A prayer for liberation. God alone can make you truly free.
For help in difficult times…
Author: Prayer for Anxiety
Christmas Depression Or Joy?
It’s well known that during Christmas time there are increased rates of depression, suicide and suicide attempts. If this is to be a season of joy why is there so much bad cheer?
Causes of Christmas Depression
During the holidays is there is simply too much to be done. Shopping, planning for gatherings and preparing for the year’s end all heap hours of extra work onto our already busy lives.
Others see Christmas as a season of loss. For example, you might have lost a loved one in the past during the holidays. Or it could be that you don’t have fond memories because, as a child, Christmas was a time of sadness in your home. Others who are alone feel even lonelier since this is a time to gather with loved ones.
Finally, the year’s end is often a time to reflect on how things are going in our life. And if things aren’t going well, you can fall into depression.
How to cope with Christmas Depression
Later, we will discuss how your faith makes the biggest impact of all. But here are some practical tips that can help:
- Buy gifts in batches. For example, scented candles are nice gifts you can buy in bulk.
- Set limits on shopping and spending. Remember, you can’t buy love.
- Don’t be afraid to say “no” to invitations. Or feel free to leave the party early.
- Write down your reasons for being depressed. Setting it down on paper can be liberating.
- Drink and eat less. Alcohol is a chemical depressant.
- Find time for yourself to recover from the chaos.
Prayer Time
Perhaps during this time of year, prayer is more important than ever. The busy pace and frequent parties can all lead to temptations, even the temptation to be sad. Some fall into the trap of getting into family arguments since everyone is so stressed out. Time in prayer will keep you centered in the holiday storm.
Party Clothes
The holidays put tremendous pressure on us to perform. We have to look good and put on a happy face. So how does our faith get us through this? Think about the parable of the wedding banquet. Many were invited to the king’s party, but one entered without the proper dress. When this person was discovered, he was tied up and thrown out into the darkness. Seems kind of harsh for a merciful God, doesn’t it?
The Meaning of the Parable of the Great Banquet
When the world celebrates Christmas, the pressure of society looks to distract us from the essence of the holiday. Why? Because it’s good business. But if we go into the party without the proper dress, then we too risk getting thrown out. So we end up feeling depressed or anxious, because we look for something in a worldly celebration that only God can give us.
The proper attire for God’s banquet is the clothing of repentance and acceptance. Now you might be saying to yourself, “Before I was just a little depressed, now you’ve really made me sad.” The reason for this emphasis isn’t to put you down, but rather to raise up God’s Son in glory.
If we look to the holiday celebration only for a reason to “feel good” we will always be disappointed. When we forget the essence we try to feed on something that can’t give us life.
Don’t deny the Son
You see, if we deny our sin, we deny Christ. He came to forgive us and save us. That was, and is, his main mission. So even though we must strive to do good, the first step is recognizing our sin and the great forgiveness of God. This gives everything, especially Christmas, its meaning.
If you are sad or depressed, remember this. The more you suffer and the more you have sinned – all this gives you even greater access to God’s mercy. In the Book of Matthew, Jesus says, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick… go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
So it’s not a matter of values, conduct or appearances. It’s a matter of the heart. Have you given your heart to Jesus? He certainly gives all his heart to you.
It’s all for you and for His glory
The first Christmas was truly sacred. In humility, a child was born in the stillness of the night. This child was destined to give his life for you. When you feel the holiday pressure, let Jesus put everything in perspective. His truth cleans and heals you of past hurt and loss. Strength and hope are yours as you navigate a world offering peace in all the wrong places.
Remember who Jesus is. Remember what he did for you. Go back to the manger; go back the basics of your faith to pull yourself out of the holiday blues. Christmas is a great celebration for reasons that completely transcend our earthly senses. Rise above it all. Rise up with Christ. He alone clothes you in the right attire.
Then step into the banquet; clean and whole with confidence before God. Jesus himself will acknowledge your name before his Father in heaven.
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Image source (modified).
Why do I worry so much about others?
Is your worry off balance?
If you are reading this you know who you are. You are the person who constantly worries about others. Most of the time it’s worry about a loved one, like a son or daughter. The problem is when worry paralyzes you or harms your relationships. Let’s find out why you worry so much about others, and how faith in God can help.
Roots of worry
It helps to know why you worry so much. Part of it is biological as some of us are programmed to be worriers. This might have entered into your personality because your mother was very worried during her pregnancy with you. Perhaps even your grandmother was worried while pregnant with your mother. In this way, excessive worry is a sort of inheritance.
Environment matters
If you lived in an overprotective environment growing up, this could have caused you to be a worrier. The other extreme – living in an environment of neglect – can also leave emotional wounds that cause worry. The unexpected loss of a loved one – especially during your childhood – can be a cause of lifetime worry patterns too.
Who are you really worried about?
