Lifestyle Prayers

Prayers For Everyday Living

Are You Staying Afloat?

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I realize that this can be a difficult time for many people, especially in the midst of widespread reports of sickness, stores can closing down, appointments being cancelled, and people wondering what’s going to happen next?

When panic sets in, then ask Jesus cast out your fear with His perfect love. Let Him bring you His peace to calm your troubled heart, and take time to read scriptures, like the one above, to settle your soul. Scripture helps us to focus on what’s important, so that we can forget about our worries.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may the truth of your Word helps us to connect with you. May you remove our fears with your overwhelming love, comfort our souls with your lasting peace, and strengthen our frame with your renewed hope, so that we can simply rest, remain, and abide with you. Amen.

Does Fear Overwhelm You?

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There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].  (1 John 4:18)

Let’s take a moment to explore this topic of fear together.

First of all, its important that we recognize that every fear, except for the fear of the Lord, is part of the kingdom of darkness that seeks to steal God’s peace from us. The origins of our fear can be traced back to Adam and Eve who chose to embrace Satan’s fallen nature when they believed his deception about not trusting God.

As new creations, we are on a different path that leads to life. We are learning how to walk by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Old lies stay with our old nature, and they remain at the cross so that we can embrace the new life that God has designed for every person who truly believes in His Son.

The perfect love that we speak of comes from God, because God is the author of love, and every ungodly fear is removed by love. As we learn to trust in God, His love is established within the depth of our soul, where He is faithful to complete His work within us.

Every ungodly fear is driven out by God’s perfect love, so that we can rest and remain in Him. We look to Him for everything we need, just as a branch looks to its vine for everything it needs.

So, the next time you are overwhelmed by fear look for God’s perfect love. Fix your eyes on Jesus Christ, for His eyes are filled with love for you.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

Give me your eyes to see clearly whenever fear tries to blur my vision. I welcome your perfect love to drive out all of my ungodly fear. Thank you for settling me on the inside, and bringing me your comfort, whenever I feel afraid. Amen.

Facing Your Own Fear

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Facing your own fear is never easy. It doesn’t matter what you are afraid of, sooner or later you will have to face it, but you don’t have to face it alone.

A few years ago, at my place of work, I was injured while I was changing the tips on a nut welder. My middle finger was badly cut in three places, and I was rushed to a local hospital. Fortunately, the quick thinking of two team leaders and our shift coordinator were instrumental in ensuring that I received appropriate care.

While I was waiting at the hospital for my wife, I began to experience tremendous physical and emotional pain. My wife came soon after to comfort me, but I felt like I was still missing something. As my wife spoke to me, she also began to pray for me. As she began to pray for me, I felt the desire to pray in tongues. As I did this, she joined me, as we prayed together.

Praying in tongues is a wonderful way to express your deepest emotions to God, especially when you don’t know what to say.  As my wife and I began to pray, I was finally able to release my fear to God, and share my pain with Him. As I did this, I could feel my pain subside, while He reassured me of His presence. My wife was surprised by how quickly I calmed down, and I was surprised by how quickly the pain subsided.

God reassures us that He is always with us. Isaiah 41: 10 says:

Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear, for I am your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

The moment I received my injury at work, I became afraid. I knew that I needed to find help, but I just didn’t have the faith to believe that help would find me. Fortunately, God took care of that, as He provided me with the strength that I needed during my weakest moment. He upheld me, by drawing others to my side. He kept a firm grip on me, even when I wasn’t aware of what was happening to me.

As I reflect back on this experience, I realize that God has been with me during my darkest hour. It literally took about one hour, from the time I injured myself, to the time I received proper medical care. Facing this fear was not easy, but I am glad that I didn’t have to face it alone.

How about you? What helps you to face your own fear? Join us in the comment section with your own response!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

We can face our own fear with you by our side. Bring to our minds your tremendous love, overwhelming peace, and genuine comfort. For we are in your hands, and your perfect love is always ready to cast out all fear within us. May you continue to lead us by your hand, for you are our Gentle Shepherd, and we know that we can trust you every step of the way. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Fear Of Commitment

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Fear of commitment is a real fear of committing to a long-term relationship. Many people do become hesitant about considering the possibility of engagement or marriage. Consequently, people may choose to live a less structured lifestyle in order to avoid the pain of separation and divorce.

Characteristics of Fear of Commitment:

If you are struggling with the fear of commitment, then you probably find it difficult to trust people in relationships. You may feel insecure about being vulnerable, and you may never want to open up your heart again to another person. The pain of experiencing separation or divorce is one example of where a person can become hesitant about committing to any long-term relationship.

If you, or your partner, are unwilling to take responsibility for your actions, then you may also choose to remain uncommitted to each other. However, a lack of commitment to relationships can create unnecessary stress and conflict for everyone involved. Each one of us was meant to fulfill our own responsibilities so that we can create an environment where everyone can grow and mature in love.

