Laura Zapata asks for prayer for the health of her grandmother, Mrs. Eva Mange, 102 years old | The State
Laura Zapata.
Photo:
Miguel Larrauri / Reform Agency
Laura Zapata He had announced that he would be kept in isolation to celebrate his grandmother’s 103rd birthday on January 18, Mrs. Eva Mange, giving him a big hug after months apart due to the coronavirus pandemic.
These plans could unfortunately be frustrated, since a few hours ago he reported through his social networks that his grandmother is going through a difficult health moment.
“Unfortunately he has suffered a decline in his health and I am currently attending to this matter to determine the reason for the decline in his health,” the actress explained.
To avoid speculation about any condition that Dona Eva, the sister of Thalia He reiterated that, despite his deterioration, he is in good condition, but took the opportunity to ask his followers to join in prayers so that he can recover soon.
“I appreciate your interest, I have not been able to answer you for this, I cannot do interviews at this time, but I will keep you informed. Fortunately, she is fine, I ask you for a prayer for her and for me ”, requested Zapata.
It is important to note that Laura was so excited about the possibility of being reunited with her grandmother that she even bought a special outfit to be close to her without any problem.
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Many married American couples envision their marriage bed as a sacred space. It is a place where you can dependably reconnect at the end of the day.
If it’s not with some conversation, it is just by being snuggled up in the same cozy space as you both drift off to sleep. It’s a place you commit to returning to together no matter how the day went.
For many, leaving the bed to sleep elsewhere can be a sign of anger, separation, and can undermine your feeling of connectivity in your relationship. Sleeping apart from one another can be seen as the first step taken away from one another when your marriage is facing tension.
But sometimes, couples just have to because of their life situations.
Why do we see a growing number of couples opting to sleep in separate beds and sometimes also opting to sleep in separate rooms? According to a 2017 survey from the National Sleep Foundation, almost one in four married couples sleep in separate beds.
Is sleeping in separate spaces a sign of a relational break or just a pragmatic decision for more individual comfort? Let’s explore the potential consequences of this growing trend.
What Is Sleep Divorce?
While the term sleep divorce sounds a little dramatic, the reality is that the term is just referring to a decision some couples make to sleep in separate spaces for the sake of better rest.
While the trend is growing in popularity now, it is not a new idea. As recent as the 1960’s couples sleeping in separate beds or places was fairly common.
Over the past 50 plus years sleeping in the same bed became the norm for married couples but researchers are finding that up to 25% of married couples are choosing different arrangements.
Why Do Couples Choose to Sleep Divorce?
Sleep divorce may be prompted due to a couple’s differering schedule or inability to rest well in the same bed with your spouse.
I know firsthand that there are seasons where separated sleep is necessary due to circumstances outside potential marital conflict.
When we brought each of our babies home there were times when we had to sleep separately in order to facilitate better sleep for each other. I would take the first part of the night with the baby and then sometime in the early hours, my husband would come back upstairs to our room to take the baby downstairs to rest so I had at least 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
That was a gracious gift as my Momma body could not fully rest with our loud grunting little nuggets right beside me.
Some couples may be in a situation where they work opposite schedules. This can make sleeping at the same time in the same bed impossible.
Many others report factors such as loud snoring, disagreements about lighting, temperature preferences, and other disagreements about comfortable sleeping preferences have led them to opt for separate beds and/or separate rooms.
Couples select to separate at night for a variety of reasons ranging from practical concerns such as opposite schedules; to those who separate because they cannot agree to be in the same space together any longer.
Is Sleep Divorce Biblical?
Sleeping arrangements are mostly a cultural construct and the ways we have chosen to sleep in our homes have changed tremendously over the years due to a necessity or cultural norms of the time.
The Bible doesn’t offer specific instructions on things like where we should sleep when we are married but it does give us a lot of other advice for our marriages that we can draw on to help us navigate these sorts of decisions.
Ephesians 5 outlines many principles that can guide us in our marriages. It advises that we keep away from any sexual immorality, that we show each other love and respect, that we cherish one another, and that we serve each other. Let these be the standards that you judge your decisions by.
All of our decisions should be born of a desire to love one another as Christ would.
That means if sleeping together, even if it means less than stellar sleep, can be important to showing one another love. On the other hand, giving each other the freedom to rest without interruption can be an amazing gift of service and love to your spouse (particularly if you have a newborn).
Let love and open communication guide you and you can’t go wrong.
Before You Decide, Check Your Motives
Is choosing to opt for a so-called “sleep divorce” bad for your marriage?
Honestly, this is a hard question to answer because relationship and family circumstances vary so greatly!
Many couples are making these kinds of choices for purely practical reasons such as taking turns tending to a newborn or working opposite shifts, while for others the decision to separate at night may be a worrisome signal that things are decaying in your relationship.
Determining the line between “I need to sleep alone for the sake of getting better rest” and “I don’t want to be in the same space as you” can get fuzzy.
When dealing with circumstances that lead to the need to rest separately, clear communication and intentional times of connection have to be even more of a priority because you are missing out on a built-in time of shared space that a common bed allows for.
Sophie Jacobi-Parisi, a New York attorney at Warshaw Burstein, who practices matrimonial and family law, said that “couples that choose to sleep separately but don’t have a conversation around why they are making the change, it can be another step in the path toward divorce.”
She makes the point that there can be many practical reasons as to why separate sleeping arrangements may be beneficial but if we are not clear in our communication with one another as to why we are making these types of decisions this can be one step closer to separation or divorce.
The bottom line is that the decision to sleep separately is one that should not be taken lightly.
If there is a real need for this arrangement, communication with one another surrounding this decision is very important to make sure that it is not a choice to step away from your commitment to your marriage.
Every step we take away from our spouses, be it physically or emotionally, has the potential for negative long-term consequences. Wisdom invites us to weigh these types of decisions carefully.
How to Keep a Healthy Marriage While Sleeping Separately
If you are in a season of life where it feels impossible or disruptive to each other’s rest to sleep in the same bed there are a few ways to make sure you get through this season well.
1. Identify the sleep issue and determine the best way to remedy it.
For example, if opposite schedules mean you can’t go to bed together, then identify ways you are going to take time to rest together. There is something special about spending time resting together.
While many think best sleep comes alone, there is research that shows that sharing a bed actually leads to better sleep. Potential benefits include falling to sleep faster, lowered blood pressure, a boosted immune system, helps curb anxiety, and even can slow down aging!
If you are trading off dealing with children, one suggestion would be to do this switch during the week but reserve the weekends to still sleep in the same bed together. Another idea is to spend time together in bed catching up and snuggling before separating to your posts to get some rest.
If separating is due to snoring, a health concern, or another issue, make sure you are thorough in discussing how to make sure you both know that the decision to sleep separately is not a decision to live separately.
While it is easy to see the practical need for rest it is important to care and nurture each other’s feelings.
Find ways to express your desire to remain near one another in life even if your circumstances prohibit being together in the night hours.
2. Revisit your sleep arrangements frequently.
No decision like this should be permanent. Just because something works well or is necessary for one season does not mean it is good for all seasons.
Choosing to come back together to the same bed, even if it means lost sleep, is 100% worth it if it is going to bring your marriage closer together again.
We sacrifice sleep for so many other causes: our children, video games, binge-watching TV, and even work. It is reasonable to expect to have to sacrifice some sleep for the sake of your marriage.
Be wary of a temporary season of sleep separation becoming permanent. This could be a sign of a growing disconnect in your relationship.
Once that baby is sleeping then you should return to sleeping in your same bed or at least should be talking about what new arrangement would work best for both of you.
When your situation changes, it is important not to ignore the conversation around sleep arrangements. This can lead to resentment and false assumptions being made by each of you.
3. Be mindful of how your sex life is affected by your sleep arrangements.
One very practical reason to sleep in the same bed is that you are in the same place at the same time alone, giving you the chance to be intimate with one another.
If I just fall asleep on the couch before going to bed, there is a much lower chance I am going to be up for getting intimate with my husband. If you are parents, practically you need the late hours of the night to be able to have the privacy required to have intercourse.
Separate beds or separate rooms can become barriers to having access to one another sexually.
This of course does not have to be the case. If you are mindful of each other’s needs and make it a point to be available to one another at other times of the day or are willing to travel across beds or even rooms to be intimate, then it is possible to keep a thriving sex life under this arrangement.
Nonetheless, we know that a sexless marriage can be one factor that leads to divorce. Keep tabs on if your sleeping arrangement is affecting your sex life is a good way to determine if something is amiss in your relationship.
Loving your spouse well often means sacrifice.
Depending on your circumstances that sacrifice may look like buying ear plugs so you can remain close in the night to your chainsaw snoring spouse. It can also look like giving up your side of the bed so your baby and Momma have a safe space to rest together during those harrowing early months of life.
If we want our marriages to thrive we have to be careful to be taking steps closer to one another, showing each other love and consideration in our every decision.
Let that be your guide on how you navigate rest as you share your lives with one another.
Amanda Idleman is a writer whose passion is to encourage others to live joyfully. She writes devotions for My Daily Bible Verse Devotional and Podcast, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, the Daily Devotional App, she has work published with Her View from Home, on the MOPS Blog, and is a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com. You can find out more about Amanda on her Facebook Page or follow her on Instagram.
Why “You Complete Me” Is a Dangerous Myth in Christian Dating and Marriage
It’s another crazy Tuesday night. Getting the kids to do their chores or homework is like herding cats. My partner in crime is missing as usual. He was supposed to be home two hours ago. Chris stayed after work to finish up a project and I’m finding myself annoyed because I could totally use his help here, at home. After all, he married me, not his job. As he walks in the door, I try not to roll my eyes because I know what he will say next. Grinning, he says, “You complete me.” I can’t help but laugh because it’s our inside joke. He’s my best friend, but he doesn’t complete me. If he did, he would’ve prevented all the chaos and mishaps, right?
22 years of marriage that began with a teenage pregnancy and a shotgun wedding is hardly the stuff soulmates are made of. But when people get to know us, we often hear how we must’ve been star crossed lovers, destined by God to be mates for life.
We all want the Jerry McGuire moment when he says, “You complete me.” But then lights go up, the credits roll, and we find ourselves in the real world surrounded by imperfect people. We compare our significant other to the film, to our friend’s spouses or boyfriends. We scroll through social media and the comparison seems to find no end.
We see perfectly cropped, filtered posts about how so and so’s guy brought her flowers or we see a guy saying he has the best wife in the world because she just ‘gets him.’ But no one talks about the hard work any relationship takes. No one posts about bickering over unmet expectations, the budget talks or hurt feelings. No one wants to post about the fights, the arguments, the late conversations about trust. And no one will ever talk about their secret unrealized dreams, disappointments, or doubts.
