Personal Prayer
Praise God that “though he brings grief, he will show compassion . . . for he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men” (Lam. 3:32-33). Give thanks for God’s promise that your grief will be turned to joy (Jn. 16:20). Confess to him the times you let grief or affliction turn to bitterness or unconfessed sin. Commit yourself to allowing these trials or afflictions to be a stepping stone to a greater faith. Ask God to help you guard yourself in your spirit and do not break faith (Mal. 2:16).

For Your Family and Friends
Pray that your family will see that affliction can be good (Ps. 119:71), that in faithfulness God may afflict, and that his unfailing love will be their comfort (119:75-76).

For the Church
Ask that financial pressure in your congregation will draw you together in prayer and trust, and move you forward in faith as you share with those in need (Rom. 12:12-13).

For the Kingdom
Pray that God will continue to build his kingdom in areas of the world where there is oppression, hunger, and lack of resources.

For People to Know Jesus
Ask that God will use you today to give comfort to the afflicted who do not know Christ, assuring them that your God will supply all their needs (Phil. 4:19).