Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB)
Our minds are filled to capacity, cluttered with the latest news on vaccines and COVID precautions or the details of care needed for our aging parents or the anxieties of everyday life as we try to get to the end of the day. We hunch over our desks as we work from home, and we wonder what else we can whip together from the leftovers of yesterday’s meals. The days stretch longer and yet pass us by, and somehow we’re almost a year into this pandemic. The accumulation of everything we’ve had to deal with has made life feel like too much, and the understatement of this year (again) is that we are weary.
And yet, if we’re honest, sometimes it’s easier to stay busy, to keep going at an unsustainable pace, because we don’t want to face the anxieties and realities that are right under the surface. Keeping our hands and minds busy feels productive, and worrying about every possible what-if situation can give the illusion that we’re in control. But worry, control, busyness — none of those things give us true peace.
Instead, true peace comes from having the right posture. When we pray, petition, and present our requests to God, we become grounded again. We remember that God is still real, He’s still present, He’s still in control.
When our minds start to unravel, let’s practice this posture:
Open palms.
Deep, slow breaths.
Our bodies, our minds, our hearts surrendered and at rest.
And as we do, let’s bring all our worries to God and receive His peace.
How can we pray for you?
Are your hearts full of worry? Let’s share them in the comments below and come to God in prayer. Remember to write out a prayer for the person who commented before you.
Leave a Comment
Elizabeth says
This community has been beside me as I left an abusive relationship with my daughter’s father. We have been “free” for a year and a half, but I constantly leave in fear that he will return. I don’t know how to tackle the PTSD and fear. Please pray for this situation and for the safety of my daughter and me.
Linda Wilson says
A verse that has really helped me is Isaiah41:13. God has not given us a spirit of fear! You have been set free from that old life but Satan wants to keep you there! Not physically but mentally! Don’t give him that pleasure! Enjoy that new freedom you have in Christ! Gods got this enjoy your day!
Beth Williams says
Elizabeth,
Don’t listen to the lies of Satan. God has set you free & you are free indeed. Asking God to give you true peace & comfort. May you feel His loving arms surrounding you all the time. Prayers for discernment, guidance & a trusted person to talk with about this. I hope you know you are loved dearly by a God who constantly watches & pursues you.
((((((((Hugs))))))))
Blessings 🙂
Julie says
Elizabeth, I am so happy you’re out of that relationship. But PTSD is real. The trauma actually changes your brain structure. It’s not something you can simply pray away. Don’t get me wrong, you must pray and stay in the word. But you also need to heal. I want to share an incredible Christian couple who changed my life with their teachings on healing from abuse. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist. They both come from a history of abuse. Please check them out. Bob and Polly Hamp. Their website is http://www.TDAcad.com. (That stands for think differently academy) they have tons of teachings-many free, some at a nominal cost. But you can also google Bob Hamp & find many of his older teachings for free. I truly believe this could help. In the meantime, I pray that the peace that surpasses all understanding surrounds you as you surrender your fears to the Lord. He loves you and will always be there for you and your daughter along the journey.
Esther says
Elizabeth, the PTSD and fear are so real and not everyone understands trauma. For me, Arise Healing Community by Confusion to Clarity is the best thing I found for my trauma healing. Praying for you!
Chioma Obasi says
“For GOD has not given us a spirit of fear but of power,love and a sound mind!”. Receive this from GOD and reject every form of fear. Affliction shall not arise a second time in your life. Stay hooked to the word of GOD, worship and prayer and you will be just fine. HE will never leave you nor forsake you!
Carmen Becker says
God is the Almighty. I have to remember we are HIS chosen children. Just as we try to provide for our kids and grandkids HE abundantly supplies our needs. Thank you Father, our God is great … continue guiding each of us toward you. Envelop us with YOUR love, care and protection. Amen.
