A Prayer for Chronic Pain

Lord, Paul begged you three times to take the thorn away, and you did not (2 Corinthians 12:8–9). You gave him grace instead. I have begged you more than three. Give me the grace, then, if the thorn is staying — grace enough for today, grace enough for the appointment on Thursday, grace enough for the night I do not sleep. You said your power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9); be strong here, where I am weakest. Job said, I know that my Redeemer lives (Job 19:25) from inside a body he did not recognize. I know it too. One day you will wipe away every tear, and pain will be no more (Revelation 21:4) — hold that day out where I can see it on the bad ones. Until then, be closer than the ache. Amen.

Wear the prayer Not Today Satan — worn against the day the pain tries to define you.