Category: comfort

I can do all things

Ruth Kirk

Image: falco, Pixabay

1. I can do all things though Christ,
Who strengthens me each day;
Who hears my voice,
And answers me,
And helps me when I stray.

2. I can do all things through Christ,
Who shares my heavy load;
Who hears my prayers,
And teaches me,
And guides me on his road.

3. I can do all things through Christ,
Who helps me face each fear;
Who hears my cries,
And comforts me,
For he is always near.

References

1. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13; NKJV).

He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy (Psalm 116:1; NLT).

I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain (Psalm 3:4; NIV).

He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy (Psalm 28:7; NLT).

2. In all their suffering he also suffered (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).

He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4; NKJV).

He hears the prayers of the righteous (Proverbs 15:29; NLT).

You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am (John 13:13; RSV).

He guides me along right paths (Psalm 23:3; NLT).

3. I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me (Psalm 120:1; NIV).

He hears their cries for help and rescues them (Psalm 145:19; NLT).

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).

He teaches me

Ruth Kirk

Image: Erik Mclean, Pexels

1. The Father lives within me.
He sustains my flesh and blood
While teaching me to practice
So I grow, like Christ, in love.

2. Christ Jesus dwells within me.
He helps me make each choice
By teaching me to listen
To the Spirit’s still, small voice.

3. The Spirit rests within me.
He comforts me each day
While teaching me to follow
God’s demanding, lonely way.

 

References

1. You are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT).

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind (Job 12:10; NIV).

I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow (Isaiah 48:17; NLT).

I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying (Psalm 85:8; NLT).

We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ (Ephesians 4:15; NLT).

May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow (1 Thessalonians 3:12; NLT).

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ (Ephesians 5:2; NLT).

2. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21; NIV).

You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am (John 13:13; NLT).

Listen to his voice (Deuteronomy 13:4; NLT).

After the fire [came] a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12; KJV).

3. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19; NLT).

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, [Comforter, Encourager, Counsellor] who will never leave you (John 14:16; NLT).

The Spirit teaches you everything you need to know (1 John 2:27; NLT).

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me (Mark 8:34; NIV).

The gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult (Matthew 7:14; NLT).

Send your snow

Ruth Kirk

Image: Richard Todd, Pixabay

I send good times and bad times (Isaiah 45:7; NLT).

Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble? (Job 2:10; NIV).

1. Send your snow,
Your frost, your hail –
But help me, Lord,
For I am frail.

2. Send your storm,
Your rain, your gale –
But keep me on
Your narrow trail.

3. Send your pain,
Your darkest vale –
But comfort me,
Or I will fail.

4. Send your cross,
Each blow, each nail –
With you beside me,
I’ll prevail.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble, or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? […] No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today not our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-9; NLT).

Image: Dimitris Vetsikas, Pixabay

References

1. He sends his snow like white wool; he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes. He hurls the hail like stones. Who can stand against his freezing cold? (Psalm 147:16-17; NLT).

Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am frail (Psalm 6:2; NET).

2. He sends the lightening with the rain and releases the wind from his storehouses (Jeremiah 10:13; NLT).

By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, not the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take (Nehemiah 9:19; NIV).

Small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it (Matthew 7:14; NIV).

I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me (Psalm 94:18; NLT).

3. He wounds, he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal (Job 5:18; NIV).

My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me (Psalm 55:4-5; NIV).

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect me and comfort me (Psalm 23:4; NLT).

My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes (Psalm 38:10; NIV).

4. Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me (Mark 8:34; NIV).

If we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17; NLT).

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me (Psalm 16:8; NLT).

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28; NIV).

Children’s prayer

Ruth Kirk



Image: Manfred Richter, Pixabay

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children” (Matthew 19:14; NLT).

1. Guardian angel,
Hear my prayer:
May Jesus guide me
Everywhere.

2. Guardian angel,
Hear my song:
May Jesus keep me
All day long.

3. Guardian angel,
Hear my plea:
May Jesus help
And comfort me.

4. Guardian angel
Hear my call:
May Jesus bless
And save us all.

Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father (Matthew 18:10; NLT).

Jesus

Ruth Kirk

Image: bereanaoficial1, Pixabay

1. Jesus is my Lord and God,
My comforter when I am sad;
Brother, sister, father, mother:
All the love I never had.

2. Jesus is my watchful shepherd,
Teacher, master, mountain guide;
Friend in need, defence in trouble:
He is always at my side.

3. Jesus is my close companion,
Strong support when I’m afraid;
Sword and shield when I’m in danger:
Rescuer when I have strayed.

4. Jesus is my paragon,
My light along the narrow way;
Bread, wine, water; truth, and life:
My inspiration, every day.

 

References

1. “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed (John 20:28; NLT).

Worship Christ as Lord of your life (1 Peter 3:15; NLT)

The Father and I are one (John 10:30; NLT).

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, [Comforter, Encourager, Counsellor] who will never leave you (John 14:16; NLT).

Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers? Then he looked around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:33-5; NLT).

God is love (1 John 4:16; NIV).

2. I am the good shepherd (John 10:14; NLT).

Since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you (John 13:14-15; NLT).

3. The Lord will guide you continually (Isaiah 58:11; NLT).

The Lord is a friend to those who fear him (Psalm 25:14; NLT).

