Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? If you’re a parent, odds are you’ve felt this on more than one occasion. Lucky for us, God provided us the gift of prayer. The act of prayer offers us a way to both connect with God and reflect on your thoughts while encouraging gratefulness and peace within any situation. And what a beautiful thing that is. However, learning how to pray can make a big difference.
Often times, when we find ourselves praying in stressful times, we come to God asking for change or help for the things that we need. Listing out our needs and wants isn’t the ideal way to approach prayer. Often, praying in this way can leave you feeling more overwhelmed and discouraged than had you not prayed at all. Don’t focus on your problems, focus on God, his greatness and further developing your relationship with Him.
Prayer is a tool that was given to us in order to keep our focus on what really matters in this world. Though prayer should be used in both good and bad times, it is wonderful for pulling us away from our worldly problems and reminding us that God is good, and his plan for us far outweighs our current troubles. Learn to trust!
“Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” – James 3:15-17
Just because we are convinced we need or want something, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true. The Lord knows what we truly need, and learning to trust Him and his plan is essential. When we pray and receive wisdom from Heaven, we are putting aside our worldly feelings, ambitions, and worries.
So, during busy seasons and times that are causing you stress and anxiety, instead of using your prayer time to ask God for what it is you think you need, ask for peace and his presence in your life. Invite the Lord to draw near to you and show you what you really need, and see what beautiful little miracles and internal changes occur because of it.