A Prayer For Those Struggling This Thanksgiving

Two women sitting on a brown leather couch with their heads bowed and leaning into one another as they pray

November 21, 2022

BRIGHT-FM

Dear Lord,

This week we are heading into Thanksgiving. We are grateful for this time to pause and reflect on all the blessings You have graciously given us. Before the festivities begin, we want to take a moment and turn to You in prayer for all those who might be struggling this holiday season.

For those who are heading into this week feeling depressed, we ask that You would lift the weight of that darkness off of them. Bring them relief and provide them with the help they need. Equip them to feel the love and joy all around them this week. This season can be difficult when depression is all one feels, but we trust and declare that You are the God who lightens our loads and carries our burdens.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

For those who are missing a lost loved one, please comfort them with Your presence. Bring peace that surpasses understanding and joy that comes right from the source: Jesus. May You remind them that they can always turn to You with their grief. Thank You that You see them and long to comfort them.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.“ – Psalm 34:17-18

For those who can’t be with their family or friends this year, we pray that You would bring them joy and gratitude despite the separation. Fill them with hope and carry them through the difficult moments. We ask that they would have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

For those battling loneliness and isolation, we pray that Your presence would become so evident and apparent around them. Wrap them in Your love, provide for their needs, and send them constant signs of Your provision for them. We ask that You would remove this loneliness from their lives and surround them with a community to fellowship with and enjoy. Until then, please hold their hand, walk them through this time, and remind them that You are always with them.

“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

For those facing financial difficulties, we ask that You would provide exceedingly and abundantly as You promise in Your Word. You know exactly what they need and we ask You to come through in big ways on their behalf. Please bring them the perfect Thanksgiving meal and strengthen their faith in You as You provide.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21

Lord, we acknowledge that there are countless other people and scenarios which we haven’t named that need prayer this holiday season. We are trusting You to be near to them and supply for their every need. We love You and thank You for being the perfect Father who is always there for us. We pray all this in Jesus Christ’s holy name.

Amen.