When we find ourselves struggling with worry, or burdened down with cares, it’s hard to even know what to pray. Words seem far away and our thoughts can all too easily get lost in what’s overwhelming us. But here’s what we can hold on to, even in those difficult times: God understands. He hears us, and He is close, always. He reminds us to draw near to Him and find mercy and grace in times of need.
We just have to choose to come to Him with our problems, to pray and ask Him for help.
Over and over in His Word, Jesus reminds us not to worry, not to fear, not to be "troubled" in our hearts. He lovingly assures us that no matter what we face in this life, He is still greater, and He has already overcome it all. Because of Jesus, we too can live victorious and free.
God’s words are powerful and true, soothing to our souls, calming to our spirits, giving power to our days. Praying God's words back to Him is a good place to start. This allows His truth and peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ.
To cast every burden to God comes down to these choices:
- Choosing not to allow worry to control your life.
- Choosing to guard your heart.
- Choosing to focus your mind on what is true, even in the midst of uncertain times.
Though we might still feel the weight of difficult seasons, we can believe that God is with us. Though we may never be fully in control, we can trust the One who is. Though we may not know what the future has in store, we can find confidence in the God who does.
5 Prayers for When You Feel Burdened and How to Lay It All Down:
Choose to come to Jesus with your cares:
“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.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Dear God,
The battle feels intense some days. We feel tired, weary and worn. It’s hard to keep going in the face of defeat. But help us to remember that you will never leave us. You are 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 is never too big for you. Help us to trust you more, to stop wasting time spinning our wheels and wrestling in our own strength. Please forgive us Lord for the times we’ve failed to come to you first. Please fill us again with the power and refreshing of your Holy Spirit. Fill us with your joy, with your peace and strength. We’re reminded that in you alone is true rest for our souls.
We love you and we need you, today and every day.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Choose to trust Him:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Dear God,
We’re tired of wrestling; we’re weary in the struggle of it all. We don’t understand what you’re doing right now, we can’t fully wrap our minds around your ways. But our hearts cry out to you for help and peace in this time of need. Thank you, Lord God, that you are already in all our tomorrows. You know where we’ve been and you’re faithfully leading us forward in the goodness you still have in store.
When we’re burdened down in the rush of daily life, help us to live with wisdom and grace. Help us to know when to say “no,” and to do only what you have asked us to do. We ask that you lift us from the struggle and guilt we carry, replacing it with your powerful peace and rest. Thank you for promising to make our paths straight and that you have the power to make all things new.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Cast your cares on Him, believing that He cares for you:
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Dear God,
It’s hard sometimes to fully let go of the worries when we can’t see all that you’re doing. Or when our prayers seem endless with no answer in sight. It’s hard to keep trusting when we know that our “situation” is in need of a complete miracle by your mighty hand. Help us, in faith, to cast every care, every burden on you, because you care about every detail of our lives.
And it’s in those very times we know that you are at work, reminding us that without you, it truly is impossible. Thank you Lord, that you are the One who is able to open doors. You guide our ways, heal us, and bring us through the most difficult times. Thank you that you make all things possible. You work miracles so profound it leaves us nowhere to look but to you alone.
We’re reminded again of this truth: in our weakness, you are strong. In the fire, in the storm, in the flood, in the battle, in whatever we face, you’re right there with us. Shielding, carrying us, bringing us through. You build greatness within us during these times, strengthening our faith, renewing our hope. Thank you God for your goodness and care.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Remember, Jesus has already overcome every trouble, and He gives us the power to live free:
“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)
Dear God,
Thank you for the reminders that you are with us and have overcome the world. Thank you for watching over our coming and going, and that you neither slumber nor sleep. Thank you for your constant care, that you are our help and strength in the daily battles we face. Thank you for protecting and defending us against the schemes of the enemy. No weapon formed against us will prosper in this life, because you are always greater, and our lives are hidden with Christ. We are safe with You. We choose today to keep our eyes off our problems and fixed them solely on you. We choose to look up, for you alone are our Hope.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Choose to set your mind on Christ instead of dwelling in fear. Prayer is powerful and God promises to bring peace:
“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.” (Philippians 4:6-8)
Dear God,
Thank you that you are our good Shepherd and we can trust you with our lives, even in the hard times when everything around us feels uncertain. Thank you for your leadership and sovereignty. Thank you for your guidance and care in all our days. Thank you for your promises to restore our souls, give us peace, and bring hope in all our tomorrows. Thank you for your protection and strength that surrounds us, even when we’re unaware. Thank you that we never have to fear, for you are with us. Thank you for your goodness and love that follow after us, and for your great faithfulness to see us through every difficult season. We give you praise, for you are trustworthy and true; our refuge and hope. In you alone we find rest and peace and the assurance that we will dwell with you forever.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Be assured, God is with you in whatever you face in this life, in the turmoil and struggles, amidst the burdens and the cares. He is there, strengthening, helping, and He holds you in His hands.
He is greater. Always. And He gives us the power to live courageously, boldly, fearlessly in this life, when many things that surround would 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, I am with you. Peace.”
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.
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The Lord’s Prayer
Irish Blessings & Prayers
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
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