5 Inspiring Prayers for When Life Is Unexpected
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Life is full of seasons, detours, changes and circumstances that are unexpected and out of our control. As much as we would love to have all the answers and predict what tomorrow holds, life is very unpredictable. A new move, unexpected job loss, illness, or strained relationship occur and stop us in our tracks. How do we remain grateful when our lives move in a different direction than we anticipate?
Despite the unexpected life situations that will arise, God reassures us that He is for us and will continue to lead, strengthen, and empower us during these unpredictable seasons. As you face unexpected scenarios in life, here are five inspiring prayers to uplift and encourage you.
1. Prayer for a New Move
“I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Dear God,
Thank you for strengthening me during this new move and reminding me that You will continue to provide for every need that I have. While I am in a new location with anxieties and fears, calm my spirit with your peace and renewing presence. This move may be a surprise to me, but it is all part of your intentional plan for my life. I surrender my doubts, insecurities, and fears over to You. When I am discouraged, thank you for your Word that encourages and energizes me to press forward with courage, faith, and boldness. When I move to different locations in life, thank you that your faithfulness remains consistent. With each new move, thank you for providing for every need that I have.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. Prayer for Unexpected Illness
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
Dear God,
I pray that You will grant me peace and healing as You lead me through this unexpected illness. Although this was unexpected, I trust You and know that You will continue to cover me. Thank you for sustaining and comforting me during difficult times and uplifting my spirit when I want to give up. Remind me that I am not alone and to depend on You and the community of support that You have placed around me. Thank you for being Jehovah Raffi, my healer. Grant me wisdom and guidance as I look to You. At times when I am weak, thank you for your strength and grace that carries me forward. At times when I am angry, help to shift my perspective and mindset with the truth of your Word. Thank you for your healing power and peace during this unexpected illness.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. Prayer for Unexpected Job Loss
“I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need” (Philippians 4:12).
Dear God,
Thank you for being the ultimate source of my strength and provider of all my needs. Even during this sudden job loss, thank you for providing me with new resources as I move forward. You are a God who is true to your Word, that reassures me You will supply all my needs according to your riches in Christ Jesus. As I seek Your will, thank you for aligning my gifts with the vocation and amazing purpose that you have for me. While you do open new doors to provide a valuable job resource, please remind me that my identity is not connected to a job. My identity should confidently grow in You. When unexpected job losses come, thank you for being my constant provider and peace.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
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4. Prayer for an Unexpected Strained Relationship
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3).
Dear God,
Thank you that my relationship with You is consistent. While this strained relationship is difficult right now, I seek your guidance on how to reconcile this broken relationship in my life. If it is in your will to restore this relationship, I thank you for providing an opportunity to do so. I surrender my desires to your perfect will. No matter the outcome in how this strained relationship goes, I seek your peace. Despite the frailty of human relationships, thank you that my relationship with You is secure, stable, and unconditional. Open my eyes to see the lessons and wisdom You have shown me with each relationship that I encounter, and help me to maintain a spirit of gratefulness during various seasons with relationships.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. Prayer for an Unexpected Change of Course
“The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
Dear God,
When life takes an unexpected change of course suddenly, thank you for your infinite wisdom in leading me into unchartered territory. During times when I don’t understand the direction that You are taking me, increase my trust and faith in You and your divine plans for my life. Calm my frantic mind and help me to see the new possibilities that are available, as I surrender control. Your ways are higher than my ways, and your thoughts are higher than my thoughts. Thank you for continually guiding me through life’s many uncertainties, detours, and changes of course. Despite different paths in life that I take, thank you for never changing.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
During the unexpected seasons and circumstances that will arise, rest in the assurance that God’s love and guidance is consistent and constant. While the detours in life that are unexpected are surprising to us, they are not surprising to God and are still part of His plan. Don’t lose hope. Cling tightly to God and allow him to take full control.
Navigating unexpected circumstances can be challenging, but we don’t have to go through them alone. If you are facing an unexpected new move, illness, job loss, strained relationship, or change of course, don’t lose heart. God will cover you and provide you with peace when you don’t see the way forward. Today, I invite you to remain encouraged and reassured that God’s presence, power, and provision will go before you when unexpected seasons come.
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