Crying Out to God From the Deep - Your Nightly Prayer - June 16th
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Crying Out to God From the Deep
Evening Scripture
Jonah 2“In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.
You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me.
I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’
The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.
To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit.
“When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.
“Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.
But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”
And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
Evening Reflection
Jonah found himself in the pit of a fish. Can we pause for a minute to imagine the reality? Was it a shark, whale, or something entirely different? When I heard the story as a child in church, I imagined Jonah sitting inside a whale with plenty of space to think and pray. Now that I imagine it a little more, I’m wondering if things were really, really tight. Definitely wet. Could Jonah breathe? Was he gasping for air as he cried out to His Lord–the only one who could save him? What other misfortunate sea creature surrounded Jonah as he fought for his last breath? Was he completely disoriented as the fish dived deep into the depths of the sea and swam fervently back to dry land? Whew.
Jonah cried, “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry” (Jonah 2:2). For Jonah, his (literal) deep was in the belly of a fish. His prayer was both honest and raw, clinging to the belief that God hears when we call out from our own deep. So tonight I ask you this: “What is your deep?”
Are you in a place where things seem tight, uncomfortable–where you’re fighting to keep afloat? Are you in a place where you feel God’s abundance and provision? Where is the deep you cry out from?
In our reading tonight, Jonah acknowledges, “You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me” (2:3). God was there, ever present, when He allowed Jonah to experience what he went through. If we could see what God sees, we would never question what He allows. When we apply this to Jonah, God had a specific purpose and will for Jonah to accomplish. The belly was a result of His disobedience, but not all of our deep places are from disobedience. Sometimes God allows us to walk through hell for a purpose. Jonah had to walk through this kind of deep to bring a message he would have never had otherwise. Can I encourage you? Your deep is purposeful. Your deep is meaningful. Your deep has utter significance. Cry out to Him, because in the deep, He is with you.
At the end of our reading, Jonah cried, “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple” (2:7). I think the most powerful phrase Jonah said was “I remembered you.” If I were to list how many Scripture verses tell us to remember the Lord, we would be here all night! Here are a few:
- “Remember how the Lord your God led you…” (Deuteronomy 8:2)
- “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord…” (Deuteronomy 6:12)
- “I will remember the deeds of the Lord…” (Psalm 77:11-12)
- “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead…” (2 Timothy 2:8)
- “Remember the wonders he has done…” (1 Chronicles 16:12)
Tonight, let us remember all that He has done in our lives. Let us remember He is with us in our deep. Let us be encouraged: His plan is much greater than we can see in our present circumstances. What a joy to be seen and used for His glory!
Evening Prayer
God,
As deep cries out to deep, we know you are with us tonight. Be near and renew our strength and hope. I pray for the dear reader who is struggling in their own deep. Breathe fresh life and peace. Call to their memory your faithfulness and love in each detail of their lives. We surrender to your greater plan, Jesus. Use us. Lead us. For in our testimony, we will give you all the glory.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
How did tonight’s scripture speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Your Nightly Scripture forum discussion.
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
Related Resource: Discouragement Often Comes after Calling | Ezra 3
In this episode of The Bible Explained, Jen walks through Ezra chapter 3 and explores the Israelites’ return from exile as they begin rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. She highlights how the people, though fearful and greatly outnumbered, chose unity, obedience, and worship by first rebuilding the altar and restoring sacrifices to God. The episode focuses on the emotional moment when the temple foundation is laid—some rejoice with gratitude while others weep, remembering the former temple’s glory. Through passages in Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, Jen emphasizes God’s encouragement not to “despise small beginnings,” reminding listeners that God often works through humble starts, difficult seasons, and imperfect circumstances. The episode closes with a practical encouragement: when God calls people to a purpose, opposition and discouragement will come, but faithful perseverance and trust in God’s presence are what carry the work forward. If this podcast helped you understand the Bible in a clearer way, be sure to follow The Bible Explained on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