We find ourselves living in a fallen world where there is no such thing as a soulmate. I’ll be the first to say my husband isn’t my soulmate, and the church needs to stop preaching it, teaching it, and supporting this ideal. While it may seem like the Bible is responsible for this phenomenon, the word “soulmate” isn’t found anywhere within its pages. Yet, the idea we were made for our soulmates has given individuals permission to bail from the bonds of marriage.
All too often we want to shape our identity, relationships, and marriage to fit our idea of what love is supposed to be instead of the truth. The truth is this, we are matchless. No one on this earth will complete us. No, not even your spouse or future spouse. But finding the one who completes you is a dangerous myth in Christian dating and marriage. There is no prince charming. There is no happily ever after. There is no one who will make you whole.
What Does ‘You Complete Me’ Mean?
‘You complete me.’
This probably sounds like the most romantic thing your partner may have said to you. It definitely feels good when someone tells us that we complete them. It sounds even more romantic than, “I love you.” But if we dig into the phrase a little deeper, it means this person needs you to be a complete person which eventually leads to the conclusion that without you, this person cannot grow. The question here is whether such need-based relationships are fulfilling for a lifetime or not.
Where Did the Phrase ‘You Complete Me’ Originate?
So, where did this idea come from? The soulmate myth originated from pagan philosophy thousands of years ago. It has recently started trending in popular culture and has crept into our church and ideals about marriage.
According to Plato, humans were originally created with two faces, two arms, and four legs. They roamed the earth as a sphere and possessed incredible strength. Humans were so strong that their power became a threat to the divine realm. The Greek deity Zeus took notice and acted upon the threat by slicing humans in half. Humans were then sentenced to spend their mortal days not rivaling the gods but instead, searching for their missing half—their soulmates. At least that’s the story in The Symposium. While Plato is definitely not the best source of insight into our lonely condition, we can look to the One who is Truth (John 14:6). He knows the truth and reveals the truth through his word.
What Does the Bible Say about Two Becoming One?
“But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female’. ‘For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, And the two shall become one flesh’: so that they are no more two, but one flesh.” Mark 10:6-8 and in Genesis 2:24 it says, “…A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”
Are we getting a clearer picture yet? Two becoming one does not mean that we were missing our other halves. The Bible shows and teaches the nitty-gritty of marriage: Two stubborn, broken people, united together for a common purpose: to build a home and relationship that reflects God. Two becoming one is less about aligning preferences and more about uniting in purpose. All of this, not in spite of marriage, but because of it. This shows us there is a fine line between becoming one with your mate while maintaining your God-given identity. Becoming one takes effort and persistence.
Mark Groves summarizes what it means to become a unit quite wonderfully:
“While most people seek to be independent in relationships, I seek independent dependence. As in, I want to preserve my wholeness, honor my partner’s need to do the same, and also be able to depend on her. What is the point of a partnership if we can’t turn to the one we love and say, “Today I can’t hold up my world alone, will you help me? It’s healthy to depend on people for support, it’s not healthy to depend on them for our wholeness and happiness. Those are two very different things.”
What Are the Dangers of the Phrase ‘You Complete Me’?
The dangers of looking for someone to complete you could be a codependent relationship. It also means we begin looking at our spouse as our savior instead of the One who did save us. Interestingly enough, Plato and the Bible do have one caveat in common: humans are naturally incomplete. But before you go quoting Jerry McGuire, the solution to completeness is different. Plato says we must find our soulmates to be complete. Scripture says Jesus makes us complete. This is the difference. Humans are flawed and fading. Jesus is infallible, infinite, and faithful.
When churches teach and preach there is a soulmate out there for each of us, we are in danger of idolizing marriage. We begin to put marriage on a pedestal. We elevate it, covet it, and only have rose-colored glasses for married life. We replace Jesus for marriage and send ourselves into the wastelands of our perceived incompleteness. Our belief that true love should be passionate and dramatic causes us to cling to unhealthy relationships that should have been left in the past. We expect our spouse to meet all our needs. We think of love as a matter of chance, not choice. We mistake marriage and our spouse to be our saving grace.
This kind of thinking puts us in danger of becoming unsatisfied in marriage or current relationship. Believing that you are destined to be with someone dramatically changes the way you look at your potential partner and changes the way you handle conflict because every instance begins to feel like a failure. Your marriage will begin to unravel because you’re less likely to work at it. Seeing your marriage as a partnership requires work, effort, commitment, and compromise.
Churches should be teaching against the grain of this mentality. God is the crux of our completeness. And this should be the message for our souls. Our challenge isn’t to let go of the idea of finding a partner to do life with—our challenge is doing life with our partner and God at the center. For more about soulmates and marriage, check out, “If God Doesn’t Make Soulmates, How Do I Know They’re The One?”
What Does the Bible Say about Our Identity?’
One of the richest passages about identity found in the Bible in the book of Ephesians. In Ephesians 1:3-14, Paul addresses the church in Ephesus, explaining the new identity given to a person when they are in Christ.
According to Ephesians 1, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing. We have been chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, unconditionally loved, lavished in grace, and accepted. We are blameless and forgiven. We have received the hope of spending eternity with God. When we are in Christ, these aspects of our identity can never be altered by what we do.
The Bible tells us that our identity is in Christ. “When we become followers and believers in Jesus, we lose our identity in this world and embrace our identity in Christ. Our identity in Christ is being a member of His body, the church.”
You are the son or daughter of the Most High King. We are the sons and daughters who had been redeemed, created new, and awakened spiritually to the Lord. This means we are heirs to God’s Kingdom. As long as we recognize our identity in Christ alone, we won’t get lost seeking the empty things that the phrase, ‘You complete me,’ brings.
Heather Riggleman is an author, national speaker, former award-winning journalist and podcast co-host of the Moms Together Podcast. She calls Nebraska home with her three kids and a husband of 21 years. She believes Jazzercise, Jesus, and tacos can fix anything and not necessarily in that order! She is author of I Call Him By Name Bible Study, the Bold Truths Prayer Journal, Mama Needs a Time Out, and Let’s Talk About Prayerand a contributor to several books. Her work has been featured on Proverbs 31 Ministries, MOPS, Today’s Christian Woman, and Focus On the Family. You can find her at www.heatherriggleman.com or on Facebook.
When I talk about what it means to have joy and contentment, I am not talking about relying on the power of positive thinking as you live out your life like The Little Engine That Could (“I think I can, I think I can”), or the many programs in books and on television about the power of positive thinking.
I am talking about the power that comes from being content with what God has already given you.
Contentment at Work
When I think about people I know who are so content with Jesus in their life they reflect the joy and love of Jesus in a way that actually infects those around them with their joy, one of those people that always comes to my mind is the Port-O-Let driver (his name is Fred) I worked with in the Undercover Boss show.
I never met Fred before being assigned to him as my boss for the day on the Waste Management Undercover Boss episode, and I worked with him undercover as his helper cleaning out Port-O-Lets all day.
I have to be honest with you, when I heard I was going to have a job cleaning out Port-O-Lets all day, I thought it was going to be a long day I would not enjoy very much. I knew it would be a tough, stinky job! But honestly, that day was one of the most fun days I had of all the different jobs I did for the Undercover Boss show.
And the reason I had so much fun was because of Fred’s positive and fun attitude. He showed how a happy disposition, when you are filled with the love of Jesus Christ, can make even a stinky job fun for you and everyone around you.
I have never laughed so much while doing work. In fact, after eight hours of working with him that day, my face muscles were fatigued from laughing so much that I kept getting cramps in my face. I have never had that happen to me before!
At one point I asked Fred if he was a Christian because I could just tell there was something inside of him giving him all that joy. Fred told me he was a Christian, and he guessed I was too! We hugged each other, said a prayer together, and then just kept on working.
Jesus Christ was clearly evident in his life. Fred taught me how important it is to let that joy and contentment with what you have shine on those around you and what an impact that can have on others. It is so infectious and draws others to you because they want to know the reason for the hope that is within you.
Contentment in Our Culture
Our culture tries to tell us that pursuing everything other than God will bring us contentment. People are searching hopelessly for contentment by pursuing material things or their own selfish desires and pleasures, but they aren’t seeking God.
We can see it all around us—people pouring their lives into their work with a focus on themselves, getting ahead, and making a name for themselves. I am sure everyone can identify someone they know (or maybe even you are that person) that on the outside seems to have achieved much in their career—their position, their status, their home or homes, their car or cars, etc.
Yet, even with all the material possessions they have, deep down the people who have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ are not happy.
I think that is why there is such a huge drug and alcohol problem in the world. People are trying to find contentment with drugs, alcohol, pornography, and material things because they think those things will bring them contentment or comfort or take away their pain.
Those things might provide a brief relief from some of life’s pains and struggles, but they will never find lasting contentment and peace without Jesus in their life and turning control over to God. The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:26 that God made us in His image.
God loves us and He wants a relationship with us. Without God we won’t be content.
Contentment in Adversity
Most of the Scripture about contentment in the New Testament is written by the apostle Paul, who was arrested for teaching that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again.
Paul was beaten, placed in chains, tortured, and eventually died a martyr’s death, but never did anything to deserve it. So if anyone should have had an attitude that life is not fair, it is Paul.
But he placed his faith in Jesus and was content, no matter the situation, because he trusted God.
Paul, while he is in chains in prison, tells us: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11–13).
The last sentence of this verse is usually taken out of context when people quote it. It is really talking about contentment. It is about knowing God will give us what we need. Being content and trusting God through our trials can even reflect God to others.
Paul didn’t draw his strength from having more material possessions than his friends or from worrying about what others thought about him.
Paul’s faith in Jesus Christ brought him contentment. Paul got his strength from God and it was his faith in Christ that gave him the strength to be content–to endure–through all things.
The Source for Contentment
Unfortunately, our sinful nature, along with Satan, are at work every day to try to convince us we are not content. Paul tells us that to overcome our discontentment we must pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
Paul is telling us to focus on our relationship with God, and that will bring us contentment.
So contentment is a spiritual issue, not a money issue or an issue about how many material possessions we have. I think the secret to contentment is understanding God is sovereign and in control. If God doesn’t want something to happen, it won’t happen.
That means God is in control when good things happen in our lives, and God is in control when times are tough for us.
Contentment comes to us when we depend on God rather than ourselves. Contentment can come to us when we give to others in need, not just of our money but of our time.
One of the things God has taught me is that neither my money nor my time is mine. My money and my time are both given to me by God. No matter how much or how little each of us has, it is still more than we deserve because God owes us nothing.
