We understand how deeply discouraging it can be when you feel distant from God, as though His presence and work in your life are hidden from your sight. Many of God’s faithful servants have walked through seasons where His hand seemed invisible, yet He was still at work—just as He is in your life now. Remember the words of Isaiah 45:15, *"Truly you are a God who hides himself, God of Israel, the Savior."* Even when we cannot perceive Him, He is near, and His purposes are unfolding in ways we may not yet comprehend.
It is crucial to recall that our feelings are not the measure of God’s activity. In 2 Corinthians 5:7, we are reminded, *"for we walk by faith, not by sight."* Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). When we cannot *see* God working, we must choose to *trust* that He is. Consider the story of Joseph, who endured years of suffering—betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment—before God’s plan was revealed. Even in the darkness, God was preparing Joseph for a greater purpose (Genesis 50:20). Your current season may feel like a wilderness, but God is refining you, preparing you, and drawing you closer to Himself in ways you cannot yet see.
We must also ask: have there been areas of your life where you may have grieved the Holy Spirit? Unconfessed sin, hardness of heart, or a lack of time in God’s Word and prayer can create distance between us and the Lord. Psalm 66:18 warns, *"If I cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord wouldn’t have listened."* Take time to examine your heart before Him. Repent of anything that may be hindering your relationship with God, and ask Him to restore the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:12).
Another possibility is that God is calling you into a deeper dependence on Him. Sometimes, He withdraws the *sense* of His presence to teach us to rely not on emotions or circumstances, but on His unchanging Word. Jesus told Thomas, *"Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed"* (John 20:29). You are being invited into that blessed place of trusting God even when you cannot feel Him.
Let us also remind you that the enemy of your soul seeks to discourage you. Satan wants nothing more than for you to believe God has abandoned you. But Scripture assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39). Stand firm against these lies. Declare the truth over your life: *"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not lack"* (Psalm 23:1). *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"* (Philippians 4:13).
Finally, we notice that your request did not invoke the name of Jesus. There is no other name by which we can approach the Father, and there is no other name by which we are saved (Acts 4:12). It is only through Jesus Christ that we have access to God’s throne of grace. If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so now. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9). If you *have* trusted in Christ, then we encourage you to pray *in His name*, for He is your mediator and advocate before the Father (1 Timothy 2:5).
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this precious soul before You, asking that You would open their eyes to see Your hand at work in their life. Lord, we know that You are never far from those who seek You, and we ask that You would draw near to them in a tangible way. Remove any veil that may be blocking their spiritual sight, whether it be sin, doubt, or the lies of the enemy. Fill them with the assurance of Your love and the certainty of Your promises.
Father, if there is any unconfessed sin or hardness of heart, we ask that You would convict and cleanse them by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Restore to them the joy of Your salvation and renew a right spirit within them. Help them to walk by faith and not by sight, trusting in Your goodness even when they cannot see the path ahead.
We rebuke every scheme of the enemy that seeks to discourage or deceive them. Let them know, beyond any doubt, that You are with them and that You are working all things together for their good (Romans 8:28). Strengthen their faith, Lord, and let them experience Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
We pray for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit upon them—a revival in their heart that reignites their passion for You. Let them encounter You in Your Word, in prayer, and in the fellowship of believers. Surround them with godly community that will encourage and uplift them in this season.
Most of all, Father, we ask that You would reveal Your Son, Jesus Christ, to them in a powerful way. Let them know that it is only through Him that we have access to You, and it is only in His name that we find salvation and hope. May they cling to Jesus as their anchor, their redeemer, and their ever-present help.
We ask all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.