What the Bible Says About Stress
Stress is a normal part of daily life. However, there's a cultural stigma that if you’re not stressed out most of the time, you’re not doing enough with your life. God, however, did not design us to spend our entire lives under the constant mental and physical strain that comes with operating at a frantic pace. Because if we do choose to live that way, we may lose the ability to appreciate life and to be present with the people around us.
With God as the source of your strength, it is possible to let go of your stress and replace it with rest! Here are eight prayers to help you manage stress.
1. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7 NLT
Father, help me to release the tension and lay down the burdens I am carrying at Your feet. Lord, I am aware of Your concern for me. Help me to release the things I'm carrying to You because I know You are strong enough to handle them. In Jesus' name, amen.
2. Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Lord, I'm sorry for carrying the stressors of life when I don't have to. I know Your Word says to lay all my worries and cares at Your feet. So I now surrender all of them to You in prayer. Holy Spirit, help me distinguish between what is urgent and what is not. Please help me find creative solutions for the things I must do, in Jesus' name, amen.
3. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! – Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Jesus, forgive me for fixing my focus on my to-do list instead of on You. Your Word says that when I keep my eyes on You, I will experience the peace that comes only from You. May Your peace overflow into my heart and mind. In Jesus' name, amen.
4. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” – Matthew 6:34 NLT
Holy Spirit, help me to remember not to stress about the future. Please allow me to be present and in-the-moment with You and with my loved ones. Help me to take things one day at a time and to concentrate only on what You have in front of me today. In Jesus' holy name, amen.
5. When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. – Psalms 94:19 NLT
Father, help me to pause and let You calm the troubles of my speeding mind. Holy Spirit, Your Word says one of Your roles in my life is to comfort me. Renew my hope in You and release joy into my life and situation. In Your name, amen.
6. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:10 NLT
God, with all the different stressors and moving parts in my life, I'm more aware than ever of my inability to do any of it without You. So Lord, I accept that there will be hard things that I go through. But I thank You, because I know hardship is an opportunity for Your strength and ability to show up powerfully. In Jesus' name, amen.
7. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Lord, help me not lean on my understanding and strength to do what I need to do in the coming days. Instead, give me the mind of Christ and remind me to acknowledge You in everything I do. In doing this, Holy Spirit, make my path straight. In Jesus' name, amen.
8. Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. – James 1:2 NLT
Father, I know that the trials and stresses I'm facing now are not meant to defeat me, but instead will be used by You to strengthen and equip me. I have faith in Your plan above my own. So Lord, help me consider it joy when things come my way. Let me not lose hope, but be encouraged that You’re working something out for me! In Jesus' name, amen.
Need support as you walk through this season? Call Our Pastoral Care Team
