodigal and have not let responded to your loving Spirit, in your mercy, hear our prayer and hold them fast.
He’ll not let my soul be lost
His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Saviour loves me so
He will hold me fast
God, for parents of children or grandchildren diagnosed with life-threatening or life-ending illnesses, in your mercy, hear our prayer and hold them fast.
For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
‘Til our faith is turned to sight
When He comes at last!
God, for parents of children or grandchildren who are struggling because of divorce, relocation, or another major life change, in your mercy, hear our prayer and hold them fast.
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Saviour loves me so
He will hold me fast
God, for parents of children or grandchildren whose family is in any way rebuilding a life together, in your mercy, hear our prayer and hold them fast. Help all these parents to not fear or be dismayed, but to know that you are with them and you strengthen and help them. Be their shelter, their rest, their refuge and fortress, the God in whom they trust. Help them to not be anxious in anything, but to trust you with everything. Pour out your peace that passes understanding that guard their hearts. Christ Jesus, hold them fast we pray in your name. Amen.
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2 NIV)
“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5-7 NIV)
“He Will Hold Me Fast” by Ada Habershon / Matthew Sherman Merker; recorded by Selah