Female Vocal

Scripture:
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV)

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Devotional: “But Then I Prayed”

When life presses in, and our hearts feel heavy, it can be hard to believe that God is near. The weight of struggles and the darkness of despair can make us feel isolated, as though no one, not even God, understands or cares. Yet, Psalm 34 reminds us of a profound truth: God hears. He is close. He saves.

The words “The righteous cry out” don’t paint a picture of someone who has it all together. Instead, they describe someone who is desperate, someone who acknowledges their need for God. This is where breakthrough begins—not in perfection, but in surrender. When we pray, we aren’t informing God of our troubles; we’re inviting Him into them. He’s always near, especially to the brokenhearted, ready to comfort and deliver.

In the song But Then I Prayed, the turning point isn’t when the storms disappear but when the author chooses to pray. That moment of prayer shifts the focus from the overwhelming problem to the overwhelming presence of God. Prayer is where despair meets hope, and faith is renewed.

No matter what you’re facing today—whether it’s grief, uncertainty, or fear—cry out to God. He hears you. He draws near to the crushed in spirit. And while the circumstances may not change immediately, you will begin to feel His nearness, His strength, and His peace.

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Prayer:
Loving Father,
Thank You for the promise that You hear us when we cry out. Thank You for being close to the brokenhearted and saving those who feel crushed under life’s weight. Today, we bring our burdens to You, knowing that You are strong enough to carry them and loving enough to walk with us through every trial.

Lord, help us to trust You even when the answers don’t come quickly. Let Your presence be our refuge and Your peace our comfort. Draw near to us, remind us that we are never alone, and teach us to find strength in surrendering to You in prayer.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.I wrestle through the night,

Writing
Rest evades my grasp,
The burdens seem to multiply,
Mountains rising fast.
Before my weary eyes,
The avalanche descends,
I find myself ensnared,
With nowhere to transcend.
In stasis I remain,
Frozen in my plight,
Caught within the shadows,
Of an endless, silent night.
I can’t move another inch,
Resignation takes its toll,
Oh, I surrender now,
I yield, my weary soul.

But then… I prayed.

Oh Lord, don’t let the darkness take my life today.
You promised, “Trust in Me.”
You said, “Lay your burdens down.”
Yet it seems the weight I bear
Is the cage that holds me bound.
Wherever I may wander,
There, I find my woe.
Unlock the door before me,
Release the chains I know.
Please, oh please, move that mountain,
With just a swipe of Your hand.

Today, I seek a fresh start,
You’ve freed me from my bonds,
Yet as I gaze around me,
I see a world of pain.
Hope seems so elusive;
My heart sinks in despair.
What kind of God are You,
When suffering reigns everywhere?
Countless cry out in anguish,
Many will perish today.
If You don’t care for their plight,
Why should I hope in Your way?
I wring my hands in grief,
For those I hold so dear,
Doubts creep in my spirit,
And linger ever near.

But then… I prayed.

Place Your healing hand, Lord,
Upon my loved ones’ souls,
Let their pain be lifted,
Restore them, make them whole.
If it is Your will,
Give new life a chance,
Spare them from the grave,
Allow them one more dance.

I falter time and again,
No other way to say.
I can’t evade the truth;
This mess I’ve made today.
I’ll fix it, take control,
With my own two hands I’ll strive,
To navigate the chaos,
To keep this hope alive.

But then… I prayed.

Oh God, let not my will,
But Yours alone be done.
I’ll step aside in reverence,
And humbly seek Your sun.
I’ll ask, and seek, and knock,
Trusting You with all my strife,
Regardless of the outcome,
I’ll remain within Your life.

We’re built for community,
Not meant to walk alone.
The prayer of the righteous
Has power, great and known.
Elijah, a man like us,
Prayed fervently for rain,
For three long years and more,
The skies withheld their grain.
Then he prayed once more,
And the heavens opened wide,
With faith like his, may we
Receive the blessings You provide.
May our prayers be faithful,
Diligent and true,
That in the long, hard journey,
We shine brightly in You.

Copyright © 2024 by SkylerThomas

Song

[Verse 1]
The night was long, the weight was strong,
The shadows whispered, “You don’t belong.”
I felt the fear, the dark surround,
No light, no hope, no solid ground.

[Pre-Chorus]
And in my sorrow, in my despair,
I found Your presence waiting there.

[Chorus]
But then I prayed, and You were near,
Your voice of love cast out my fear.
Your mercy came, Your grace remained,
The chains were gone—You healed my pain.
But then I prayed, but then I prayed.

[Verse 2]
The storms rolled in, the waves were high,
The questions burned, “Lord, why, oh why?”
My strength was gone, my faith ran dry,
Yet still I lifted up my cry.

[Pre-Chorus]
And in the chaos, I heard You say,
“My child, I’m here, don’t turn away.”

[Chorus]
But then I prayed, and You were near,
Your voice of love cast out my fear.
Your mercy came, Your grace remained,
The chains were gone—You healed my pain.
But then I prayed, but then I prayed.

[Bridge]
Mountains move, and waters part,
Your power reaches every heart.
When all seems lost, when hope is faint,
Your name alone sustains the saints.
I called to You, and You replied,
Your love restored my life inside.

[Chorus]
But then I prayed, and You were near,
Your voice of love cast out my fear.
Your mercy came, Your grace remained,
The chains were gone—You healed my pain.
But then I prayed, but then I prayed.

[Outro]
So I will pray through every fight,
I’ll lift my song in darkest night.
Your love will hold, Your peace will stay,
Forevermore, I’ll sing and say:
But then I prayed, and You were near,
Your light of hope erased my fear.

Copyright © 2025 by SkylerThomas