A Prayer for Hope When the Holidays Trigger Painful Memories
By Rachel Wojo
Bible Reading
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13
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Holidays are often painted as times of warmth, love, and celebration. But for many of us, they also bring painful memories. Maybe it's a loved one who's no longer here, a broken relationship, or a season of life that didn't turn out as we had hoped. The holidays can remind us not only of who or what we've lost but of moments that still sting with disappointment, regret, or sadness.
I can think of many holidays when I felt that ache—the reminders of what had once been or could never be again. Instead of joy, I felt the weight of grief or anger, wondering why things couldn't have changed. In those moments, hope can feel elusive, almost out of reach. But I've learned that despite those painful memories, God offers us hope. His hope isn't about ignoring the past or pretending the pain doesn't exist. Instead, it's about trusting Him to meet us right where we are, to heal those wounds, and to give us a future that only He can create.
As Romans 15:13 reminded us, God is the source of our hope. When our memories weigh us down, His hope lifts us up. He reminds us that our story isn't over, and He's still writing beautiful chapters ahead. The holidays might trigger painful memories, but they can also be a reminder that God's healing and hope are not just a distant promise but a present reality available to us even now. If this season brings back difficult memories for you, I want to encourage you to actively seek God's hope to fill your heart. Even in the darkest memories, God's light can break through, and by reaching out to Him, you can invite that light into your life.
Let's Pray
Heavenly Father,
As we approach the holiday season, the weight of painful memories feels heavy. We bring to You our sadness, our grief, and the reminders of what has been lost or broken. Lord, in the midst of these memories, we ask You to fill our hearts with hope. Help us to see beyond the pain and trust that You are still at work in our lives. God, You are the God of hope, and we need You to restore that hope in us today. Lift the heaviness of our memories and replace it with the light of Your promises. Help us to look forward with expectation, knowing that You are a God of healing and new beginnings.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Thank you for joining me today. I hope this prayer has reminded you that hope is never out of reach, even when the holidays trigger painful memories. Remember, God is with you, intimately understanding your pain, and He offers healing for the past and hope for the future.
If you're looking for more guidance on how to deepen your prayer life in tough times, I invite you to check out my new book, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments. You'll find real-life stories, prayers, and practical ways to connect with God when you need Him most. You can learn more at desperateprayers.com. Until next time, remember that God sees you, He hears you, and He knows your needs.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/DjelicS
If you enjoy Rachel’s prayers, you’ll appreciate the beautiful prayer card set, 31 Days of Prayers for the Heart. Enjoy and display Rachel Wojo's beautiful 31-day prayer card collection that includes A Morning Prayer, A Prayer for the Moment, and more! Easily place your favorite on display or transition through the set using one each day for a month. All cards securely rest in the display stand. This set includes 5x7 cards on sturdy 100 lb cardstock, beautiful, smooth professional print, and a handcrafted wooden display stand to hold all cards.
Related Resource: Let God Reframe Your Year: A Psalm 107 Year-End Reflection
As we wrap up our year together, I want to invite you into this meaningful spiritual practice: looking back on the year through the lens of Psalm 107 to identify the “fingerprints of God’s faithfulness. In this episode, we'll walk through four redemptive storylines found in Psalm 107—each representing a way God rescues, restores, and reorients His people. Whether you felt lost, trapped, wounded, self-destructive, or overwhelmed by storms, I encourage you to reflect on how God met you in weakness and brought deliverance. This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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