We often pray that God won't abandon us when trials and temptations come crashing down. But we forget something crucial: we need this prayer every single moment of our lives. There is not one second—however holy—when we can survive without his constant upholding. Whether in light or in darkness, in sweet communion or bitter temptation, we always need this prayer: "Forsake me not, O Lord."

"Hold me up, and I shall be safe." Think about it. A toddler learning to walk needs someone's hand every step. A ship without a pilot drifts off course immediately. We cannot do without continued aid from above!

So make this your prayer today: "Forsake me not. Father, forsake not your child, lest he fall by the hand of the enemy. Shepherd, forsake not your lamb, lest he wander from the safety of the fold. Great Husbandman, forsake not your plant, lest it wither and die.

Forsake me not, O Lord, now—and forsake me not at any moment of my life. Forsake me not in my joys, lest they absorb my heart. Forsake me not in my sorrows, lest I murmur against you. Forsake me not in the day of my repentance, lest I lose the hope of pardon and fall into despair. And forsake me not in the day of my strongest faith, lest faith degenerate into presumption.

Forsake me not, for without you I am weak, but with you I am strong. Forsake me not, for my path is dangerous and full of snares, and I cannot do without your guidance.

The hen forsakes not her brood—do then evermore cover me with your feathers, and let me under your wings find my refuge. Be not far from me, O Lord, for trouble is near and there is none to help. Leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation!"

O ever in our cleansed breast, Bid your Eternal Spirit rest; And make our secret soul to be A temple pure and worthy thee.