Notes of Faith February 22, 2024
Prayers for Fear and Anxiety
Fear and anxiety are at an all-time high the world over. We pray that you find these prayers comforting, exhorting, and hopeful!
Son of God, who subdued the troubled waters and laid to rest the fears of men,
let Your majesty master us and
Your power of calm control us.
Replace our fears with faith
and our unrest with perfect trust in You,
who lives and governs all things, world without end.
~ John Wallace Suter (1859–1942), Adapted
Set free, O Lord, the souls of Your servants
from all restlessness and anxiety.
Give us that peace and power which flow from You. Keep us in all perplexity and distress,
that upheld by Your strength
and stayed on the rock of Your faithfulness,
we may abide in You now and forevermore.
~ Francis Paget (1851–1911)
To You alone, O Jesus, I must cling; running to Your arms, dear Lord,
there let me hide, safe from all fears, loving You with the tenderness of a child.
~ St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897)
You say that if I give You my burdens,
You will take care of me.
You say that I should cast all my cares upon You,
because You love me,
because You can handle them all, and because it shows my faith in You.
A burden that is heavy enough to sink me is as light as a feather to You.
A fear that can paralyze me
has no power over You.
So I unload it all before You
and hand it over for You to manage.
I put my trust in You — not in my perspective or resources. You can do anything, God!
I will not be afraid, because You are my King and Father. You are with me, and You are for me.
You accept me as I need You and rely on You,
and You walk with me now and always.
You will strengthen me for whatever comes.
~ C. M.
Lord, my emotions could propel me downward or pull a curtain around me, blocking Your light. But instead, I look to You and pray:
Train my mind on Your truth.
Shape my thoughts with Your Spirit.
Fill my heart with Your peace.
Guide me and give me self-control to do what is wise. I trust that what You say is more real than what I feel.
~ C. M.
Make my body healthy and agile,
my mind sharp and clear,
my heart joyful and contented,
my soul faithful and loving. . . .
Above all let me live in Your presence, for with You all fear is banished
and there is only harmony and peace.
Let every day combine the beauty of spring, the brightness of summer,
the abundance of autumn,
and the repose of winter.
And at the end of my life on earth,
grant that I may come to see and know You in the fullness of Your glory.
~ St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274)
Fill my heart with Your peace.
Everything I could be worrying about right now, I’m praying about instead.
My concerns could take over my mind all day and seize my heart with despair.
But instead I’m taking those thoughts captive
and turning to You.
I want to make my mind obedient to You, the Truth.
I tell You what I need and hope for,
then let the matters rest in Your hands.
I rejoice that I belong to You, and You are a good Father. You’ve provided before, and You will again.
I realize my situation is an exercise in faith-training,
an opportunity to trust You and give You glory.
Now, Holy Spirit, the Great Helper,
give me self-control throughout this day
and help me fix my thoughts where You want them. May I find the good all around me.
May I fill my mind with what’s right and pure—
“the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.”
May I dwell on—and give power to—what is true.
May I find even simple things to delight in.
Help me choose joy; choose hope; choose peace.
~ C. M., quoted materials from Philippians 4:8 The Message
Most loving Father,
who has taught us to dread nothing but the loss of You, preserve me from faithless fears and worldly anxieties.
~ William Bright (1824–1901)
O my Lord and Savior,
in Your arms I am safe.
Keep me and I have nothing to fear. . . .
I know nothing about the future,
but I rely upon You.
I pray that You would give me what is good for me. . . .
If You bring pain or sorrow on me,
give me grace to bear it well—
keep me from fretfulness and selfishness.
If You give me health and strength and success in this world, keep me always on my guard
lest these great gifts carry me away from You.
O Christ, You died on the Cross for me,
even for me, sinner as I am.
Help me to know You,
to believe in You,
to love You,
to serve You,
to always aim at bringing You glory,
to live to and for You.
~ St, John Henry Newman (1801–1890)
Excerpted from A Prayer for Every Occasion by Carrie Mars, copyright Zondervan.
Prov 16:9
9 In his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord determines his steps.
Prov 19:21
21 Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
Prov 16:3
3 Commit your works to the Lord
And your plans will be established.
We do not know what tomorrow or even the next moment brings, but God knows all from the beginning to the end. We rest and trust in His provision and care. Without trust in God we have no one to make us secure and safe. The Scriptures are filled with such provision of God to those who seek Him. Draw near to the throne of grace and rest secure in His love and power.
Pastor Dale