Everything we possess is a gift from God. And God wants us to be a good steward of everything He has given to us.
Another thing I have found that contributes greatly to contentment is telling God how thankful I am for all He has given me. The more I thank God, the more I become aware of what He has done for me and the more content I find myself.
We can even find contentment in difficult times. Maybe God is trying to teach us something through our crises. We can give thanks to God even when times are tough that He is taking an interest in us to teach us something and to draw us closer in our relationship to Him.
I think we all have work to do when it comes to contentment. Next time you find yourself feeling down or that life is unfair, just remember Paul being wrongfully chained in a Roman prison, and yet he was joyous and content.
I doubt any of our lives will be as difficult as Paul’s was in prison. But we can be just as content by placing our focus on Jesus Christ, being thankful for all God has given us, and asking the Holy Spirit to help us grow in our ability to live with righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
Ultimately, our contentment comes as a result of our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Larry O’Donnell served many years as president and COO of Waste Management, where he became best known as the first “Undercover Boss” from CBS’ hit reality show. A popular speaker, leadership consultant and ministry leader, he holds a Master’s in Biblical and Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and mentors leaders around the world through his full-time ministry. His new book, Management Waste, from which this piece was adapted, is available now atwww.larryodonnell.com.
Parenting in this day and age is not for the faint at heart. That’s why Mama Take Heart is here to help you be the gospel-centered, compassionate, and influential voice in your Gen-Z daughter’s life. In this show, we give listeners the tools they need to love and lead well in their child’s formative years. Host Robrenna Redl is here to help equip and empower you with resources and practical takeaways, whether you’re looking for ways to intentionally connect or to have hard conversations. So don’t fret, Mama. Instead, take heart!
Churches come in all shapes, sizes, and sometimes even beliefs.
In Revelation 2-3, the Bible gives us some descriptions of a church that might have lost its way. Although, the Bible also mentions positive things that these very same churches were doing, so they weren’t all bad. This is an important idea to remember, because no church is going to be one hundred percent perfect; after all, they are run by humans.
Be wise and be aware, but before you leave any church, take some time to evaluate your own motives. Any problems that you see might be a result of your own perception and not really issues at all. Your inclination to avoid a particular church may be valid, but it could also be your own pride thinking you deserve better. Always check yourself and your motives.
Still, certain characteristics may be a good reason to go elsewhere:
Should We Hold Christian Leaders Accountable, even after They’ve Passed?
When we hear that a church leader has fallen short and has engaged in illicit activities, it can often lead us to a place of frustration and sadness. Sometimes Christians even leave the church when a leader who seemed to exercise a strong faith falls into temptation and sin.
So, what happens when a Christian leader who has passed has committed some difficult-to-swallow sins? And what if the news leaks out after they have passed?
Should Christians preserve the legacy of the person who is no longer with us, even if they made mistakes? Or should we also bear in mind that they may have caused hurt? And how do we reconcile both as Christians? Let’s dive into this extremely tough topic with grace and turning to Scripture.
What Does the Bible Say about Holding Leaders Accountable?
Proverbs 27:17: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
We need to sharpen one another like iron. If we find that our brother or sister has engaged in a sinful lifestyle, we need to step in and remind them of the truth of Scripture. Passivity doesn’t fly.
This becomes difficult, of course, when someone has passed. After all, how do we reprimand someone who cannot speak for themselves? How can we encourage them to improve if they no longer live here on Earth with us?
Galatians 6:1-2: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Scripture calls us to restore one another in a spirit of gentleness. This doesn’t mean pointing the finger or casting stones. But it does entail not allowing sin to continue. The verse also warns us not to fall into temptation ourselves, to remove the plank from our own eyes.
James 5:19-20: “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”
The difficulty arises, once again, because how can we do what the verses from James commands us if the person has passed? Do we have examples from Scripture about holding leaders accountable for what they did after they passed?
What Does the Bible Say about Accountability after Someone Has Passed?
Let’s analyze a few examples from Scripture about how people handled the legacies of less-than-perfect people who caused grief for friends, loved ones, and future generations.
One of the best examples happens early in the Old Testament: Isaac.
Isaac followed the Lord and served as a patriarch over Israel. This didn’t exclude him from committing sins that ended up pulling his family apart and tarnishing his legacy.
Because Isaac chose favorites, something Scripture commands us not to do (Romans 2:11), this not only tore Jacob away from the family (after Jacob tricked Esau due to this favoritism, Esau vowed to kill him), but Jacob carried this pattern with him. Because Jacob adopted favoritism from his father, his son Joseph is led into slavery in Egypt.
Does this exclude Isaac from his patriarch status? No. God uses an imperfect man to continue the line of his people through Israel. Nevertheless, it takes generations to heal from Isaac’s sin, even after he had passed.
We can look further back in the patriarchs for another example: Abraham when he sleeps with Hagar. Scripture doesn’t dive into details here, but as a handmaiden, she didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. More likely, she didn’t want to sleep with Abraham.
When she gives birth to a son, Abraham’s wife mistreats her, casts Hagar and her son out of the house, and leaves them to die. Although God ultimately saves Hagar and her son Ishmael, the animosity continues between the Ishmaelites and Israelites throughout their history. Because Abraham committed a sin, even after his death, the repercussions continue and hurt many generations to come.
This doesn’t exclude Abraham from the hall of faith (Hebrews 11). God doesn’t take away Abraham from the patriarchs for his actions either. But this doesn’t make the repercussions of his actions disappear either.
What Does ‘Judge Not’ Mean?
Christians do, in difficult situations like this, often say the phrase, “Judge not,” from the verse Matthew 7, “Just not, lest you be judged.”
So what’s the difference between judging and accountability? Let’s see what Matthew Henry has to say on this:
“We must judge ourselves, and judge of our own acts, but not make our word a law to everybody. We must not judge rashly, nor pass judgment upon our brother without any ground. We must not make the worst of people. Here is a just reproof to those who quarrel with their brethren for small faults, while they allow themselves in greater ones. Some sins are as motes, while others are as beams; some as a gnat, others as a camel. Not that there is any sin little; if it be a mote, or splinter, it is in the eye; if a gnat, it is in the throat; both are painful and dangerous, and we cannot be easy or well till they are got out. That which charity teaches us to call but a splinter in our brother’s eye, true repentance and godly sorrow will teach us to call a beam in our own. It is as strange that a man can be in a sinful, miserable condition, and not be aware of it, as that a man should have a beam in his eye, and not consider it; but the god of this world blinds their minds. Here is a good rule for reprovers; first reform thyself.”
In the words, we should make efforts to reform ourselves, especially if we fall into the same temptations as the one accused.
This doesn’t negate justice systems or accountability. Scripture calls us to hold one another accountable, especially as we spur one another to be more like Christ. Turning a blind eye to injustices committed by Christians is the opposite of what the Bible calls us to do.
What Did Jesus Mean by ‘He Who Is Without Sin Cast the First Stone’?
When we analyze these examples and think of Christian leaders, alive or no longer with us, who have messed up, we may say, “Well, Jesus said, ‘He who is without sin cast the first stone.’ Why should we tarnish their legacy if we deal with sin ourselves?”
Jesus does tell us to pull the plank out of our eyes (Matthew 7:5) and to analyze ourselves to find where we have wanting. After all, we all do sin and our actions have consequences, whether we see them in this lifetime or they happen after we pass.
Matthew Henry has the following to say about John 8 and Jesus’ saying on casting the first stone:
“He aimed to bring, not only the accused to repentance, by showing her his mercy, but the prosecutors also, by showing them their sins; they thought to insnare him, he sought to convince and convert them. He declined to meddle with the magistrate’s office. Many crimes merit far more severe punishment than they meet with; but we should not leave our own work, to take that upon ourselves to which we are not called. When Christ sent her away, it was with this caution, Go, and sin no more. Those who help to save the life of a criminal, should help to save the soul with the same caution.”
We do have a God of mercy and grace, who gives us many chances. But we also need to remind each other to “go and sin no more.” This becomes difficult when a person has passed, and we can no longer remind them of the truth of Scripture.
It also becomes especially hard when they leave victims in their wake. People still experience the pain of their actions, even after they have passed. By disregarding the struggles of the victims, we risk failing our calling in Micah 6:8. To not only love mercy but do justice. To help the victims in the difficult and arduous healing process. And to not allow their voices to disappear as well.
Imagine if Hagar or Jacob hadn’t had their pain seen by God when they were wronged.
Hagar says this in reply when God gives her a promise. Genesis 16:13: “She gave this name to the Lordwho spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seenthe One who sees me.”
If we strive to become more like God, we need to see the hurting, the victims, and those in the wake of destruction left behind by Christian leaders who sinned.
This topic is, of course, by no means an easy discussion. After all, we all sin and fall short (Romans 3:23). We may have no idea what consequences will follow our actions.
So, when it comes to Christian leaders who have passed, we may not have a copy-paste solution. Yes, we should remember how they helped so many begin a relationship with Christ. But we should also see those hurt by them and extend the same grace and gentleness to those people as well.
Hope Bolinger is an editor at Crosswalk.com, literary agent at C.Y.L.E., and a graduate of Taylor University’s professional writing program. More than 1,000 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer’s Digest to Keys for Kids. She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams. Her modern-day Daniel trilogy released its first two installments with IlluminateYA, and the final one, Vision, releases in August of 2021. She is also the co-author of the Dear Hero duology, which was published by INtense Publications. And her inspirational adult romance Picture Imperfect releases in October of 2021. Find out more about her at her website.
My husband and I would like to be cremated after our deaths. Our families do not approve. Is there scripture that will back us in our decision? What does the Bible say about cremation?
It may not give you the confirmation you need, but here is your answer about what the Bible tells us about cremation – as best as I can tell, there is no Bible passage that attempts to give guidelines regarding acceptable burial procedures. No matter which burial practices one follows, the results are always the same: “Dust to dust, ashes to ashes.” Job reiterated the final disposition of the body in Job 34:14-15: “If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust.”
The ancient Egyptians embalmed bodies to delay decay and to prepare for the afterlife.
In first-century Israel, bodies were buried on the day of death! A 60-foot length of one-foot-wide cloth was wrapped around and around the deceased while all sorts of spices were sprinkled in the wrappings in order to reduce the stench of decay. The bodies were then placed in caves or stone sepulchers.
In more recent times, it’s customary to embalm a body before burial in order to delay decay long enough for the family to mourn the deceased and to give time for out-of-town friends and relatives to arrive before the funeral.
