Just as God saw the plight of the Israelites in Egypt and heard their cries, and came down to help them, he still sees and hears our cries today. But now, he not only hears because he is omnipotent; he hears because of the Son, Jesus, at his right hand, interceding for us. Jesus has been where we are. He faced the specter of death, the pain of torture, and the separation of ridicule. Jesus' presence with the Father means that God not only hears our cries for help; he also feels our agony. This is why Jesus came. He is our assurance that God feels, cares, acts, and ultimately saves. Our God sees our trouble and grief and then helps even the most vulnerable and helpless.

God, Father, and Savior, please be with those bearing the incredible weight of agony and pain. Some of these I know and pray for personally. Others I do not know, but they still need your comfort, strength, and grace to sustain them in their days of agony and grief. Please bless them with clear evidence of your care. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.