A Prayer for Hope in Despairing Time

September 9, 2025 | by Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner | NCNW National Chaplain and President of Skinner Leadership Institute

Isaiah 40:31

Lord, our God, awesome Creator of heaven and earth, thank You for another day of life and breath that comes from You, and You alone.

Lord, we are living in a time that many, including our elders, have neither imagined nor experienced. Our democracy is being shredded daily by lawless leaders replacing compassion with cruelty, mercy with meanness, and truth with treachery toward those Jesus loves, with corruption rising in our nation's highest court.

When life-sustaining food and wellness-care are snatched unashamedly from the mouths and bodies of elders, children, and those living on the edge, here and across the globe, to enrich the richest, God, it’s time for you to act!

Bend down, O Lord, and hear the wailing cries of your children, wondering when this long, dark season of chaotic, callous, and cruel leadership will end. Forgive us if we have offended you. And, as you have done in ages past, strengthen those, right now, rising up, speaking out, and demanding leaders of high character, compassion, and commitment to unite and not divide our people, in every mountain of influence.  Our hope, Lord God, is in You alone, the Creator of the ends of the earth, who never grows tired or weary. Our spirits are lifted today by the blessed assurance that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31). In your mighty and matchless name, we pray, Lord Jesus. Amen.