Burial procedures are rapidly changing in today’s culture. Many people are turning to cremation as the body disposition of choice. One of the primary drivers in this change is the astronomical cost of having a “traditional funeral.” The costs for embalming, buying a casket and purchasing a piece of ground to put the casket in is cost prohibitive for too many families.
The only long-term difference between embalming and cremation is time. Cremation just speeds up the process.
Biblical Perspective on Cremation
You may do well to investigate why your family doesn’t approve of your cremation choice. Perhaps they consider cremation as not Biblical. However, as we have seen, cremation is never a Biblical issue. Here are some other concerns of Christians about cremation.
1. Perhaps they are worried that when Jesus returns at the Rapture and the bodies of long-dead Christians are resurrected and transformed into spiritual bodies — that you won’t have a body to resurrect. Frankly, since the first century, most (if not all) bodies are now dust anyway. Since God is big enough to produce a world-wide resurrection, He certainly can make a spiritual body from only a speck of dust — or less.
2. Perhaps your family wants you in a casket-filled grave so they can have a place for remembering you and your lives together. This desire is natural and normal.
Recently, I’ve observed families foregoing the expensive caskets and burial plots by choosing cremation. They then purchase a small cemetery plot in which to bury the ashes. Others scatter the ashes over a prearranged place meaningful to the deceased. Some save a few ashes in a small locket as a token reminder of their loved one. Some ashes reside in burial urns over fireplace mantles.
With all that being said, remember that your body is still your body. Discuss openly with your family that you want to dispose of your body in the way most comfortable to you. In your case, that is cremation.
My mother just traded in her outdoor burial plot for an indoor mausoleum space. She decided that she was uncomfortable with the idea that she would be down in the ground with the “worms and maggots!” Then, she got to worrying that above ground a tornado could hit the mausoleum! She wanted to change back; but, she finally decided that worms were worse than tornadoes.
If you are more comfortable with cremation then I recommend that you do so.
Personally, I want my body cremated. I’ve picked out four golf courses where I want my family to spread my ashes. I think.
Recently, our church erected a columbarium with small niches for burial urns of ashes. It’s on an outdoor wall of the new chapel. Recently, Julie and I exhumed our first daughter’s ashes from Evergreen Cemetery and placed them in an urn in the niche in the far-left top row of the columbarium. I’m thinking about changing my mind. I just might have my ashes placed in the niche with Jessie.
After all, the chapel wall sounds like a great final resting place while we wait for the sounds of the resurrection trumpet. Jessie and I could even hold hands together on the way up!
Psalm 103:15-17 is a Bible passage that gives us a great perspective on cremation — or on any other burial practice: As for man, his days are like grass, He flourishes like a flower of the field; The wind blows over it and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting The LORD’s love is with those who fear him, And his righteousness with their children’s children…
Well, B, I hope this helps. Have a great talk with your family.
Love, Roger
Watch: Should Christian Families Bury or Creamate?
Theologians Apply Scripture to Cremation
“Actually, the Scriptures do not say anything about required modes of burial for believers. Standard practice among Old Testament and in the New Testament was burial. Saul and Jonathan were cremated by the Israelites after their deaths, but this was not normal practice in Israel. Their bodies were mutilated by the Philistines, thus the decision was made to cremate, then bury the ashes (1 Samuel 31:8-13). Achan, and his family, were cremated upon their execution for sinning against Israel, which again appears to be an exception to normal burial practices among the Israelites.” – John MacArthur, Grace to You
“Although there is biblical evidence for burial instead of cremation, it is still a preference, and Christians should not condemn other Christians who have chosen cremation…Burial is thus equated to “sowing the seed of the body,” and “is the biblical picture of belief in the resurrection of the body.” Piper also says that cremation can be viewed as anti-biblical due to the Bible’s many references to hell and evil being associated with fire. “The use of fire to consume the human body on earth was seen as a sign of contempt. It was not a glorious treatment of the body but a contemptuous one,” Piper writes…Pastor John Piper: Christians Should Choose Burial Over Cremation
This article is part of our larger Spiritual Life resource meant to answer your questions about the Bible, God and the Christian faith. Visit our most popular questions on “What does the Bible say about…” questions answered by well known Christians and theologians to find more inspiration. Remember that as you read these articles, the Holy Spirit will give you understanding and discernment to make the right decision for your walk with Jesus Christ! If you know others struggling with these faith questions, please share and help others discover the truth on these controversial topics.
What Does the Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol? What Does the Bible Say About Gambling? What Does the Bible Say About Marriage? What Does the Bible Say About Suicide? What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?
Editor’s Note: This Ask Roger article features insights from Roger’s daughter, Brie Barrier Wetherbee, a sought-after Bible teacher and conference speaker, author, analyst, and Christian theologian.
Pastor Roger Barrier’s “Ask Roger” column regularly appears at Preach It, Teach It. Every week at Crosswalk, Dr. Barrier puts nearly 40 years of experience in the pastorate to work answering questions of doctrine or practice for laypeople or giving advice on church leadership issues. Email him your questions at [email protected].
Prayers for Anxiety That Will Calm You When the Panic Sets In
Prayers for Anxiety When Your Heart Is Overwhelmed
These soothing words will bring calm and inner peace to your heart, even when nothing else will.
Anxiety can creep in at any time. We live in a world that attacks us daily with events and situations that cause worry and panic to rise. Anxiety, if left unaddressed, can slowly rise to a level of non-stop panic and fear. While we may do a good job at hiding and masking it, the anxious feelings will destroy from the inside out. From the inability to focus on tasks to panic attacks, Satan will use anxiety to stop you from living the full life God has for you. We can fight anxiety through prayer and casting our worries on God.
No matter what you are facing today that is causing you to seek God’s help, rest assured that He can give you a “peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7) in the face of fears. You can trust God with today and tomorrow. Through prayer, you can release worry to Him and rest knowing that He loves you and has a plan for everything in your life. The best thing you can do when you feel anxiety rising is to take it to God in prayer. It is through prayer that we surrender our worries to God and receive His peace. We have gathered our favorite prayers for anxiety. Keep these close to you and pray in the moments you begin to feel overwhelmed.
Heavenly Father, thank You for being an overcoming God! I know I can take heart because You have overcome the world. Empower me to rise above my circumstances. Help me cast my anxiety on You because You care for me. Give me Your power to overcome. Thank You for giving me the victory! In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Esther Fleece Allen)
Lord, you know me. You made me. You love me. Meet me where I am in this moment. You knew I’d be here. Do what You want with my churning insides and my spinning mind and my blown-up fear. Don’t waste a minute of my anxiety. Heal it. Use it. Change it. Instead of begging for something specific, I give myself to You. What do you want from me and for me? Thank you for understanding me when no one else does and loving me anyway. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Lori Freeland)
Dear God, help me know You love me. Help me feel Your caring arms around me today, even in the dark. Help me hear Your voice singing over me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen (Emily T. Wierenga)
Gracious Father, You are trustworthy, and yet I forget that. Too often I try to work out every situation in my own thoughts without once acknowledging You. Give me the right words to help my child. Give me a heart of love and patience. Use me to remind them that You are with them, You will be their God, You will strengthen them. Remind me You will uphold them, You will be their help. Please be my help today. Be my strength today. Remind me that You have promised to love me and my children eternally — and that You will never leave us. Please let me rest and trust in You, and help me teach my kids the same. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Jessica Thompson)
Lord, Today I pray that You would help me exchange my attempts at escape and relief for Your perfect peace. I pray that You would give me wisdom in my decisions, and use them to bring harvest of righteousness in my life. Today Lord, I choose to trust You and Your peace as my guard. Teach me to cast all my anxiety on You, because I know You care for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Grace Mills)
To Be Anxious For Nothing
Heavenly Father, Thank You for never leaving us nor forsaking us. As your daughters walk through valleys and experience painful anxiety, heal us completely if that is Your will. If You have a different plan for our lives, give us Your strength, love and courage and walk with us each day. We love You dearly. … In Jesus’ Name, Amen (Lara Sadowski)
Dear Father in Heaven, so much in my life is broken. I have so many concerns and cares, and they weigh me down. While I desire to cast my cares upon You, I find I usually pick them back up again, and they only add more anxiety and stress. Please help me learn to cast my cares on You as I learn what it means to rest and trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Chrystal Hurst)
Prayer for Peace Over Worry
Dear God, help me wait well. Help me know what to do and when to do it. Then, help me do the holy work of rest, even when I would rather work and worry. Give me peace, and teach me to trust You as I wait for You to answer my prayers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Chrystal Evans Hurst)
Trade Worry, Anxiety, Pain for Peace
Father God, I thank You that You are compassionate, merciful and faithful in Your love for me. I thank you that You know every thread of every thought I have. You care deeply when I hurt and You care deeply when I am joyful. Help me to come to you in prayer with all my worries, pain and anxiety and trade them for Your peace that passes all understanding. Help me to come to You with all of my joyful moments and rejoice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Ramona Davis)
Prayer to Replace Struggle with Joy
Heavenly Father, You alone are my secret keeper and know the darkest places within my heart. Lord, I feel tired, overwhelmed and unworthy of Your love. Help me to truly surrender the things that keep me imprisoned inside my heart. Replace my struggle with Your joy. I want my joy back. I want to stand beside You and celebrate this life that You have paid so dearly to give me. Thank you, Lord. You truly are the greatest gift of all. Consume me in Your joy, for I believe that the Joy of YOU Father, is where my strength is found. Thank You, Lord … In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (AJ Luck)
Peace for the Overwhelmed Heart
Lord, when my heart is overwhelmed, overwhelm me with Your peace. Lead me to You, my rock. Guide me to Your Word which gives me strength and refuge. Help me not to run to lesser things. Draw me to run to You first. Help me get into the habit of taking my “overwhelmed” and placing it under your will. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen (Jennifer Rotheschild)
A Prayer for When You Feel Weary and Burdened
Thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Thank you that you promise to give the worried, the hurried, the pressured, and stressed out – rest and peace for our souls – if we’ll just come before you. Thank you that you already know all that concerns us, and you care. We’re so grateful for your reminder that we don’t have to carry it all on our own. Forgive us for the times that we’ve tried to fix things in our own power, for not taking the time to rest, or coming to you first with our needs and burdens. Thank you for the refreshing that comes from your Spirit, filling us with joy, covering us with a shield, leading us forward with hope. Equip us to be those who take notice of others who seem weary and burdened too. Help us to slow down, to take the time, to point others to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Debbie McDaniel)
Prayer for Faith Instead of Fear and Worry
Father, please forgive me when I give in to fear and worry instead of stepping out in faith and believing You. Help me learn how to capture my thoughts and train them to focus on You. I want to become a woman who trusts You – no matter what. My faith is small, but I now choose to place it in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Mary Southerland)
For Brave Faith When Life Gets Scary
Dear God, I need Your peace today. I know that in order to be at rest I have to stop juggling fear with faith. So I ask for Your wisdom. Help me to be brave. I come now and hand over these concerns (pause to personalize this). Fill me with Your love, joy and peace instead, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen. (Gwen Smith)
For Peace When Tempted to Panic
Father God, I know it is normal for us to sometimes find ourselves in a pit of fear and discouragement. But we don’t have to stay there. Today, we’re choosing to fix our eyes on You. And we’re remembering that each thing we verbalize our thankfulness for is like a steppingstone out of the pit we’ve been in. Thank You for providing Your timeless truths that prove to us over and over again how powerfully capable You always are. With You by our side, we have no need to fear. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Lysa Terkeurst)
A Prayer to Overcome Panic Attacks
Lord, I come to you and I thank you for drawing near to me when I draw near to you. To think that you are mindful of me — it overwhelms my soul. But Lord, today my spirit is heavy and my body is weak. I cannot bear the weight of this anxiety and panic any longer. I recognize I can’t get through this alone, and I pray against the very active enemy who is trying to shake my faith and tear us apart. Help me stand strong in you. Fortify these weary bones and remind me of the truth that this pain and panic will not last forever. It will pass.
