“You’ve never failed, and You won’t start now.”
In the middle of praying about circumstances on my heart, these words from the song “Oceans” by Hillsong UNITED rushed to the forefront of my mind. It’s probably the most-repeated lyric that somehow keeps finding its way to my prayer journal over the past several years. Every time I sing, write, or pray those words, the fullness of God’s faithfulness hits me afresh. His track record is perfect, so I can trust that He’s not going to start failing now. My heart swells with gratitude for the peace that floods my soul as those truths wash over my heart.
After being reminded of that line again in prayer recently, I posted about it on Facebook and asked if my friends had any special lyrics or verses that were frequent encouragers for them, too. It made my day when a few people chimed in to share theirs… how uplifting to see how God has spoken to their hearts through songs as well.
There’s just something about a melody to make a truth or petition touch our hearts even more deeply, and I love how it seems God keeps bringing certain lines to my mind as I pray, too. Here are a few more lyrics that tend to be written in my prayer journal often:
(Disclaimer: This is far from an exhaustive list and doesn’t include even my very favorite songs. But they are lines I’ve noticed coming up over and over when I pray–what a gift to give voice to my requests that struggle to find words.)
“Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.”
(from “Here’s My Heart” by Passion – Crowder, written by Chris Tomlin, Jason Ingram, and Louie Giglio)
So often I will pray these words when I don’t even know what to bring to God in prayer. I simply bring Him my heart and ask Him to speak His truth over me in my current circumstances. I’m grateful for the ways He does this again and again. And I’m also grateful for the Holy Spirit’s help in prayer…
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
~ Romans 8:26 (NIV84)
“All for Your splendor, Lord.”
(from “For Your Splendor” by Christy and Nathan Nockels)
I have such a history with this song by Christy Nockels, and her words tend to come to me after I’ve been praying a while, reminding me how I long for everything God works in me to be for His glory, shining His light. I have nothing on my own, but if I keep my roots growing deep in Him, I can weather the storms and continue to “grow up strong and beautiful” in His sight, all for His splendor.
“They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.”
~Isaiah 61:3b (NIV)
“My hand in my Father’s”
(from Whitney Wilson)
This line is from a song my friend Whitney wrote that often comes back to me in prayer as well. (She is an amazing songwriter, and you can check out her website here.) I love how her simple word picture reminds me that whatever steps are ahead, I can walk in faith with my hand in my Father’s. He will take the lead, and He will never let go of me.
“For I am the LORD your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.”
~Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
~Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
I’d love for you to join in the conversation, too! Are there any lyrics or special verses that you find coming to you in prayer often? Or do you have any other treasures you’d like to share? Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
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