How to Pray in Times of Depression
Basilea Schlink teaches that in times of depression, believers must embrace their weaknesses through prayer and dedication to God, trusting that His glory is revealed in their poverty and inability.
In this devotional sermon, Basilea Schlink addresses the struggles of depression and the spiritual battles it brings. She encourages believers to embrace their weaknesses and sinfulness through prayer and dedication to God. Schlink highlights how God’s glory is revealed in human frailty and offers hope that prayer can overcome despair. Listeners are reminded of God’s love and promise to strengthen His children in their times of need.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today, but perhaps you don't feel that way because you're depressed about your sins. Maybe you feel so hopeless that you can't even pray. If so, then today's meditation by Basilea Schlink can help you.
We are all acquainted with periods of depression. Sometimes we think that we are a hopeless case. All of our battles and efforts seem to be in vain.
Our fetters seem to bind us more and more tightly. Other times we've lost courage because we do not have any physical strength, or we are on the verge of losing heart because we do not have the talents we need for our work. Finally we come to the conclusion, I can't do it.
It's all in vain. The next step, which is actually already present in our despair, is always defiance and rebellion against God. Ultimately, I am accusing him of giving me such an unfortunate personality, of putting me into these circumstances, of withholding a talent from me, or of not giving me the strength which I need, and so on.
Yes, despondency does not only make us unhappy, but it also leads us to sin. That is why we must pray that we overcome it. The first thing our prayer must contain is the dedication.
That is, we must say yes to the fact that we are sinners. We must say yes to our inner poverty, to our inabilities and weakness. Since each has been laid upon us by God, we must accept it.
Let us begin to say with the Apostle Paul, I want to boast of my weakness. I want to rejoice that I am poor in my own righteousness, in strength, in physical attractiveness, in talents, in popularity. And begin to thank him, because now you will experience his glory, which he will manifest through your poverty and inability.
No wealth of men can ever claim so joyfully, so joyfully, what all the poor ought to his name, both now and in eternity. Therefore, times of depression should compel us to pray more than ever. Only through prayer can the despair be taken from us.
Let us praise God for his desire to glorify himself through our weakness. There was one who came to harm, who trusted in the Father's arm. That is his own true promise.
He free gives all things we need, from ancient fears we too are freed. For God loves all his children. God bless you.
Sermon Outline
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I. Recognizing Depression and Its Effects
- Depression leads to hopelessness and inability to pray
- Despair can cause rebellion against God
- Depression often results in sin
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II. The Necessity of Prayer in Depression
- Prayer is essential to overcome despair
- Dedication in prayer means accepting our sins and weaknesses
- Prayer leads to experiencing God's glory
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III. Embracing Weakness as a Path to God's Glory
- Boast in weakness as Apostle Paul did
- Rejoice in spiritual poverty and inability
- God manifests His power through our weaknesses
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IV. Trusting God's Promise and Love
- Trust in God's strength and provision
- God desires to glorify Himself through us
- God loves and frees all His children
Key Quotes
“The first thing our prayer must contain is the dedication.” — Basilea Schlink
“I want to boast of my weakness. I want to rejoice that I am poor in my own righteousness, in strength, in physical attractiveness, in talents, in popularity.” — Basilea Schlink
“Only through prayer can the despair be taken from us.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- Accept your weaknesses and sins honestly before God as a foundation for prayer.
- Use times of depression as an opportunity to deepen your prayer life and trust in God’s strength.
- Rejoice in your spiritual poverty, knowing that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.