A Prayer about Jesus and the Brokenhearted
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit. (Ps. 34:18)
Jesus, I’m increasingly grateful for all the reasons the Father sent you into the world. When I look in the mirror of the Word, I’m thankful that you came to set me free from my imprisonment to sin and death and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. In the gospel I hear you singing these words over me: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).
I have no righteousness apart from yours, Lord Jesus. When I look at places like Haiti, Calcutta, and Darfur, I’m so thankful that you came to preach good news to the poor— not just good news concerning spiritual poverty but also the good news of a kingdom that provides food for the hungry, clean water for the thirsty, shelter for the homeless, advocacy for the marginalized, family for the orphan.
When I look at systemic evil in the world— human trafficking, the idolatry of greed, an ideology of terror, the pornography industry, to name a few— I’m so thankful that you’ve also come to proclaim the day of vengeance of our God. No one is a greater champion of justice than you, Lord Jesus. One day, all the pillaging weeds of unrighteousness will be replaced with mighty oaks of righteousness— “a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor” (Isa. 61:3 NIV).
Today, Lord Jesus, this very morning, I’m especially thankful that you’re close to the brokenhearted and that you save those who are crushed in spirit. To have sat yesterday with a mom and dad as they held their three week old son as he drew his last breath . . . sometimes life feels like too much, Jesus. Some stories and moments make me wonder, “Why, O Lord?” and “How long, O Lord?” Thank you for not despising my weakness and weariness.
I’m most thankful, Lord Jesus, that you’re very much with our friends, whose wails and wounds you perfectly understand. No one was broken in heart and body like you, no one was crushed in spirit like you, and you did it all for us. In the mystery and in this moment, I praise you that you comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve.
O for the day when we will forever be done with a spirit of despair and will only wear the garment of praise. In your kindhearted, ever present name I pray.
Amen.