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This is the audio from the May 17, 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.

“My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon — from Mount Mizar.”
Psalm 42:6 (NIV)

As you pray, consider God’s desire for you to overcome feelings of being downcast.  Pray that you would be reminded of God’s presence when your despair comes from feelings of being alone.  Pray that the presence of God, which surrounds you everywhere, would lift your soul.

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

In prayer,
Tom