A Prayer for When You Are Overwhelmed by Suffering in the World
Some days the weight of the world feels unbearable. In our daily prayer and devotional, we reflect on the fact that news headlines, personal stories, or even a single conversation can open our eyes to suffering so deep that it feels paralyzing. For Sophia Bricker, reading a student’s research paper on women in refugee camps brought her face-to-face with heartbreaking realities—women fleeing violence, grieving losses, and enduring ongoing trauma. She sat stunned, wondering how the world could stay so still when so much was broken.
Scripture reminds us that believers have felt this kind of anguish before. Jeremiah—the “weeping prophet”—saw devastation firsthand as Jerusalem fell in ruins. Lamentations is filled with his raw grief, yet even in the midst of sorrow, he anchored his soul in hope. He remembered God’s steadfast love and compassion, the only reason His people were not consumed.
That same hope is ours today. While the suffering around us may feel overwhelming, God sees it all. He grieves with us. And He has already provided the ultimate answer to the world’s pain—Jesus Christ, who conquered sin and death, and who will one day wipe away every tear.
Even when we don’t know how to help or what to do, we can pray. We can lament. And we can ask God to show us where He is already at work so we can participate in bringing His love, justice, and compassion into dark places.
Today's Bible Reading:
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail” (Lamentations 3:22, NIV).
Takeaway Truths
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God sees every injustice and every sorrow—nothing is hidden from Him.
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Lament is a biblical response to suffering and a pathway to deeper hope.
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Christ’s victory assures us that suffering will not have the final word.
Let’s Pray
Great God of all,
You see all the brokenness in the world and know better than I do the evil that exists in the hearts of humankind. At times, I am overwhelmed by the stories of suffering I encounter. There is so much sorrow—people who go hungry, children without parents, families torn apart by war and violence, individuals struggling in poverty and slavery, and beloved daughters that You created who are exploited and assaulted. My heart breaks as I think of their lives and the hopelessness that marks their days.
Lord, I know Your heart breaks for them too, and so I am asking You to be with them. Show them Your love and grace, providing comfort in their suffering. Please also guide me on how I can help, even in my small, limited role in the world. May I be a part of the work You are already doing to bring good news to others.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Scriptures
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Lamentations 3:21–26
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Psalm 34:18
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Revelation 21:4
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Romans 12:15
Related Resources
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