Fill me with your joy, peace and perseverance, Father. Restore my soul and break the chains of anxiety and panic that bind me. I trust you with my panic and I know that you have the power to take it all away. But even if you don’t, I know I don’t have to be a slave to my fear. I can rest in the shadow of your wings and I will rise and overcome by your unwavering strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Lauren Gaskill)
For Freedom from Stress and Anxiety
Dear Lord, help me trust You, consent to Your healing, and spend time in Your Word and in prayer. Rescue me from my distress and from the grave. Thank You for caring about my life and that I can be free from stress. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Stephanie Clayton)
A Prayer to Fight Fear
Dear Lord, I’m declaring today that I will not live in a state of fear. I place all of my fears into Your hands and commit to trust Your plan. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Lysa Terkeurst)
To Trust God When Doubting
Dear God, I want to honor You with my life. Sometimes I’m afraid I won’t become the woman You want me to be. Help me do my part to live the abundant life You’ve made possible for me. Reveal Yourself to me through Your Word, and show me how to honor You with my actions. And when doubts arise, help me trust that You are a gentle Shepherd who has promised to lead me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Chrystal Evans Hurst)
To Come to Jesus for Peace
Lord, there are a lot of weary women out there trying to be perfect – zipping up their feelings until they feel like they are going to explode. Jesus, please help these girls know that there is healing in Your Open Arms. They don’t have to act like they have it all together. They can lay down the concealer and come to You. Massage into their tired hearts that they don’t have to be perfect because You are. All You are asking them to do is to come to You and learn from You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Robin Jones)
A Prayer for Hope When Trusting God is Hard
Heavenly Father, even when it feels like there’s a delay, help me to never doubt You have my best interest in mind. Give me divine wisdom in handling whatever situations are weighing me down, and help me release my cares to You. Thank You for Your unconditional love. I love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Binu Samuel)
Prayer for Anxiety and Fear
On this page you’ll find a list verses and prayers for anxiety. In today’s world, anxiety is far too common. If you find yourself stressing and panicking over events and circumstances in your life, it’s time to turn it all over to God. He is the only one who can truly ease the worries that you carry.
Everyone can benefit from prayer. As God Himself has said, you need only to come before Him and pray. Whenever you’re feeling anxious and worried, pray. There is power in prayer and in turning it all over to the Lord, who sacrificed His own son to pay for your sins. If He was willing to save you from death, why wouldn’t He take your anxieties and worries and erase them from your life. While you will still face those circumstances and events, you don’t need to do it alone. He is always there.
Many people find that once they begin to pray, they feel much calmer. There’s a peace in letting God take over your life. He has a plan and when you’re following it, you’ll find that even the bigger issues aren’t nearly as troublesome. In fact, knowing that you are not alone in dealing with them can make you feel at peace, no matter what you are facing.
PRAYER FOR ANXIETY CATHOLIC
Almighty God, You know what I need before I even ask and You know how ignorant I am. Please release me from these anxious thoughts and help me see Your gifts. Aid me in reaffirming my faith so that I can serve You as You first intended. In Your Name, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS
Dear God, I come before You to lay my panic and anxiety at Your feet. When I’m crushed by my fears and worries, remind me of Your power and Your grace. Fill me with Your peace as I trust in You and You alone. I know I can’t beat this on my own, but I also know that I have You, Lord, and You have already paid the ultimate price to carry my burdens. For this I thank you, Amen.
PRAYERS FOR ANXIETY AND WORRY
Dear Lord, in this moment, I find myself struggling with worries. I know this is not Your will and that You wish me to lay my burdens at Your feet. I know I can turn my cares over to You, who have died on the cross to set me free. I choose to trust in You, Lord, to focus on You, and to leave behind my worries and my cares, as they are nothing in Your light. When I find myself falling to my knees, let it be in front of You, with Your name on my lips, dear God. You will ease my burden and let me live free. In Your Name, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ANXIETY, WORRY, AND FEAR
Our Heavenly Father, today is a difficult one and I come to you as a broken and humbled servant. I’m unable to bear the burden of my worry and fear alone, and I turn to You to help me. Your sacrifice has set me free and I yearn to follow Your path, Lord. Help me live in Your grace. You have forgiven me and You have erased my cares. Everything I have is because of You and I ask that You help me trust in You, Lord. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ANXIETY RELIEF
Lord, You know my heart and my innermost thoughts. You see the struggle within me, the battle between mind and heart. I beg of you, O Lord, release me from this anxiety. Let me bask in Your Holiness and remain calm, knowing that You are Lord and Savior. You died for my sins and You will not leave me alone in this dark place. I thank You for Your everlasting love, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
Dear God, the heaviness of the world weighs on me and while I know You are in charge and You have my best interests at heart, I am struggling. My worries and the worries of the world crush me and bear me to the ground. O Lord, help me understand that You are the one holding me up, and that You will prevail against this darkness in me. Deliver me from the Valley of Death. Your love can heal all and I ask that you lift me from this pit of despair and surround me in Your incredible love and light. Let me see You in everything, Lord, that I may rise above this, in Your arms, and serve You. In Your Name, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ANXIETY AND FEAR
Heavenly Father, I fall before you, pleading for Your understanding and forgiveness. I have faltered in my faith, Lord. I feel fear and anxiety where I should feel faith and strength in Your arms. Forgive me, Father, and banish these thoughts from my head. Sweep away the fears that threaten to overcome me and make me new again, in Your Holy Spirit. This I ask, Amen.
Verses from the Bible:
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Luke 12:25-26
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love. 2 Timothy 1:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
We can pray on your behalf by taking your anxiety prayer to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the holiest points on earth. Send us your personal serenity prayer and we will take it to the church, where a priest will say your prayer in this special and religious place. We will take photos of your prayer and lit candle and send them to you by email.
Lots and lots of prayers to lift you up, give hope and restore perspective.
Worry does not have to control your life. Let God put your life and thoughts in order.
Trust Him.
Anxiety might be that you are just nervous or overwhelmed sometimes. Or it can be a problem that disrupts your life, as in anxiety disorders like phobias, panic, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Prayer for relief from anxiety, stress or depression makes a big difference. Remember, God always hears your prayer.
We recognize that healing also comes from the support and care of loved ones. Some might even need professional help. The goodness of God works in many ways.
May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Try This Prayer for Anxiety and Depression (Trust Me, It Helps)
I’m guessing that if you’re reading this, you’ve struggled or are struggling with anxiety or depression and you’re looking for hope. Maybe you feel like you’ve tried everything and you just can’t seem to beat it. You’re hoping to find a prayer for anxiety that will fix it all and make it go away. Poof! That nagging, aching, painful feeling inside is now gone and you can go back to normal. Maybe you feel lost, afraid and alone. I bet you also sometimes feel a little guilty that you’re supposed to “be anxious for nothing” as a Christian and you can’t seem to get it right. That depresses you, and now you feel like quitting and pulling away from everyone. That was me. I was there, and I was there big time.
My marriage was in shambles. I was shouldering all of the responsibility of raising three kids, two of them teenagers (Lord, help me!) all on my own. Working, cooking, cleaning, carpooling, fixing, financing, supporting, loving, providing—it was all on me. My anxiety was through the roof, and I didn’t know what to do about it. I was trying everything I could think of: counseling, meditation, medication, music, exercise, reciting Scriptures, you name it! Nothing seemed to take it away. Don’t get me wrong, it was definitely helping to do these things. I started to see the world in color again. I learned to use the tools I needed to get myself centered again. But I just couldn’t make it past a certain point. I was still struggling. Looking back, one thing I realize I wasn’t trying was “not trying.” Let me explain.
If you search Scripture, you will find a plethora of verses on the topic of worry to pore over and pick apart. I know because I did it. I was looking for a magic formula to help me conquer it once and for all. In my search, I found something unexpected. You have to pay attention to see it, but in these verses there are implicit instructions from our Father to do nothing. What? Nothing? Yes, nothing. In Matthew 11:28 NIV, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He is doing the work here, not us. We just have to come to Him. In John 14:27 NIV, He says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you …” Are you sensing a theme? He is giving us peace. He is giving us rest. We do nothing. Again in Matthew 6:25-34 NIV, this famous passage tells us not to worry, for God even “clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire,” so how much more will He take care of us? Here we are told to “seek first his kingdom … and all these things will be given” to us. That’s right—did you catch that? Given!
It wasn’t until I learned to do nothing that I finally found peace.
God is a giver. He has the answers, and He has our back. Some things we just can’t do ourselves, but that is exactly how He designed it. All we have to do is trust Him and come to Him. He does the rest! And you know, all of those things I worried about worked out, one way or another. My self-imposed worry was causing horrible physical symptoms and depression. It wasn’t until I took a breath, rested, truly came to Jesus, got quiet, let go of all the details, told God that I trusted Him completely—and then learned to do nothing—that I finally found peace. My prayers became less about my situation and more about my trust in Him.
If you need to do the same, I highly encourage you to rest. Find a quiet place, away from everyone and everything, and pray this prayer for anxiety and depression. You may want to keep this prayer in your phone or on your mirror to help you remember to give it all to God and wait in expectation. I can promise you this: He will give you rest. He will give you peace. And His answers are infinitely better than anything you could ever come up with. You can trust Him.
