Negative emotions can easily burden our hearts and threaten to stomp out our prayer lives. Have you been there? Guessing you’ve! Taking them to God at the primary trigger is critical.
2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us, “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ,” empowering us to purposefully ward off on the negativity that creeps into our lives.
Prayer and Scripture equip us to face firm in spiritual warfare, just as Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the armor of God. Prayer is each a defensive and offensive weapon. Communication with our heavenly Father provides exactly what we want to cope with the negativity in a positive, God-honoring way.
A number of weeks ago, I shared how one can pray against anger, comparison, bitterness, envy, and pride. Let’s explore how prayer can assist us battle five more common negative emotions: anxiety, worry, fear, shame, and control.
1. Anxiety: Praying for Calm and Trust
Real-Life Scenario:
You’ve been excited about the long run and overwhelming feelings rush over your heart and mind.
Biblical Truths:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
“Cast all of your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Prayer Pattern:
Adoration: “Lord, You are worthy of my trust.”
Confession: “I confess that I’m overwhelmed with anxiety straight away.”
Supplication: “Calm my anxious heart and produce me peace.”
Thanksgiving: “Thank You for Your love and care.”
Practical Steps:
Push back on anxiety by shifting a single considered worry to a note of gratitude. Start an easy gratitude journal to write down one thing you are thankful for every morning.
Reflection Question:
What situations cause you essentially the most anxiety, and the way can prayer assist you give up them?
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/ Ahtziri Lagarde
