How to Reduce Anxiety with Prayer

How often do you find yourself worrying or anxious? It’s easy to get focused on tomorrow, especially in concerns about family members. I know I find myself in that position.

It is normal for us to be concerned about those we love, whether it’s for their safety, health or emotional well-being.

However, in the Bible, Paul, the apostle, writing from jail to his friends the Philippians, tells them and us not be anxious.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

He has clear directions about what to do when we are anxious:

· Pray

· Petition (know what we are asking for)

· Be thankful (not necessarily for the situation)

· Present to God

Then Paul tells us what will happen as a result of our prayers:

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6–7 NIV

He tells us we can have peace when we have conversations with God and give Him our concerns.

I created a checklist for my prayers using Philippians 4:6. It helps lay out my prayers when I don’t know what to pray or how to pray.

The great thing about keeping a checklist is that over time, you see how God’s hand has been at work.

The Take Away

Could this type of framework be helpful to you, especially when you are anxious?

How could using an outline of prayer from these verses let God bring peace to your heart and mind?

Sometimes having scriptures to start our prayers help focus our hearts and minds.

I would love to hear how this checklist may helped you experience God’s peace.

As a spiritual director, I walk with women as they seek to have more Sacred Moments in their lives. Check out my 10 Ways to Find Sacred Moments and get tips delivered directly to you.

Nancy Booth is a certified spiritual director. She walks alongside women who are seeking God’s fingerprints in their lives and want more awareness of what their own true identity is. She helps women shed hurry, worry and disconnect as they seek to hear God’s voice in everyday living.