Dear Lord,
I come to You today to ask for help. You are my everything. Lord, I need rest. I give You my worry. Take it, Lord. I accept Your peace, love, and understanding. Help me to turn to You and not to myself. Help me to stop doing and start trusting. Help me to wait on Your answers, because I know that they are good. Give me wisdom, hope, and peace. Thank you, Lord, for Your patience and grace. I love You, and I know You love me so much more than I could ever imagine.
Amen.
Scriptures to Pray When You’re Struggling with Anxiety
I am not a stranger to anxiety. I was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety and put on medication after my second son was born. Before that anxiety seemed to be fully managed, I found myself struggling with alternating bouts of depression and crippling anxiety after both of my sons began receiving diagnosis after diagnosis and my life became filled with a million appointments (or so it felt), sleepless nights, and a constant worry I wasn’t doing enough for my children.
I began a regimen of looking up, writing down, and memorizing scriptures about peace and anxiety. There’s a lot, in case you were wondering.
The Scriptures reminded me that God doesn’t want us to be fearful or anxious. And while I clung to those Scriptures, I didn’t feel like they were doing much to fight against my anxiety.
I knew according to Ephesians 6 that we are in a war and we must protect ourselves and battle with prayer. And so I started praying fervently for peace, for healing from my anxiety.
One day at Bible study, the ladies asked for prayer requests and I (in a state of desperation and vulnerability and courage) shared my struggles with anxiety. What happened next is something that I will never forget…
The ladies circled around me, laid their hands on me, and prayed for me. All the prayers were beautiful, heartfelt, and full of such love, but then one of the ladies began praying and I noticed that her prayer was composed of the scriptures I was memorizing. She embedded those scriptures effortlessly into her prayers and it was such a powerful prayer and I felt peace wash over me in a way I haven’t experienced before, or since, and I wept as those ladies prayed for me.
My chronic anxiety was gone that night, and has yet to return. God is good!
I still get anxious from time with various situations that come into my life, but when that happens, I now know to combat the anxiety by praying scripture. I learned from those ladies that prayed over me that there is power in God’s word, and there is power in prayer, and when you combine those two elements together, powerful things can happen! I’ve experienced it and I pray that you will too.
Below are some of my favorite scriptures about peace and overcoming anxiety. I encourage you to make them applicable to your own life, your own worries and struggles and situations. Consider printing out this list and praying or journaling one of them a day. Fill your heart, mind, and prayers with the word of God and God’s truths will strengthen you with God’s truth, love, power, and peace in your life.
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Pray that you would release your burdens and anxiety to God and embrace the peace He wants you to experience. “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” Philippians 4:6-7 MS
Pray that you would release your burdens and anxiety to God and embrace the peace He wants you to experience. “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” Philippians 4:6-7 MS
Thank God that He knows and cares for you. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me–just as the Father knows me and I know the Father–and I lay down my life for my sheep.” John 10:14
Pray that you would trust the Good Shepherd and experience the peace He has for you. “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he refreshes my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3
Thank God that even in your fear and/or anxiety, God is with you and there to comfort you. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
Thank God that He is always with you and watching over you. “The LORD watches over you–the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.”
Pray that you would not be ruled by a spirit of fear or anxiety. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Pray that you would not live in fear or anxiety but in your spiritual identity as a beloved child of God. “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:15-17
Share your worries and burdens with God. “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Psalm 55:22
Pray that you would be focused on the things of heaven, rather than the things on earth that worry you. “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?..But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:23, 33
Pray that you would be able to focus on God’s truths and not the things that make you anxious. “…Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Phillipians 4:8-9
Pray that your thought processes would be transformed from anxious thinking, to rooted in God’s truth and peace and rest. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2
Pray that you would remember that anxiety is not from God and we can fight against it. “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…” Ephesians 6:10-11
Pray that your trust in God would grow and overrun your anxieties. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1
Pray that God will help you experience freedom from your anxiety. “I waited patiently for the LORD;he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalm 40:1-2
Pray that you would grow in your faith as you experience life’s storms. “The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and the waves, and it was completely calm.” Matthew 8:25
Pray that you would always remember that despite the troubles in your life, Jesus has overcome the world, and we share in His victory too. “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Pray that God would strengthen you to follow Him despite your fears and anxieties. “So, do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Pray that God will exchange your burdens and anxieties for His peace and rest. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Pray that God would deliver you from your anxieties and worries. “The righteous cry out and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. THe LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18
Pray that you would experience the peace that only Jesus can provide. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Pray that your anxiety would not affect your sleep but that “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
Pray that your home and all your family members will be filled with peace. “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places; in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” Isaiah 32:17-18
Pray that you would continually grow in each fruit of the spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
Pray that you would be persevere in faith and obedience to God, despite your anxiety. “Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Pray that God’s power would be displayed in you through your struggles with anxiety. “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
20 Prayers for Anxiousness to Trade Your Worries and Fears for God’s Peace
Whether it is a small, slow build of anxious thoughts over time or a sudden event that causes panic, everyone faces moments of anxiety. Yet, we do not all experience anxiety the same. You may be struggling with invading thoughts of worry that distract you from everyday activities, you may experience sudden and rapid breathing, or you may be finding it difficult to have a reason to get of bed. No matter the feelings of anxiety that come – God provides a way of escape. You are not alone. 1 Peter 5:6 and 10 tell us “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you…he will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
When the world feels out of control, we can turn to prayer to focus and calm our thoughts on God’s promises. Praying is an effective way to surrender your worries and fears to God and replace them with His peace. If you are struggling to find the words to pray in moments of worry and depression, we want to provide you with these guiding prayers. May these prayers speak over your anxiousness and provide calm.
A Prayer for Anxiousness
Lord Jesus, the stresses in my life often reach a dangerous proportion—or so it seems. My body, mind, and spirit struggle to keep up physically, mentally, and yes, spiritually. Some days anxiety stalks me like a deceitful predator, and the temptation to worry draws me in. In those moments of apprehension, help me remember that I belong to You, and that You are not the author of fear or anxiety, but the giver of love and a sound mind. Teach me Your ways to respond to problems by giving thanks in them. Your Word assures me that You are always there with me.
You are the Blessed Controller of all things, and nothing escapes Your attention in my life. You have given me every tool and spiritual blessing to fight against those things that try to steal my peace. You’ve promised that when I’m stressed and burdens are trying to weigh me down, I can come to You. You will give me sweet rest! (Rebecca Barlow Jordan)
Praying Over Anxiety
Whether the anxiety stems from work, parenting, finances, physical issues, or even world conditions, You are there, Lord, to shoulder the weight. Teach me to recognize the stressful trials as tools for you to shape me and rearrange me. Through those difficult times, You will teach me patience, enlarge my faith, and help me see things I couldn’t see earlier—if I will only let You. When I’m clueless as to what to do, Lord, I want to turn to you first, not last.
Forgive me for trying to handle things on my own, Lord. The need to be in control sometimes gets a stronghold on my life. That only makes things worse. I want to trust You more and see things from Your perspective, not my own. No one makes me feel uptight, angry, or stressed, and no one forces me to react negatively. I choose to respond according to my beliefs. Do I believe You are in control? Do I believe You created all things and hold all things in Your Hand? Do I believe You are truly good? When an anxious thought creeps in, help me to stop and relax, to take that thought captive, and to turn apprehension into a calm prayer for deliverance. Revamp my belief system, Lord. Show me a new way to handle life according to Your Way.
No matter what issues I am dealing with; no matter how big the problems or situations, I’m laying them all at Your feet today. Turn these potentials for stress into lessons for growth and trust. When I can’t see any possible solutions, I choose to believe that You are working things out for my good—in Your own time, as you have in the past. Show me what to do, or what not to do. As I focus on You, remembering Your promises and Your words, I believe You will fill me with a peace that is beyond all understanding. Amen. (Rebecca Barlow Jordan)
A Prayer to Battle Depression
Help me to see if there is something physical that is causing my depression. Help me to sift through my circumstances to see if there is a need for change in some way. If I am experiencing depression as a result of a spiritual battle, please bring that to light and show me the best way to fight that battle. Today I surrender my depression to you and ask that you give me power and peace to win this battle once and for all. When my thoughts begin to spiral, may your promises and blessings bring healing. Amen
A Prayer to Reduce Fear
You know that we live in a crazy and chaotic world. You also know my struggles in my daily life. When life gets to be too much, please help me come to you. Calm my thoughts and emotions and open my heart to your peace, comfort, and wisdom. Help me not to live in fear. Please reduce the feelings of fear and anxiety that plague me. Help me rest in You and trust You as I navigate through this broken world. In Your name I pray, Jesus. Amen. (Carrie Lowrance)
A Prayer for Stress
Lord, thank you that you want us to cast our cares on you. Thank you that there is nowhere I can go that you are not there with me. Thank you for having a hold of my life, even as I feel like everything is crumbling around me.
Lord, I confess that I have let stress take a hold of my life, rather than You. I have let stress control my mood, my attitudes and my actions. Lord, I repent of this! Please Father, help me see what is stressful in my life and hand it over to You. Help me not let the stress win out. Help me actively think on Your goodness to me.
I am so hopeful for my eternity with you, Lord, where there will be NO more stress! Help me look back on all the ways You have rescued me from my stressful moments, and look in hope to the future where You will one day rid all stress, forever. Help me live boldly in the truth of Your goodness and power today. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Praying Through An Anxiety Attack
Lord, Help me! I am so frightened and afraid. Be near to me and help me feel your presence. Surround me with protection. Holy Spirit, settle my racing heart and mind. Help me breathe out – Abba Father — and breathe in — I belong to you. Your peace surpasses all understanding, this I know. Please give me this peace now. Abba Father – I belong to you. Abba Father – I belong to you.
