Rely on Prayer

We constantly pray for you. — 2 Thessalonians 1:11

When Jesus was preparing to face the cross, He prayed. He told His disciples to pray too.

My heart is full of sorrow, to the point of death, He said. Stay here and watch with me… Stay awake and pray for strength. — Matthew 26:38, Matthew 26:40-41 NCV

He wanted their support and directed them to prayer.

God wants us to rely on prayer and make it a huge part of our lives. James told believers,

Pray for each other so that you may be healed. — James 5:16

Paul said he prayed for the Thessalonians constantly. Peter said that God has chosen us to be His people who do His holy work of connecting people with Him — “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).

This is a key part of your life in Christ. So pray for other people all the time. Doing this will not only keep you from focusing on your own stress and anxiety but also train your mind to turn to God with problems. You’ll start doing it for yourself more often.

Pray for people you know well, for people you don’t know well, and for people you’ve never even met. Ask other people to pray for you. Call on your all-powerful God to work and help and show His might in your lives.

Thank You, Lord, for inviting us to talk to You and depend on You and for working through our prayers.

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Hot Potato Thought Prayers

In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. — Philippians 4:6

I often like to see how quickly I can turn a thought into a prayer. I notice a thought that could hop on the anxiety train but flip it up to God instead.

I wonder why my husband isn’t home yet. God, keep Him safe in Your care.
Will the upcoming surgery help my dad’s condition? I ask for a successful surgery and improved health for him.

I’m saying, I see that issue… but that’s Yours, God. Take it away! Do Your thing! Maybe it’s like hot potato thought prayers?

It’s kind of like delegating a task, but lightning fast. You look at the thought and say, “Whose name is on this one?” Most of them have God’s name on them. Some of them have both yours and His — but He’s always ready to help you.

How am I going to tackle this problem? Give me wisdom and clarity. Lead my thoughts and steps. I feel like I’m running on empty! Give me rest and energy. Help me persevere and keep at it. What if I don’t have what it takes to do this? Enable me in ways I can’t feel yet.

• Got an issue? Can you make a request out of it? Make turning your concerns into prayers your new habit.

God, train me to keep turning to You with every concern.

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A Prayer for the Future

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. — Matthew 6:34 MSG

My loving Father, you are always right here with me. Help me listen to Your voice of love and remember who You say I am. Remind me that I’m doing each day with You, my empowering God. You make me an overcomer and conqueror.

I believe You are greater than anything I fear and anything I’ll face. May I navigate my thoughts away from anxiety and dwell on truth. Help me find the good and live in Your joy. Shine Your light and love all around me.

My confidence is in You, almighty God.

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. — Psalm 56:3 NLT

Whatever else I feel…

I will hope in Your name, for Your name is good. — Psalm 52:9

Your love for me is loyal and unfailing.

Bring Your calm, steady strength to my mind. Use my every struggle to bring more of Your power and beauty into my life.

I open myself up entirely to Your Spirit and offer You my heart, full of praise and adoration!

I trust You and love You, my Father and King.

Excerpted with permission from Calm Your Anxious Mind by Carrie Marrs, copyright Zondervan.

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Your Turn

Turn your problems, fears, worries, and stresses into prayers! Whatever you’re thinking about, pray about it! The Lord wants to hear everything that is on your mind. Come share your thoughts with us. We want to hear from you about turning to God in prayer. ~ Laurie McClure, Faith.Full