GROW IN FAITH 18 – Praying in Difficult Times

Turning to God When Life Is Hard

Opening Prayer

Lord,
Sometimes life feels heavy.
Help us turn to You when we struggle.
Teach us to pray
even when prayer feels difficult.
Amen.

Part One

When Life Feels Hard

There are times when life is joyful.

And there are times when life is difficult.

We may feel:

Sad.
Afraid.
Lonely.
Angry.
Confused.

We may not understand why something is happening.

In those moments,
it can feel harder to pray.

But those are the moments
when prayer matters most.

The Bible says:

“Cast thy care upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.”

God does not ask us to hide our struggles.

He invites us to bring them to Him.

Scripture

“Cast your care upon the Lord, and he shall sustain you.”
(Psalm 54:23)

Think and Discuss

Why do people sometimes stop praying when they are upset?

Is it easy or difficult to speak to God when you feel sad or angry?

What might happen if we keep our struggles to ourselves?

Why do you think God wants us to bring Him our worries?

Allow time for honest answers.

Part Two

God Listens in Every Season

Prayer in difficult times may sound different.

It may be shorter.
It may be quieter.
It may even be tearful.

We do not need perfect words.

Sometimes prayer is simply:

“Help me.”
“Why?”
“I am afraid.”
“Stay with me.”

Jesus Himself prayed in suffering.

He prayed in the garden before His Passion.

He understands sorrow.

When we pray in difficulty,
we are not alone.

God listens patiently.
He remains near.
He gives strength,
even if the situation does not change immediately.

Guidance for Adults

Do not rush to fix every problem with explanations.
Sometimes the most powerful lesson is showing that prayer is possible even in pain.

Part Three

What Prayer Does in Hard Times

Prayer may not remove every difficulty.

But it changes the heart.

It reminds us:

God is near.
God sees.
God cares.
God will not abandon us.

When we pray in difficulty,

We learn trust.
We grow stronger.
We become more compassionate toward others.

Hard times can deepen faith
if we bring them to God.

Silence, tears, and simple words
are all forms of prayer.

Even when we feel nothing,
God is present.

Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly for a moment.

Think of something difficult in your life.

Now say quietly:

“Lord, stay with me.”

Remain in silence together.

Practise This Week

Choose one:

• When upset, say one short prayer before reacting.
• Write a short prayer about something that worries you.
• Pray for someone who is going through a difficult time.
• Spend one quiet minute each day placing your concerns before God.

Choose one and keep it steady.

Optional Response

Choose one:

Memory
Repeat slowly:
“Cast your care upon the Lord.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.

Action
Open your hands in front of you.
Imagine placing your worry there.
Lower your hands slowly and say:
“I give this to You.”

Closing Prayer

Lord,
You are near in every season.
When we are joyful, stay with us.
When we are struggling, strengthen us.
Teach us to turn to You always.
Amen.