Lord, thank you that no matter what my mind or body tell me, the truth is I am your child, forever loved, forever protected, forever held fast by you. I love you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Amen. (Emily Massey)
A Prayer for When the World Makes You Anxious
Dear God, I am prone to worry. I let the happenings of the world, the elections and the economy sit heavy on me. I need to find your peace. I invite you to restructure my thinking. May my hope be you. May my peace be you. May you help love flow out from me. Give me clarity. May I change what I am able to change and release what I can’t. May I know that the greatest joy is staying where you are. God, thank you that you have the whole world in your hands. I need not fear because you are the best manager, orchestrator and caretaker. You made it all. I believe in your plan. Amen. (Kelly Balarie)
A Prayer to Stop Worrying and Calm Your Mind
“Dear Father, I admit that I often forget that you are with me. I often forget what you’re like. Would you please forgive me for that? I need to get to know you better. I need to get to know your Word and your promises better. Help me to put you first in every area of my life. Help me to live one day at a time. Help me to not worry about tomorrow but instead focus on what you’re doing in my life right now. I want to trust in your promise to take care of every one of my needs — financial, relational, physical, social, spiritual, and emotional. Help me to trust you more and worry less. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.” (Rick Warren)
Prayer to Cast Cares and Trust God
Dear Father in Heaven, so much in my life is broken. I have so many concerns and cares, and they weigh me down. While I desire to cast my cares upon You, I find I usually pick them back up again, and they only add more anxiety and stress. Please help me learn to cast my cares on You as I learn what it means to rest and trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Chrystal Evans Hurst)
Prayer Against Anxious Thoughts
Lord, you are a good God with good intentions behind all the works of your hands. Help me see the areas where I’ve allowed lies to be sewn into my life. Once they are revealed, help me to hand them over to you and allow you to remove them from my life completely. I ask that once they are removed you would then fill the newly freed spaces with the truths of your word. In the midst of anxiety, help me always look to you. In Jesus’ name, amen. (Chelsey DeMatteis)
To Release the Heaviness
Lord, I want to lay before you all that weighs heavy on my heart. Reveal even the sin I am not aware of, Lord. I lay these at your feet and pray your forgiveness on me. I believe you when you say that you wash us whiter than snow. Thank you Lord for your unending love for me! Help me start fresh right now to make choices that honor you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Rick Warren)
When You Feel Alone
Dear God, Thank you that you see us right where we are, in the midst of our pain and struggle, in the middle of our desert land. Thank you that you have not forgotten us and never will. Forgive us for not trusting you, for doubting your goodness, or not believing you’re really there. We choose to set our eyes on you today. We choose joy and peace when the whispered lies come and say that we should have no joy or peace.
Thank you that you care for us and your love over us is so great. We confess our need for you. Fill us fresh with your Spirit, renew our hearts and minds in your truth. We ask for your hope and comfort to continue to heal our hearts where they’ve been broken. Give us the courage to face another day, knowing that with you before us and behind us, we have nothing to fear. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Debbie McDaniel)
Prayer to Stop Overwhelming Worry
Lord, it’s so easy to fall into worry. When my fears are reverberating in my mind, help me stop trying to fix everything myself. Teach me to turn to You in prayer, trust You to be in charge and let Your peace reign over me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Francine Rivers)
To Trust in Difficult Circumstances
Lord God, I know You are here. I trust in Your presence, Your power, Your goodness, and Your complete control over everything I’m facing. Help me walk through the questions, assured of Your answers, even though they’re still unclear to me. I know one day King Jesus will appear as the “Faithful and True” (Revelation 19:11), riding a powerful horse and fully revealing His authority. And I know that even now, when I don’t understand all the answers, I have You with me, and that is all that matters. Please give me increasing eyes of faith to trust what You are doing, even—and especially—when I don’t understand. I love You and I trust You, and I pray these things in Jesus’ Worthy Name, Amen.
Prayer for Peace in Uncertainties
Father, we live in a world where peace is almost a foreign word. But in reading Your Word we find the peace that passes understanding and we can rely on You to see us through whatever our days may hold. Thank You for being our Peace in all the uncertainties. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Paris Renae)
Prayer for Peace and Relief
Lord, Today I pray that You would help me exchange my attempts at escape and relief for Your perfect peace. I pray that You would give me wisdom in my decisions, and use them to bring harvest of righteousness in my life. Today Lord, I choose to trust You and Your peace as my guard. Teach me to cast all my anxiety on You, because I know You care for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Grace Mills)
To Sleep Worry Free
Lord, I’ve shouldered my cares as if I’m the one in control. Help me become like a child, handing all my stresses, worries and responsibilities to You, my faithful Father. I trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Amy Carol)
When You Don’t Know What to Do
Dear Lord, I praise You for being a sovereign God. You are in control. I don’t have to be. When I don’t know what to do, Lord, thank You that I can ask You for wisdom and guidance. You are my Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6). I put in Your hands each of the concerns weighing on my heart and mind. Thank You that I can entrust them into Your loving care. I set my eyes on You, confident You will come to my rescue. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Melanie Chitwood)
A Prayer for Others Who Are Hurting and Troubled
Dear God, Our world is hurting and broken. We pray for those who have lost loved ones this week, please comfort them in their grief and loss, cover them with your peace and presence, as only your Spirit can do.
We know that in whatever we face, you are our Peace and Refuge, a very present help in times of trouble. Thank you that you remind us throughout your Word, we do not face the storms alone, but you are always with us. Whispering calm. Speaking peace. Bringing rest to our souls.
We confess our need for you. We ask you to forgive us for trying to figure everything out on our own, for not trusting that you are more than able and powerful to work on our behalf. Forgive us for picking back up what we already determined to lay down at your feet. Give us the ability to trust you more, give us a heart that finds rest in your presence, give us the wisdom to seek peace and pursue it, remembering it’s only to be found in you alone.
Thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Thank you that you care for us. Thank you that the peace of your loving and strong presence guards and protects our hearts and minds in you. Thank you that we do not have to walk in fear or live in overwhelmed cycles of worry and stress.
Thank you for your voice that breaks through the greatest wind and storm swirling around us, and whispers “Peace, be still.” Thank you that you sent your One and Only Son to set us free. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen. (Debbie McDaniel)
A Prayer to End the Day
We ask for your huge peace to surround us tonight, all of us who feel restless and worried right now, those who have been carrying big burdens and shouldering stress. Help us to lay it down before you, again, even though we’re struggling to really let go. Remind us that you can carry it so much better than we ever could. May your power and your rest fill us fresh. May the presence of your Spirit breathe hope deep into our souls, even as we sleep.
We ask that you would provide for our needs, even as we sleep. We pray for your huge grace and favor. We thank you that you never sleep or slumber, that you’re always at work, even in the dark of night, even behind the scenes where we can’t fully see. We pray for your blessings to cover us, that you would make every plan you’ve birthed in our hearts to succeed at just the right time. We pray that you’d be opening doors, clearing pathways, closing the wrong roads, and setting up our way for tomorrow.
Thank you for your goodness, thank you that you know the way we take and that you have a plan. We love you Lord, we need you, and we thank you we can rest in your perfect care. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Debbie McDaniel)
A Morning Prayer for Strength
Lord, I am weary and don’t know when this “race” will end in my life. I feel like I’ve been running forever, trying to outrun this trial. Help me to stop trying to outrun my pain but rather run with endurance the race you have set before me. I know that because of you I am ultimately a victor over the trials in my life. I know that nothing in this world can separate me from your steadfast love. Please give me a measure of your love today; give me the strength to endure this trial. Thank you for your love for me that never ends! And thank you for the crown of joy that awaits me forever in your Kingdom! – Adrian Rogers
God has a lot to teach us about anxiety and fear in Scripture. These Bible verses can offer you hope and healing over anxiousness.
1. “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10
2. “Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
3. “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.” -Psalm 56:3
4. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” -2 Timothy 1:7
5. “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” -Deuteronomy 31:6
6. “I prayed to the Lord and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” -Psalm 34:4
7. “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God for he cares for you.”-1 Peter 5:6-7
8. “This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9
9. “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for the fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” -1 John 4:18
10. “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13
11. 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.” – Philippians 4:6-7
The New Year can often bring a mixed bag of emotions and memories for many of us. The events of 2020 including a pandemic, racial tensions, joblessness, and political battles created an unprecedented time of unrest and anxiety. While some may have just experienced the best year ever and look forward to an even greater one looming ahead, others may have just trudged through one deep struggle after another. The fresh calendar year brings desperate hope for things to be better, with an ache for the still-fresh wounds to slowly begin their process of healing. Praying at the start of the New Year doesn’t always bring immediate change at the stroke of midnight, but it begins the opening of our hearts to God’s Words of hope and peace.
Whether you’ve just walked through the greatest year of your life, or are incredibly glad to see this one finally over, one truth still rings clear amidst it all. You are not alone. Not ever. Scripture is filled with prayers of men and women who reached out to God for a fresh start. Praying is the main source of connection to the one who created you and the one who wants you to experience blessings and promises in the future.
Our God is a “with us” God. On the heels of the celebration of the birth of our King, that reminder has the power to carry us right into a fresh, new start. He is Immanuel, God with us. And though things and people around us shift and change, our God never changes. May these New Year prayers fill your heart and mind with powerful proclamations as you step into 2021.
A Prayer to Keep God First This New Year
Dear God, Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for all that you’ve allowed into our lives this past year, the good along with the hard things, which have reminded us how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every single day.
We pray for your Spirit to lead us each step of this New Year. We ask that you will guide our decisions and turn our hearts to deeply desire you above all else. We ask that you will open doors needing to be opened and close the ones needing to be shut tight. We ask that you would help us release our grip on the things to which you’ve said “no,” “not yet,” or “wait.” We ask for help to pursue you first, above every dream and desire you’ve put within our hearts.
We ask for your wisdom, for your strength and power to be constantly present within us. We pray you would make us strong and courageous for the road ahead. Give us ability beyond what we feel able, let your gifts flow freely through us, so that you would be honored by our lives, and others would be drawn to you. We pray that you’d keep us far from the snares and traps of temptations. That you would whisper in our ear when we need to run, and whisper in our heart when we need to stand our ground.
We pray for your protection over our families and friends. We ask for your hand to cover us and keep us distanced from the evil intent of the enemy; that you would be a barrier to surround us, that we’d be safe in your hands. We pray that you would give us discernment and insight beyond our years, to understand your will, hear your voice, and know your ways. We ask that you would keep our footsteps firm, on solid ground, helping us to be consistent and faithful. Give us supernatural endurance to stay the course, not swerving to the right or to the left, or being too easily distracted by other things that would seek to call us away from a close walk with you.
Forgive us for the times we have worked so hard to be self-sufficient, forgetting our need for you, living independent of your spirit. Forgive us for letting fear and worry control our minds, and for allowing pride and selfishness wreak havoc over our lives. Forgive us for not following your ways and for living distant from your presence. We confess our need for you…fresh…new…again. We ask that you make all things new, in our hearts, in our minds, in our lives, for this coming year. We pray for your refreshing over us.
Keep your words of truth planted firm within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word. And when the enemy reminds us where we have been, hissing his lies and attacks our way, we trust that your voice speaks louder and stronger, as you remind us we are safe with you and your purposes and plans will not fail. We ask that you will be our defense and rear guard, keeping our way clear, removing the obstacles, and covering the pitfalls. Lord, lead us on your level ground.
We ask that you would provide for our needs, we ask for your grace and favor. We pray for your blessings to cover us, we pray that you would help us to prosper and make every plan that you have birthed in our heart to succeed. We pray that others would take notice of your goodness and could not help but to say, “These are the ones that the Lord has blessed.”
