Operation Christmas Child – Shoebox Collection Week is Here!

A Prayer for When You Are Anxious - Your Daily Prayer - January 9

This five-word prayer has changed me.

your daily prayer devotional art

A Prayer for When You Are Anxious
By Wendy van Eyck

I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me.Song of Solomon 7:10

When I first read about the following prayer in a book by Brennan Manning called, “The Furious Longing of God,” I thought it sounded too simple but I gave it a try anyway.

I can’t remember the exact words Manning wrote but I remember reading something along the lines of, 'if you pray this prayer every day for one month it will change you.'

This prayer has changed me.

This 5-word prayer has become my "go-to" prayer anytime I feel anxious.

Driving to the oncologist to get scan results: Abba, I belong to you.

Waking in the middle of the night with concerns about work or finances: Abba, I belong to you.

Worrying over a relationship that is struggling to work: Abba, I belong to you.

Praying for a friend: Abba, [insert name of friend] belongs to you.

As I pray it I find myself remembering who God is: Big, mighty, good, merciful, loving, Abba.

As I pray it I find myself surrendering to who God is: In control, infinite, beyond comprehension, seeking my good.

As I pray it I find myself believing who I am:  Human, living in forgiveness, valuablebeloved, desired by God.

Ponder: Are you willing to try praying this prayer every day for a month and see if it helps your anxiety?

Prayer: I exhale and inhale when I pray it as Brennan Manning suggested, but I’ve found my own rhythm:

Inhale: Abba

Exhale: I belong

Inhale: to

Exhale: you

I find the combination of breathing and words calm me. This makes sense to me because none of us are only physical or only spiritual. We are both, so why not use both to find peace when I'm anxious?


Editor’s Note: Portions of this devotional were taken from Wendy van Eyck’s devotional, How to Pray When You are Anxious. You can read that piece in full here.

Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith

Kerry Washington. Andrea Bocelli. Reba McEntire. Mark Wahlberg. Tony Dungy. Matthew McConaughey, What do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their story of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going. 

Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.

Jesus Calling Podcast Banner 800x200

Now that you've prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below!

SHARE

Christianity / Devotionals / Your Daily Prayer / A Prayer for When You Are Anxious - Your Daily Prayer - January 9