Strategies for Fear of Commitment:

Foster Open Communication: Look for opportunities to talk with one another. Meaningful conversation creates openness where each person can choose to share their true feelings.

Create A Safe Environment:  Find a place where you can both feel safe to be yourselves. Where have you felt the most comfortable? Go to those familiar places so that you can feel safe and secure to develop your relationship further.

Have Fun Together: Without fun, life can be pretty boring. The daily responsibilities of life can leave a person feeling tired and disconnected. When you have fun you forget about your worries, and you choose to focus on what brings you life.

Rest Together: If you find yourselves tired, then rest. Learn how to rest together. When we rest together, we rediscover our rhythm of life, and we find rest for our souls. This is also a significant building time together where you learn about the benefits of taking a nap, meditating, reading, or being still and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Share Your Values: What does “commitment” mean to you? Are there any pictures, images or symbols which come to your mind? Are there any fears associated with it? Share your values with a significant person in your life. Allow them to participate with you. This dialogue will create meaningful pathways to help you to move forward with any relationship.

Being together can be challenging, but it can also be a rewarding experience. If you are willing to address your fear of commitment, then you can move beyond what frightens you. Think about what you can do to build a better relationship with your partner. As you move towards loving your partner and being loved by them, you will find life, and this life will bring healing to your soul.

Feel free to respond to this post with your own comments. Thank you for your continued involvement!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

May you bring your healing into our lives where we have been hurt by our past relationships. Help us to work things out, and to talk things through, with a trusted friend. Where we need your strength, may we be encouraged to lean on you. In the midst of any fear, show us your love. Throughout all of this, help us to search our souls, so that we may find your peace. Thank you. Amen.

I’m Afraid To Fly

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There are many ways in which you can alleviate much of your fear when it comes to flying. The next time you become anxious about air travel think about these 5 key strategies for calming your fear:

1) Remember that plane crashes in general are extremely rare in comparison to the number of planes which safely reach their destination. The news media doesn’t report on the safe take-offs and landings of planes, because it lacks the sensation of drawing a crowd.

2) Recognize that most people do feel a bit anxious when they fly on an airplane. As you observe other people on the plane you might recognize some of their own anxiety. Now, look at the people who are staying calm. What are they doing? Are they sleeping, reading a book, a newspaper, or a magazine. Are they listening to music, or watching a movie?  Identify within yourself what looks relaxing, and do likewise.

3) Be confident in the training and experience of the pilots, and other crew members, on the airplane. Be aware that they are employed by the airline to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable flight. So, choose to rest and relax knowing that many other people have the responsibility of taking care of you.

4) Ask yourself what you are afraid of? Be specific here. Write down what you hear yourself saying, and ask Jesus to intervene on your behalf. As you listen to Him, your fear will begin to dissipate, so that you can hold onto what He reveals to you. Ask Him also to share a scripture verse with you, so that you can meditate upon it, as you travel.

5) Enjoy some food, or drink a beverage, to help you to make the most of your trip. Worrying doesn’t add a single moment to your life, so why not focus on things with gratitude. What are you thankful for? Give God praise as He reminds you of the many blessings that come from Him.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

I give you my anxious thoughts. I apologize for focusing on me, instead of depending on you. I trust you to deliver me safely and to help me to enjoy my time on this plane. Please remove my fear. Secure me with your steadfast love. Assure me of your tender mercies. Fill me with your lavish grace. Hold me if I become scared. Comfort me if I feel distressed. I choose to rest, remain, and abide with you, knowing that you will take care of me. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Living In Constant Fear

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Are you living in constant fear?

This morning, I am reminded of those people who are living in fear.

Fear of reprisal is one of those fears that come to my mind, especially if you report someone who is abusive. If you are being abused, I would encourage you to speak out and not be quiet. For they will seek to silence you, but God will give you a voice so that you can be heard.

Remember, that God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind. ( 2nd Timothy 1:7)

Meditate upon His perfect love which is designed to drive out all of your fear because fear has to do with punishment, and those who fear have not yet been perfected in His love. (1 John 4:18)

Remember, that Jesus is always your gentle Shepherd, so you don’t need to fear evil because He is with you; His rod and His staff will comfort you. He will chase evil away, and provide you with His full protection.

Prayer:

Father,

As a warrior in your kingdom, I welcome your full protection and provision for anyone who is feeling afraid. May you reassure them of your presence by sending warring angels to guard their way, and ministering angels to care for them.

Their battle is not against flesh and blood, but against every principality that seeks to dishonor and disgrace them. So, may you remove every hindering and lying spirit from their midst. Steady their heart, bring peace to their mind and straighten their course, to give rest to their soul.

May they embrace your love, be encouraged by your strength, and be shown how to remain with you. As they remain with you, may you release them from their stress, anchor them in your love, and establish them in your ways.

Remove every perpetrator who would seek to do them harm, and separate them from any ongoing evil that seeks to take your place.

In the days ahead, bring them into places of renewed hope. May your joy be their strength, your confidence be their full assurance, and your courage be their guide. Amen.