In life, we sometimes face circumstances that are simply out of our control. Very often, no amount of our own planning or efforts can alleviate the struggles or even prevent such trials from happening. The enemy wants nothing more than to keep us enslaved to feelings of deep anxiety and crippling fear. Such feelings are just a few of the enemy’s most powerful tactics against God’s people. Yet we have weapons too – the Word of Truth and the power of prayer. Through prayer, we can stand strong in the power of God’s truth.
He is greater. Always. And He gives us the power to live courageously, boldly, and fearlessly while our surroundings tempt us to be anxious and afraid. His truth whispers sure and strong to the deepest core of our spirits: “Don’t worry, do not be anxious or afraid.”
Peace.
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A Powerful Prayer for When You Feel Anxious and Afraid:
Dear God,
The anxiety we face often feels like too much to carry. We’re tired and weary. We’re drained. We face discouragement at every turn. Yet we believe you are a miracle-working God, and we thank you that you are fighting for us today, even behind the scenes where we can’t fully see. We want to give these anxious thoughts over to you, but many times we don’t even know how to fully let go. Would you please help us to release our burdens to you. We know you can carry it all so much better than we ever could. We trust that your power is far greater than the difficulties we’re up against. We believe that you are mighty and that you are bigger than this trial.
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"... victory, freedom, security, and salvation are found in you alone."
Thank you for promising to be our refuge and strength in times of trouble. Thank you for your powerful presence with us. Thank you for your Almighty shadow. Thank you that you go before us, are with us every step in the journey, and that you cover us from behind. We ask you for a miracle right now and depend on your wisdom and strength.
Your words bring such hope and comfort when we’re feeling anxious and afraid. Remind us, dear Lord, that you are close, here in our midst, and that you will never leave us to fend for ourselves in difficult situations. May we see constant glimpses of your glory and blessing along the way as we seek to follow after you. For victory, freedom, security, and salvation are found in you alone.
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"Silence the lies of the enemy over us. Give us the awareness we need to step over his traps."
We choose faith over fear today. We choose to set our eyes on you and not on our circumstances. We choose joy over despair. We choose peace over worry. Silence the lies of the enemy over us. Give us the awareness we need to step over his traps. We trust you to protect our way and to bring us safely through these problems we’re facing.
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 anxiety control our minds, and for allowing pride and selfishness to wreak havoc over our lives. Forgive us for not following your ways and living distant from your presence.
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"... you see the big picture... you know far more than we're even aware of."
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 you would help us to prosper and make every plan that you have birthed in our hearts to succeed. We pray that others would take notice of your goodness, unable to help but proclaim your glory through the miracles, healing, and restoration you bring into our lives.
We ask that you would open doors that no one can shut. We ask that you would close the doors tightly that never need to be opened again. Help us to stop wrestling or trying to work it all out in our own power. Thank you that you see the big picture, that you know far more than we’re even aware of. We trust you in that. We pray for your will to be done and not our own.
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"May we reflect your light, peace, and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing."
We choose to find rest and joy in you today. Thank you for your goodness and favor over our days. Thank you that you give us great hope and purpose for the future. We lay it all down before you, again. Fill us fresh with your Spirit and give us the faith to believe that you are forever true to your promises, that you are fully trustworthy.
Thank you for reminding us how we never have to worry or fear, for your Mighty Presence is with us, and our future is secure in the place you are preparing for us.
May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. May we reflect your light, peace, and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing.
In the Mighty Name of Jesus, we pray,
Amen.
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10 Powerful Scriptures for Peace
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
“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. Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.”
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"“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give 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
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:1-6
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"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust..."
"Come to me, all 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.”
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”…He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart…For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways…“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him…”
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"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world..."
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Psalm 56:3
“Finally, 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. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also on Twitter and at her blog www.debbiemcdaniel.com.
This article is part of our Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Serenity Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Irish Blessings & Prayers
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
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Originally published Tuesday, 22 January 2019.
