A Prayer About Stress

When life bears down on me

MY LORD AND SAVIOR,

Today was stressful, mostly because of obligations and deadlines. Metals are stressed to make them resistant to fractures, and athletes stress their muscles to make them stronger. Too much stress, however, can cause distress and breakdowns. I pray that what I am experiencing these days will strengthen me, so I can become more productive for you. But to be honest, I may be feeling a few small fractures developing. My mind is reeling, and my gut is clenching. The psalmists responded to stress by reading your Word and finding joy. I need to do the same. You told your disciples to expect trials but to take heart because you had overcome the world. That’s a promise I can cling to. You are greater; through you I can overcome whatever I am experiencing. So now as I finish this day, please relieve my anxiety, erase my fears, remove the stress, and help me sleep in peace. When I arise tomorrow morning, give me joy and determination to meet the challenges of a new day.

[Jesus said,] “You may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33