A Prayer for an Anxious, Restless Heart

Your mind is anxious. Your heart is restless.  This week your life may seem like an approaching certain thunderstorm with high winds - whipping around with deadlines to meet, expectations to fulfill, and tasks that must be finished -- or there will be negative consequences.

During the whirlwind, you want to remember to find a stable, quiet place to meet with the Lord. A place where you can pass your worries on to Him, and allow yourself to be calmed in knowing Him.

Just like when the disciples were caught off guard when they found themselves in an unexpected storm and their boat began filling with water, you may feel like you are taking on water in your life boat. You may fear that you will not be able to tread the waters long enough if you flip over or begin to sink.

In times like these, why do we forget that He is there to hold us up?

A Prayer for an Anxious, Restless Heart

Lord, I have been in these stressful times before -- many times -- and you have never let me down. You have always seen me through.  Why do I forget that in the midst of the next approaching storm?

Help me use my feelings of anxiety - when they sneak up on me --  as reminders to give thanks to you.  When a headache comes on, I will use that as a signal to remember to thank you for your help and for the gift of knowing you. When my heart races, I will remember that my heart is not meant to be full of fear. Instead, I will ask you to fill my heart with your love and peace. When I am so tired I want to fall asleep at the wheel or in a waiting room, I will ask you to give me endurance and strength to make it through; and I will thank you for offering a plentiful and constant source of peace, focus, and endurance through your spirit.

I need to stop striving all on my own; and I need to turn to your abundance of wisdom and strength to lead me through. Help me to remember your presence this week. Help me to find time to rest in You and to be renewed by you -- even in the midst of storms.

I know that when I remember to come to you before the storm hits, that the harsh winds and the pounding thunder and rain lose their collective strength. Help me to remember that You are my refuge and strength. Help me be still, and know that You are here.

Amen.


You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
 - Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 
- Psalms 46:1 (NLT)