Beth Williams says
In Courage,
I have prayers for friends. My pastor’s wife lost her mom 01/29. She & her husband had been caring for mom in their home. This past week they traveled back to WV (mom’s home state) for the funeral. Prayers for peace, comfort & rest as they grieve this loss. Also another friend/family in church lost his mom 01/29. Prayers for peace, rest & calm as they all grieve.
Big prayers for a friend/co-worker. Her dad has cancer & was back in hospital last Tuesday. His nephrostomy tube infected, blood clot around hear & seeing/talking to people not there. Top that off with her friend living with her (in basement) sick from second Covid shot. His sister is in hospital with pulmonary edema. Judy (friend) has had Covid, Covid pneumonia & has other health issues. She needs rest & peace to come back to work (RN).
Thanks everyone!!
Blessings 🙂
Judy Miller says
Father God, As this day goes forward, I pray for each and every person in this community and beyond, that You know our needs and will continue to supply them. We know that the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy, BUT You come to give us life more abundantly.
We just need to trust, believe and have faith in You and know that ALL things work out for our good.
We will continue to look up to You where our help comes from and know that You will never leave us or forsake us.
In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen!
Theresa Boedeker says
We talk and think about our worries and fears, but we often forget to discuss and take them to God. Trying to remember this step more faithfully.
Mary Ann Gorham says
I’d like to ask for prayer for my daughter, Megan. She is only 20 and is pregnant. Her baby has been diagnosed w Trisomy 18. Megan has been very brave and made the decision to carry the baby full term. Please pray for her to continue to have God’s strength and peace no matter the outcome. The baby may not live very long and I know this will be very traumatic. Praying for God’s healing and wisdom as I’m grieving even now.
And I pray for everyone else who is grieving a loss, whether the death of a loved one or just for the many things that are missing in our lives right now. I pray for peace and comfort and the ability to rest in God’s presence, knowing He cares about you and is taking care of you!
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings! Mary Ann
Stephanie says
Mary Ann, I am so sorry to hear. Praying for you and your sweet daughter and grand baby. God bless you, comfort you and hold you all tightly in His loving and strong arms. Sending love and prayers friend ❤️
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, to those who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Sue says
I have always been a worrier along with anxiety and depression.
I am in my 60’s and my husband and I separated five months ago with no apparent end.
2020 not only gave us Covid but I have been experiencing physical problems that will not cease. I pray to God to take them from me but it hasn’t happened. Any guidance? Bless you all.
Stephanie says
I am so sorry to hear Sue ❤️ Stay rooted in God’s Word. Spend time in prayer and worship. Even when it’s hard, even when you don’t feel like it, our Jesus is with you and for you. Pray for wisdom and understanding before you read the Word each day and remember you are so loved, friend. “I pray that God, the source of hope will fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13. May God bless you abundantly, friend ❤️
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:3-4
God, please bless Sue with Your comfort and unexplainable peace. Bless her with healing of her illnesses and help her to feel Your presence today and always. Thank You God that you work everything out for our good and that every season has a purpose. You give us the strength we need. Thank You God for helping Sue and comforting her. In Jesus’ Name, amen! ❤️
Areum says
Heavenly Father, we are thankful that even if we don’t have the words to speak, you hear the whispers of our hearts. Father, we lift Sue up to you in prayer. For the trials that she is facing, we know that you see her and know every detail. Please keep her close to your heart Lord. Comfort her during this time. Fill her with your peace. Bring clarity to the situation with her husband. We speak healing over her emotions and physical healing over her body from the effects of COVID. We pray that you will provide for her every need during this time. We know that you are a good God. So help Sue find her rest, peace, and comfort in you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Stephanie says
Thank you for this! I have been feeling anxious and fearful for the future so much recently. But I know God is good and He is in control. Please pray for me for peace and to trust in God and His perfect will and timing. God bless you all. Thank you ❤️
Kimberly says
Lord I pray for Stephanie right now I ask you to just ease her anxiety your father. Let her laying on you and her times of struggle. I know that you are bigger than anything that is going on in this world your father to cover her with your strength and grace and mercy amen
Hopeful Mamma says
Prayers for healing, that my recurrent ovarian cancer responds to my second round of treatment, long into the future so I can be here for many, many, many more tomorrows for my 7 yr old daughter, my husband, and my extended family & friends I hold so dear.
