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This is the audio from the May 15, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about overcoming despair or feelings of being “downcast”.  I found it interesting that a word search of the NIV found few uses of the word despair, but plenty of examples of people who, in their despair, cried out to God.  Often they are described as being “downcast”, which I believe is an accurate term in describing despair.  Whatever the cause of our despair, God wants us to overcome it through His presence and the power of His Spirit within us.  This week we will consider some Bible characters who were feeling downcast and learn from their situations some keys in overcoming despair.  As you pray, consider God’s desire for you to overcome feelings of being downcast.  Pray that you would turn to God in good times, as well as in times of despair.  Pray that you would recognize the despair of others and ask God how He would have you bring His comfort and hope to them.  Pray for the courage to turn despair into hope as you put your faith and trust in Him.  Pray that you would be lifted up so you can help lift up others from their despair.

“Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?”
Genesis 4:6-7 (NIV)

Pray that you would accurately examine your life for sin that could be causing your despair.  Pray for the courage to repent of sin and do what is right.  Pray that you would grow in the hope which comes through obedience to Christ.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom