We can learn quite a bit about others, and ourselves, in the prayers we say when we’re distressed. As night fell on Jacob and his family, his face fell with it. Jacob knew he would face Esau the following day – only hours from then – and he was afraid. Esau had the clear advantage, forcing Jacob into a defensive posture, something quite unusual for the schemer.

Jacob began by recounting his history with God. God was the faithful God of his fathers, Abraham and Isaac, the One who told Jacob to return to his family’s land so He might prosper him. It’s not difficult to read between the lines. But then Jacob confessed his unworthiness of God’s kindness and asked God to rescue him. Jacob was where he needed to be – he was desperate and humbled before God. Then Jacob closed by once again reminding God of His promise to prosper him. And with that, Jacob prepared messengers to greet Esau and settled in to rest for the night. But he would not get any rest; God would take the seeds of humility and dependence and plant them deeper in the patriarch’s heart.

• What are your prayers to God like in times of distress and uncertainty?