Like a marathon runner as she crosses mile 25—resolute but tailing off, persistent but lacking energy—life often feels like a long, winding journey. Sometimes you feel strong, determined and on top of your world. Other times, you feel weak, downtrodden and defeated. In these moments, everything inside of you points toward giving up, but you know you’ve come too far to quit. One more mile…just keep going.

Have the burdens of life ever felt so heavy, so unwieldy and so overwhelming your “finish line” felt miles away? Have you ever neared your exhaustion point—and prepared to give up?

Maybe you’ve spent the better part of a decade searching for a meaningful career. You’ve made connections, submitted resumes and completed interviews, yet your big break appears nowhere in sight. Your jog turns into a walk. Or maybe, after years of caring for a loved one battling an illness, your energy wears thin. With tired legs, you prepare to throw in the towel.

As you navigate these periods of exhaustion, fatigue and hopelessness, call out to the Lord in prayer. Rely on him for the strength to confidently carry on, striding over your finish line with enduring hope. These four prayers may guide you as you seek the Lord today:

1. Lord, help me confidently reach for what lies ahead.
   So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above. – Philippians 3:14 (GNTD)
2. Lord, help me seek you in the midst of my struggles.
   Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12 (GNTD)
3. Lord, help me rejoice in the hope of tomorrow.
   Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. – Romans 12:12 (GNTD)
4. Lord, give me the strength to just keep going.
   May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience. And with joy give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light. – Colossians 1:11 (GNTD)