This passage from Isaiah 43 has been one of my favorites for several years because it is a wonderful gift to be able to put my name (your name) in this it:
Now, this is what the Lord says— he who created ME, he who formed ME:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Today, no matter the “fire” or “water” we may be dealing with in life, let us rejoice in our ever-present God.
Lord God,
You formed and created us, telling us not to fear because you have redeemed us. Thank you for calling each of us by name and claiming us for yourself. Thank you for all the times you have kept us from destruction in literal or metaphorical waters, rivers, and fires. Thank you for being the Lord our God, our Savior, who gave Jesus as our ransom. Thank you for calling us precious and honored in your sight. Thank you for loving us. Thank you that we don’t have to be afraid when the chaos surrounds us because you are with us. Help us to look to you, your revelation, and your salvation – not some idol of power, money, status, government, or other earthly thing. Help us to trust you when it seems that chaos is overtaking our world – to trust that you are making a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. You formed each of us and chose us so we could choose to follow you; help us to praise you with our mouths, our songs, our hearts and our lives. Thank you for being our God, our Lord, our King. Help us to not dwell on what was but to remember with gratitude the ways in which you have feen faithful to us, and to forgive and forget things that do not honor you. Help us to see what New Things you are bringing forth – new ideas, new plans, new dreams, new adventures – all led by the power of Holy Spirit. May we step out in faith where you call us to go and may we proclaim your praise in all we do. In the powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
But now, this is what the Lord who created and formed you says—
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Jesus for your ransom, my son in your stead.
You are precious and honored in my sight, and I love you.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you
Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.
I, even I, am the Lord. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
I, and not some foreign god among you.
You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.
I am the Lord, your Holy One Israel’s Creator, your King.”
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” (From Isaiah 43)
[Prayer originally posted February 20, 2021]