Help us to be known as great givers, help us to be generous and kind, help us to look to the needs of others and not be consumed by only our own. May we be lovers of truth, may the fruits of your spirit be evident in our lives – your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set you way before us. May all your plans succeed. We may reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing. To you be glory and honor, in this New Year, and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Prayer for Hope After A Hard Year
God, Thank you for helping us to make it through this difficult year. Thank you that you’ve carried us through the uncertainty of deep waters, through the flames of trials, and through the pain of hard losses. We are constantly aware of how much we need you, your grace, your strength, your power working through even the toughest days.
Help us to keep our focus first on you this season. Please forgive us for giving too much time and attention to other things, for looking to other people before coming to you first. Help us to reflect again, on what Christmas is really all about. Thank you that you came to give new life, peace, hope, and joy. Thank you that your power is made perfect in our weakness.
Help us to remember that the gift of Christ, Immanuel, is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas, but for the whole year through. Fill us with your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Direct our hearts and minds towards you. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, you’re still with us. For you never leave us. Thank you for your daily powerful Presence in our lives, that we can be assured your heart is towards us, your eyes are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. Thank you that you surround us with favor as with a shield, and we are safe in your care.
We choose to press in close to you today, and keep you first in our hearts and lives. Without you we would surely fail, but with you, there is great hope. Thank you for your healing power, thank you for bringing us into this new season up ahead. We look forward to all that You still have in store. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible Verses of Renewal and Hope for the Coming New Year
“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Rev. 21:5
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lam. 3:22-23
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Is. 43:18-19
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Cor. 5:17
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” Phil. 3:13
“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jer. 29:11
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Is. 40:31
“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them…” Ez. 11:19
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Prov. 3:5-6
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”Ps. 20:4
“You crown the year with your goodness, and your paths drip with abundance.” Ps. 65:11
Prayer for Blessings in the Year Ahead
Father, Thank you for your great love and blessing over our lives. Thank you that your favor has no end, but it lasts for our entire lifetime. Forgive us for sometimes forgetting that you are intimately acquainted with all of our ways, that you know what concerns us, and you cover us as with a shield. We ask that we would walk in your blessing and goodness today. That your face would shine on us. That you would open the right doors for our lives and for our loved ones, that you would close the wrong doors and protect us from those we need to walk away from. Establish the work of our hands and bring to fulfillment all that you have given us to do in these days. We pray that you would make our way purposeful and our footsteps firm out of your goodness and love. Give us a heart of wisdom to hear your voice, and make us strong by your huge favor and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For Strength and God’s Presence
Lord, At the start of each day, help us to recognize you above all else. Enlighten the eyes of our heart that we might see you and notice how you’re at work through our lives. Give us wisdom to make the best choices, fill us with a desire to seek after you more than anything else in this world. Let your Spirit and power breathe in us, through us, again, fresh and new. Thank you that you are greater than anything we may face in our day. Thank you that your presence goes with us, and that your joy is never dependent on our circumstances, but it is our true and lasting strength, no matter what we’re up against. We ask that your peace lead us, that it would guard our hearts and minds in you. We ask for your grace to cover our lives this day. We love you Lord…we need you.
A Prayer for Faith in the New Year
Lord, even though I woke up with the same troubles I had yesterday, I know there is great power in my choices. So today, dear God, once again, I choose to listen for your voice above everything else. Forgive me for not trusting you enough. Forgive me for spinning my wheels and trying to work everything out all on my own. Help me to truly let go of what you have asked me to release to you and to believe that you’re at work in ways I can’t fully see. Help me in my unbelief.
A New Year Prayer for Wisdom
God, Give me wisdom from your truths, fill me with a desire to faithfully follow after you, more than any other thing. Thank you that you are far greater than whatever I may face in the day. Thank you that your presence goes with me, and that your joy is never dependent on circumstances, but it is my true and lasting strength. I ask for your peace to lead me and for your grace and goodness to cover my life this day. Let your Spirit and power breathe in me and through me again, fresh and new.
Provision in the Coming Year
Dear God, We thank you that no situation is too far out of your control to provide. For you are Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides. We thank you that you own it all, and hold everything in your hands. We thank you that you know our needs before we even ask, before we even come to you. You’re aware of all that concerns us, and you have a plan. You hold the provision, you have the solution. You alone can move mountains to make a way for your children. We ask for your answer, in your timing, in your plan, to be given for every need that weighs our hearts down. Forgive us for doubting you, for worrying, and for trying so hard to work everything out on our own.
Help us to trust you more, help us in our unbelief. We choose to recognize and to believe that you are Able to accomplish far more, to do far greater, than we even thought possible. We thank you in advance for your miracles, for paving out pathways, for your provision for those who love you. Thank you for the abundance of blessing and goodness you have already stored up. We trust you this day, and every day, and are so grateful for your Power and joy that fills our lives. Thank you for teaching us to be content in all circumstances, we love you Lord, we’re leaning on you, Amen.
A Prayer for Peace This Year
Father, I know that you are all-powerful, that you are Sovereign, and that nothing is too difficult for you. Yet today, I still struggle with worry and fear, still carrying the same burdens leftover from yesterday. It’s hard to shake it off even though I’m desperate to leave it fully in your hands. Please lift all the things that are weighing me down, right off shoulders and heavy heart, and give me the peace that only you can provide. I know that you care for whatever concerns me, and your ears are open to my prayers. I know that you understand my struggles, and you see right where I am, even on the days I feel that no one notices. Guard my heart and mind in you today, as I meditate on your words and truth.
To Choose A Spirit-Led Year
God, I choose to find my joy and strength in you today. I choose to walk in love. I choose to set my eyes on you and off all the struggles and chaos of this world. I choose your peace over worry. I choose kindness over hurry. I choose forgiveness over disunity and resentments. I choose your Spirit-filled power over relying on my own strength and ability. I know that my life is far from perfect, and the enemy would want nothing more than to take me straight down before I even get out the door. But I believe in your truth, and I have Jesus in my life, and because of that, I have all that I need to live free and abundantly for this very day.
Lord, open my eyes to see the power in your Word. Open my ears to know what you are saying. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and draw me close into your Presence. Speak to me and show me your ways, oh Lord. Help me to know your voice above all else.
God. We confess our need for you today. We need your healing and your grace. We need hope restored. We need to be reminded that you work on behalf of those you love, constantly, powerfully, completely. Forgive us for trying to fix our situations all on our own. Forgive us for running all different directions and spinning our wheels to find help, when true help and healing must be found first in You. Forgive us for forgetting how much we need you, above everyone and everything else. We come to you and bring you the places we are hurting. You see where no one else is able to fully see or understand. You know the pain we’ve carried. The burdens. The cares. You know where we need to be set free. We ask for your healing and grace to cover every broken place. Every wound. Every heartache. Thank you that you are Able to do far more than we could ever imagine. Thank you for your Mighty Power that acts on behalf of your children. We reach out to you, and know that you are restoring and redeeming every place of difficulty, every battle, for your greater glory. Thank you that you will never waste our pain and suffering. We love you. We need you today. In Jesus Name, amen.
For God’s Presence and Hope
God, help us to remember that you will never leave us, that you’re our Refuge and our Strength, an ever-present help in trouble. We know that the enemy wouldn’t be fighting so hard against us, if we weren’t making a difference for your Kingdom. He wouldn’t be trying so hard to stop us, if he didn’t think you had so much good still in store. Remind us that the battle belongs to you, and whatever we’re up against can be taken down in one fail swoop by your Mighty Hand. Help us to trust you more, to never waste time spinning our wheels and wrestling or fighting in our strength. Please forgive us Lord for the times we’ve failed to lift our hands to you, for the days we’ve forgotten to come to you first. Fill us with the Power of your Holy Spirit this day. Fill us with your joy, fill us with your wisdom and discernment, fill us with constant reminders that Your Presence will go with us, and you will give us rest.
A New Year Prayer for Love
Dear God, Thank you that you are a loving, gracious God. Thank you that you’ve offered us forgiveness and the gift of new life in you. Thank you that your love is perfect, it never fails, and that nothing can separate us from your love.
We pray that our lives would be filled and overflowing with the power of your love so we can make a difference in this world and bring honor to you. We ask for your help in reminding us that the most important things are not what we do outwardly, it’s not based on any talent or gift, but the most significant thing we can do in this life is simply to love you and to choose to love others.
Help us to love as you love. Fill us with your Spirit so that we can choose what is best. We are weak Lord, but we know also, that even when we are weak, you are strong within us. Thank you that it’s not all up to us. Thank you that you equip us to face each day with the power of your love, your forgiveness, and your grace. We love you Lord, and we need you today, and every day, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
For Gratitude and Thanksgiving
Lord, Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you that you are Able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don’t thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you’ve given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! Amen.;
Dear God, Thank you for your presence with us, thank you for your Almighty Shadow. Thank you that you go before us, and cover us from behind. Thank you that you are in our midst, and that our future is secure in the place you’re preparing for us.
Your words bring such hope and comfort. Remind us of your strength today, may we see glimpses of your glory and blessing along the way as we seek after you. For victory and salvation are found in you alone. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.
For Praise
Father, We praise you today with our hearts and songs, we praise you for your faithfulness, we praise you for your great power and love. We confess our need for you, our lives don’t go so well when we just spin around on our own. We struggle and worry, get weary and worn. Yet you never leave us. Thank you for your presence. Thank you for your care over us, thank you that you breathe renewal right into our souls. We ask for your spirit to fill us, to draw us close to yourself, and to work your purposes through us, as we set our eyes on you. Amen.
To Not Drift from God
Forgive us for drifting away from you, for allowing other things to become more important in our lives. Help us to live aware, to choose wisely, to stay close to you, and anchored in your Truth. Apart from you, we have no hope. Thank you for your great love and mercy, thank you that you wait for us, that you call us to yourself, and you strengthen us in our weakness. Thank you that you alone are our Refuge and Safety, and you fill us with hope. We come to you today, choosing to walk in your Presence and Light. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11
“I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.” – Psslm 119:32
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” – Psalm 119:105
“Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” – Psalm 119:165
Dear God, Thank you for the great richness and Truth of Your Word. Thank you that your word is a light for our path, a lamp to our feet, that gives direction for our days. May our lives be faithful to living each day according to your ways. Help us to love your words, to hide them within our hearts. Open our eyes that we might see your deep and hidden treasures, and know you more and more. Help us to run in the path of your commands, thank you that you set our hearts free… In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor’s wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her also at Web Site.
For even more, visit 15 Powerful Prayers for the New Year
