This is my prayer in the desert
When all that’s within me feels dry
This is my prayer and my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
(Desert Song, Hillsong Worship)

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame

( Brooke Ligertwood. Desert Song. 2008 Hillsong Music.)

A couple of weeks ago, our Sunday morning small group sang this song. When I read the words, it made me think of what so many of us have been going through the last few months. Some of us are wondering if God is hearing us while we pray in the middle of a desert or in the middle of a raging fire. We are mourning the loss of a loved one, have lost our job, or just can’t stay isolated from everyone any longer. The list goes on.

Around the same time, I came upon this quote from The Good and Beautiful God. (It’s the book that some of us are reading from this summer’s SPL program, “Apprentice.”)

Those words are now etched in my heart and my hope is that it triggers in you a feeling of trust in the God who loves us all. We don’t have to say “all is well” when deep down inside, we know we are not, but we can put our trust in the God we know to be good. He will walk through the desert or the fire with us.

Please Pray: Heavenly Father, even though sometimes we wonder if you are hearing our prayer while we are in the desert, we put our trust in you, our Good, Good Father. For yours is the Glory through the difficult times and through the good times. Amen.

Praying with you all,

Phil Carmichael

PS. I was asked to submit my prayer for Prayer Wednesday several weeks ago. When I looked at the date I was scheduled for, I knew it was meant to be. Today, July 8th, is my wife’s birthday. So, I can now wish her a Happy Birthday in front of the whole church. Happy Birthday Sue !