He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword! (Deuteronomy 33:29; NLT).

I will be glad because he rescues me (Psalm 35:9; NLT).

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders (Luke 15:4-5; NLT).

4. God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21; NLT).

I am the light of the world (John 9:5; NLT).

Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14; NIV).

He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:19-20; NIV).

Rivers of living water will flow from his heart (John 7:38; NLT).

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me (John 14:6; NLT).

Just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him (Colossians 2:6; CSB).

Burn my sins

Ruth Kirk


Image: Gábor Adonai, Pixabay

1. Burn my sins to ash, Lord,
With your fire,
And chase away my darkness
With your light.

2. Mend my foolish thoughts, Lord,
With your truth,
And make up for my weakness
With your might.

3. Heal my broken heart, Lord,
With your love,
And comfort my poor body
With your peace.

4. Fill my wretched soul, Lord,
With your hope,
And dwell in me forever,
My High Priest.

References

1. God is a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24; NIV). 

God is light (1 John 1:5; NIV).

2. The Spirit is truth (1 John 5:6; NKJV).

Power and might are in your hand (1 Chronicles 29:12; NLT).

3. God is love (1 John 4:16; NIV).

The Lord is peace (Judges 6:24; NLT).

4. God [is] the source of hope (Romans 15:13; NLT).

You are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT).

Jesus […] has become our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 6:20; NLT).

Darkness

Ruth Kirk
Image:skeeze, Pixabay

1. Living God,
I’m your unworthy temple,
Where you shroud yourself
In darkness from my sight.

2. My mind, and heart, and soul
Dwell in your darkness,
But your closeness comforts me
Both day and night.

3. Lord, may I accept
This inner darkness,
Trusting in your presence
And your love,

4. Then I’ll gladly walk with you
In darkness,
Where we are one,
United through Christ’s blood.

References

1. I am not even worthy to come and meet you (Luke 7:7; NLT).

You are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT).

He shrouded himself in darkness (2 Samuel 22:12; NLT).

No one has ever seen God (John 1:18; NLT).

2. He has made me dwell in darkness (Psalm 143:3; NKJV).

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me (Psalm 23:4; NLT).

3. You have taken away my companions and my loved ones. Darkness is my closest friend (Psalm 88:18; NLT).

We have put our trust in his love (1 John 4:16; NLT).

4. If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God (Isaiah 50:10; NLT)

The person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him (1 Corinthians 6:17; NLT).

You have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13; NLT).

Help us all (for M.R.)

Ruth Kirk
Image: Tereza Flachová, Pixabay

Lord,

1. Please help us all
Throughout today:
Those who are lonely,
Those who’ve lost their way;

2. Those who are hungry, homeless,
Those who’ve strayed;
Those who are grieving,
Comfortless, afraid;

3. Those who are sick, or dying,
Old, distressed;
Those who are longing
For your peace and rest;

4. Those who have ceased to hope,
And cannot pray:
Father, please help us all
Throughout today.

I live in you

Ruth Kirk
Image: geralt, Pixabay

All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God
have God living in them, and they live in God
(1 John 4:15; NLT).

1. Lord, my God,
I live in you,
Believe in you,
And trust in you.

2. Lord, my God,
You live in me,
Deliver me,
And comfort me.

3. Lord, my God,
I’m one with you,
Rejoice in you,
And worship you.

4. Lord, my God,
You’re one with me,
Delight in me,
And care for me.

References

1. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them (1 John 4:16; NIV).

Believe in the Lord your God (2 Chronicles 17:14; NLT).

Trust in God (John 14:1; NLT).

2. You are my father, my God, and the protector who delivers me (Psalm 89:26; NET).

You, O Lord, help and comfort me (Psalm 86:17; NLT).

3. Whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17; NIV).

Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1; NLT).

Worship the Lord in all his holy splendour (1 Chronicles 16:29; NLT).

4. He delights in me (2 Samuel 22:20; NLT).

I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you (Hosea 14:8; NLT).

Flashback (for A.)

Ruth Kirk
Image: rock-cafe, Yandex

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you
(Isaiah 43:2; NLT).

1. Here comes a flashback,
Always undesired:
My mother, screaming at me
Without restraint.

2. I’m two or three years old,
So I can neither
Understand her words,
Nor guess what lies behind them.

3. I’m at her mercy,
Paralysed by fear;
Helpless, lost, defenceless,
And alone.

4. But here you are, Lord,
Entering the scene.
You pick me up,
Then take my mother’s hand.

5. “Peace, be still!”
These are your only words.

6. You shine with love,
And radiate concern.
Your voice is steady, gentle, calm,
And kind.

7. You look at us
With perfect understanding.
Comfort and healing
Flow from your wounded hands.

8. My mother’s screaming stops.
My terror ends.
Together, we absorb
Your silent joy…

9. And then my flashback fades, but from now on
Every time this memory intrudes,
You will be present, Jesus, at its heart,
Just as you were, in fact, so long ago.

References

4. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young (Isaiah 40:11; NIV).

5. He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39; NKJV).

6. His face shone like the sun (Matthew 17:2; NIV).

8. Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21; NLT).

9. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me (Psalm 23:4; NLT).

In all their suffering he also suffered (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4; NIV).