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5 Scripture-Based Prayers to Encourage Your Weary and Anxious Heart
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- Updated Mar 17, 2022
It feels like our world moves from one massively heartbreaking crisis to another. We know for sure that our world is constantly under attack from the forces of evil that seek to rule this world. Each and every person is feeling weary after we all have endured the past two and a half years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now we are all heartbroken again as we see terrible conflict unfold in Ukraine.
Uncertainty, chaos, and anxiety are running rampant in our culture and lives! It almost feels impossible not to live in a constant state of fear and grief. Thankfully, God knows that we will endure many sorrows while we live this life but by his grace, we are not without hope! There are over 365 verses in the Bible that tell us not to live in fear.
God does not want us to live with our heads in the sand, unaware of the trouble around us; in fact, the Bible encourages followers of Christ to get in the trenches of life by loving the least of these in our communities. So how then does God expect us to live without fear even when we are called to purposefully step into the most challenging of circumstances?
Believers can live fearlessly because God bestows on us a “peace that surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:6). Christ-followers can navigate this life boldly because we build our lives on the rock of God’s promises (2 Peter 1:4). God offers us access to his comforting presence here on Earth (Exodus 33:14). Graciously, each of us has been given the powerful tool of prayer! We are invited to bring our cares, worries, needs, and more to the feet of Jesus (1 Peter 5:7). I am so thankful to be given hope, beauty, love, peace, joy, and more while here in the land of the living!
The fruits of the spirit only are cultivated in our lives when we live with great intentionality and when we constantly take time to ask God for his Spirit to be alive and active in our lives. The Christian life is about cultivating a relationship with God! This takes discipline, time, and focus. The foundation of that relationship is an active prayer life. If you are struggling with fatigue, fear, and heaviness, here are some prayers of faith to help remind you that God offers us peace even in the darkest valleys that we walk through in our lives.
1. 1 Peter 5:6-7
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
God, help me to remember that you are not surprised by the events we see unfolding in our world. It is not up to me to right every wrong, I can humbly cast every care I am holding onto you! Lord, I am so thankful that you care for me. What hope we have just in the knowledge that we serve a caring God! When I can only see the darkness at work around me, be the lifter of my head and remind me of the so many ways you have been faithful to care for me. Amen.
2. 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.”
Lord, give me the strength to overcome my anxious thoughts. There are so many things happening in our world that fill my heart with fear and worry but I desire to live a quiet and peaceful life. Would you graciously grant me the desire of my heart?
Remind me that prayer is the weapon you have given me to overcome the troubles of this world. Would you turn your ear towards me and hear my prayers. Allow me and my house to serve you with confidence, peace, joy, patience, kindness, and self-control. Guard my mind and heart against the lies that tell me this world is a hopeless place. We know that you offer hope for every person who asks you for it. We know that we have eternal hope through Jesus and the promise of Heaven. Fill my heart with hope that overcomes the fear of this world! Amen.
3. Isaiah 40:31
“but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
Father, I am so thankful that you offer strength to my life, mind, and soul when I am weary. I need you to renew my strength. Give me a strong mind, filled with wisdom and truth. Let your truth drive out the lies of fear, anxiety, and depression that want to take over my mind. Guide me towards practices that nourish my mind, body, and soul. Help me to accept your grace that says that I am not enough on my own but by your power, I can overcome my struggles!
These past years have been filled with heavy burdens that have left me feeling burnt out. Graciously renew my heart so I am able to be the salt and light you have called me to be in my community. Show me your path that leads to peace, hope, and joy. I need you Jesus, today and every day. Amen.
4. 2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Jesus, I feel weak in this season. I feel like my heart and strength are failing. God be my portion! Help me to boast about your ability to transform my broken mind and body. Let your redeeming power be at work in my life. Give me the strength to focus on the ways you are at work in my life and in this world. Help me to guard my eyes against looking at things that will only discourage and insight fear in me.
Make yourself known through my weakness! Don’t let my weariness, anxiety, depression, or fear stop me from being used by you. May your power rest on my life. Let me accept your story about me that says I am loved, peaceful, chosen, and a part of your family. Help me to reject the story that the world is telling me that I need to be afraid, that I am anxious, unwanted, and an orphan! I thank you, God, for your amazing grace. Amen.
5. Deuteronomy 31:8
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
God, I need you to go before me in this life! As I navigate the headlines, the stresses of my daily life, and my calling I can feel lost and alone. I thank you that your Word reminds me that I am never alone. That I can trust that you are there in the midst of all the chaos. That you are there to encourage my heart. That you will not forsake your people!
God comfort your people as we have all walked through a dark season. Show us how you have gone before us, making a way in this broken and lost world. Help me to find strength through living out the calling you have placed on my life. Give me supernatural bravery to step forward in my life. Amen.
Allow these prayers to inspire hope, strength, and to stir up your faith! God knows we need his help to live our lives well. He desires to be with us and help us through all the ups and downs that we experience in our lives. Hope is not lost! We have an eternal, never fading hope through our relationship with Jesus Christ!
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Halfpoint
This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
The Lord’s Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
Prayer for Anxiety
Prayer for Strength
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