Renee says
My husband left our 20-year marriage and has given me 3 weeks to find a new place to live. Because I recently followed him to a new state for his job, I don’t know anyone to stay with as I figure things out. We were also in late stages of adoption. Please pray for wisdom, guidance, and that my husband’s heart might soften to God.
Brandy says
My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 39 (March 2020). Lab work indicates a possible recurrence. We have a 4 month old baby girl. Rest and peace in God’s promises has been so much harder this time. I cannot comprehend how this could be part of God’s plan, but I know I have to trust that God is working His plan out for my good and His glory.
Dawn Ferguson-Little says
We have a big big God who made this world. I put on the Armour of God every day in Ephesians 6 read Psalm 91 and apply the blood over me. This last while God has been putting alot of kids Christian songs in my heart. To sing. That are very true for us as Adults. You get them on YouTube. One is “He Got the whole world in his hands and he got me and you Brother in his hands’ instant that so good to know. The God that made this world has me and you in his hands. Plus another one I in the ‘Lord Army YES SIR” So we are well projected so don’t need worry about Covid or the Covid vacation. Just trust God. As you here so many things about the Covid vacation. People do what God tells them. Keep trusting God for everything. Keep standing on God Word and Prayer. That lady with her husband with cancer. Look up Don Moen on YouTube. Song I am the God that health thee. Play it. I will say a prayer for you and your Husband. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little xxxxx ❤️
Wilhelmina Brooks says
Blessed is the peacemakers.. God is a God of peace and Love…Give your days to God and he surely will make them straight way for you..slow down and enjoy each day God gives you..God gives us enough hours in a day to settle down form the hustle and bustle and regroup before sleep….lets use them..have a peaceful day..
Jeri says
For my sons to turn back to God. The eldest has a very unhealthy anger issue towards me and has banned me from his life. Although it hurts terribly, I have completely let go and turned him over to God. Please pray that both boy’s hearts will be softened and that restoration will occur at some point. Please pray that I will have God’s peace as I start this very difficult journey. Thank you for praying.
Kimberly says
Please pray for my daughter Jessica as she is at school in Tallahassee and works full-time and is just riddled with depression but refuses to seek outside help and also pray for me as she wants me to help her but I suffer from my own issues so we’re having such a hard time right now thank you
Libby Le Tourneau says
Prayers needed to calm my anxiety, worries, confusion that I have in my heart and the hurt that I feel. I know He knows my heart & desires, and I continue to pray for Him to move this mountain, but the waiting is hard for me.
Aimee R. says
Please pray that the Lord helps me as I battle anxiety and depression – the isolation of the pandemic has only made things worse. Woke up this morning feeling really down, discouraged and on the verge of a panic attack. Not exactly sure why… it was just a morning filled with anxiety and tears. Has my quiet time, prayed and listened to praise/worship music
(I LOVE MUSIC!) A friend told me that you KNOW that things will be ok eventually but that, at times, doesn’t make it any easier. Praying for Joy and peace – Thank you Lord for your love and grace to me. Thank you for praying.
Dot says
Prayers, remember God is in control and loves you.
aimee says
Praying for God to comfort you and fill you with his peace and presence, Libby.
Dot says
Requesting prayers my family will forgive one of my grandsons. He was drug dependent and has recovered holding down a full time job for almost a year. My family does not want me to have anything to do with him because he did steal and lie a lot before his recovery.
fannetta h gore says
Father, we give you praise in all things and areas of our lives. We thank you for being the one who is in control. We thank You as You continue to guide us daily when we release ourselves to You and Your loving kindness. Thank You for the blessings of this day. Continue to guide and support all who have read and responded to this message. Help us to realize that there is nothing too big or too small in our lives that You cannot handle.