Is Footprints In The Sand A Prayer?
The Footprints Prayer, also known as Footprints In The Sand, is a popular and widely recognized poem and prayer that has touched the hearts of many Believers since its origin.
Who Is The Author Of It?
While its exact author is not known for certain, the poem has been commonly attributed to Mary Stevenson, Margaret Fishback Powers, or Carolyn Carty.
The prayer teaches Christians that during our toughest times when we see only one set of footprints in the sand, it is then that God carries us.
It reminds us of God’s constant presence, unconditional love, and the importance of faith and trust in navigating life’s challenges.
What Is The Footprints Prayer?
The Prayer draws a beautiful picture of a walk along the beach with the Lord. However, when the person looks back at his or her life and notices something interesting.
During the most difficult and painful moments, there was only one set of footprints. This leads him or her to question why God would leave in those moments of need.
How many of us go through storms of life questioning God’s presence? He is present in the midst of the storm.
The Bible says in Psalm 46:1-3,
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
This verse describes Him as an ever-present help. This means that He is never absent in our lives. His involvement is doubtless.
Trust Him!
In response to the person’s question in the ‘Footprints Prayer,’ God has a reassure. He informs us that during those times, He was carrying us.
He says in Isaiah 46:4,
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you, and I will rescue you.”
The Lord has promised to carry each and every one of His children until the very end. Trust Him.
The Footprint Prayer Use This Metaphor!
When Christ carries you, you’re never alone. If God has promised to stand by you through the storm, He will stand at any and all costs.
He isn’t a man to change His mind (Numbers 23:19). The Lord walks with us through every step of our journey and never leaves us to fend for ourselves.
The Footprints Prayer uses the metaphor of footprints in the sand to depict the journey of life and our relationship with God.
It conveys the idea that during our most challenging and difficult times, even though we may feel alone or overwhelmed, God is actually carrying us and providing support and strength.
What Are The Words For The Footprints in The Sand Prayer?
Here are the words to the ‘Footprints in the Sand’ Prayer:
“One night I had a dream. I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.
‘Lord, you told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I’m aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don’t understand why, when I needed You most, You would leave me.’
He whispered, ‘My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.’”
Is The Footprints Prayer In The Bible?
No, the Footprints in the Sand prayer is not found in the Bible. It is a popular poem and prayer that has been widely shared and embraced by many believers for its comforting and edifying message.
While the themes and narration expressed in the prayer are in line with certain biblical concepts, the specific wording and imagery of the prayer are not found in the Scriptures.
The Bible is the Word of God. Nothing should be added to it, and nothing should be removed from it.
Test Everything With This!
It is vital that we recognize the difference between the words of man and the Word of God. As Believers, we must completely follow 100% of the Bible.
The Bible says in 2 Peter 1:3,
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
The Lord has already given us everything to live a glorious life in Christ. How can we afford to slack? We’re accountable to Him, after all!
There is a lot of information out there. It is important to be careful about believing information put out by others.
Therefore, est everything and measure it with the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
Again, as believers, we cannot afford to be naïve or foolish. Under the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit, we can stand in the truth of His Word and fight the schemes of the Devil.
What Is The Meaning of Footprints In The Sand Prayer?
The “Footprints in the Sand” prayer carries several meaningful themes and messages:
- God’s constant Presence: The prayer reminds us that God is present with us throughout our lives, especially during seasons of tribulation or suffering. The footprints symbolize the journey of life, and the prayer assures believers that we are never alone. It reminds us that God walks beside us, offering guidance, comfort, and support. A Bible verse to support this is Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
- God’s Care and Protection: The prayer shows us that during our lowest and most trying moments, there may appear to be only one set of footprints. It may look like we are walking alone, but that is where our faith is being tested. However, the prayer reveals that it is during these times that God is carrying us. It shows us God’s care, protection, and provision, assuring us that He will sustain us and help us through our struggles. A Bible verse to support this is Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- Trust and Faith: The prayer encourages trust and faith in God’s plan and presence, even when we may not fully understand it. We know that it is impossible to please God with faith (Hebrews 11:6). It is vital that we choose to actively trust Him during times of doubt. How does this happen? It happens by staying saturated in His Word and constantly praying. There may be times when we question why God allows certain challenges or hardships in our lives. However, it ultimately calls us to trust in His wisdom, love, and faithfulness, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. The Bible says in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- God’s Unchanging Love: The prayer portrays God’s unconditional and unwavering love. It reminds us that regardless of our circumstances or the mistakes we make, God’s love for us remains constant. The Psalmist sings of God’s unchanging love in Psalm 136.
- Comfort and Hope: The prayer offers comfort, solace, and hope to those who may be going through difficult times. We know that we can find strength and peace in the knowledge that God is with us and will help us overcome our challenges. We can lean on Him and find hope even amidst adversity. The Lord says in Isaiah 51:12, “I, even I, am he who comforts you.”
- Reflection and Gratitude: The prayer encourages us to reflect on our life’s journey and reminds us to look back at the footprints in the sand. As believers, we always have something to be grateful for. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” If gratitude is the will of God for us, how much more should we praise and thank Him?
- God’s Providence: The prayer reveals that during the most difficult times, when there is only one set of footprints, it is not because God has left us but because He is carrying us. It signifies that God is our strength and provider, sustaining us when we feel weak or burdened. The Bible speaks of the Lord’s providence in Matthew 6:25-27, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
Conclusion
We’ve seen and understood the ‘Footprints Prayer.’ It isn’t from the Bible. As Believers, we must exclusively stick to the Word of God and practice it daily.
Christians write such poems for our edification and encouragement in Christ. How has this prayer helped you?