In many cases, worry is a self-defense response. You’ve been hurt or suffered loss, so it’s understandable that the threat of future loss scares you. Here it’s helpful to understand the “balance of worry” because over time this can become distorted. By “balance” we mean, who’s really benefiting from your worry? For example:
- Are you really worried about others, or are you more worried about getting hurt?
- Are you more worried that you will look bad (“bad” parent, imperfect family, etc.) and lose what you think is perfect?
- Are you worried because you fear that you’re losing control?
When you ask these questions, think to yourself, “Am I more worried about myself, or am I genuinely worried about the other person?” In pretty much every case, there’s a mix of emotions, but problems arise when the balance is tilted heavily in our favor.
Isolation and overreaction
The evil one looks to paralyze or divide us through fear. When our worry becomes self-serving, we look inward and take a defensive posture. Ironically we can end up hurting the person we are worried about, and this separates us from them. Satan finds great pleasure in generating isolation, division and confusion. But, as always, Christ shows us the way to victory and freedom.
Jesus worried too
In the Book of Luke (19:41-44), Jesus wept for Jerusalem. He wept for them not only for what was happening, but for what was going to happen. Perhaps worry isn’t the exact emotion Jesus felt; he felt concerned instead. He felt sorrow. His focus was upon the other, not himself.
When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, before his crucifixion, he also worried. But even greater than his anguish was his concern for the will of his Father. This is the heavenly balance we should seek. Jesus didn’t look to protect himself, but looked instead to obey and give of himself.
Imitate Jesus and be free
It seems impossible to attempt to imitate Jesus Christ – maybe even almost blasphemous. But this is exactly what his Spirit allows us to do. God’s great love and sacrifice give us the strength to break the chains of our past. The Spirit allows us to re-balance our emotions in a healthy, Christ-like way. We don’t have to have all the answers, but we can begin to trust in the will of our heavenly Father.
Give and accept
When Jesus died on the cross, he did so with open arms. This is the only antidote against Satan’s lies. Instead of closing in, you give of yourself and you give life. Instead of hurting those you love; you accept them, and you accept what God wills for their life. If you feel your worry is selfish, ask God to forgive you. In the forgiveness of the Father you receive great peace.
Jesus’ walk to his crucifixion was made possible only by the Spirit. And later an even greater glory appeared in the resurrection. Find hope in this truth. Trust the Spirit. Ask him, again and again, to help you. Then rise up and carry your cross, like Jesus did – with confidence, courage and strength.
When you rest in God, you bring the best to your life and to those you care for – and no inheritance could be more protective or nurturing.
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Image source (modified).
How do I handle all the bad news I see and hear?
Today’s world is confusing, chaotic, and violent. How do you deal with all the bad news you see and hear? Let’s find out.
Don’t hide your head in the sand
It’s important to acknowledge the reality of our world. It’s not easy, especially when we hear about natural disasters or war. Even more troubling is the violence we witness in our own streets. But when we know what’s happening in the world, it helps us understand how to confront it.
Limit your exposure
As citizens, we have a responsibility to keep up with current events, but limit the time you spend there. Every media outlet wants you to stay tuned in for as long as possible. Sitting glued to the TV only heightens your anxiety. Yes, bad things exist, but once you’re informed sufficiently, move on.
Stand up and fight
The easy way out is to turn off your TV and ignore it all. But this is exactly what the enemy wants from us. He desires to use our fears to divide, isolate, or anesthetize us. The Kingdom of God has weapons too, and they are of a heavenly caliber. This is as much – or perhaps more – a spiritual battle as it is a battle between humans.
It’s worth stressing the importance of God’s Word. Reading your Bible every day will give you strength, clarity, and confidence. In Ephesians 6, Paul speaks about the armor of God which consists of:
- Truth
- Righteousness
- The Gospel of Peace
- The Shield of Faith
- The Helmet of Salvation
- The Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word)
- Prayer
In Galatians 5 we find the fruit of the Spirit. These fruits are:
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Longsuffering
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness
- Self-control
The more we use these spiritual gifts, the more of the Spirit we bring to humanity. You might think, “How do my actions at home affect what’s happening on the other side of the country or the world?” The answer? It makes a huge difference.
Spiritual Combat
The terrible things in this world are meant to destroy those directly affected. They aim to destroy us as well. The enemy wants us to be weak in our faith. The devil wants us to tremble in fear. Instead, through God’s Spirit we can become a great force for good.
A tremendous battle is taking place, and we must respond appropriately. You are not powerless, but rather God’s power can work through you.
Your purpose and life testimony make an impact on all those around you. If we don’t resist the culture of fear and death, the darkness grows. However, if you bring the light of the Spirit, you build God’s Kingdom.
When you get overwhelmed, focus on core missions
When things seem to be too much for you to handle, remember, you have a purpose. God put you on this earth for a reason. Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl survived the World War II concentration camps. He concluded that the secret to survival was to focus on a core mission in life.
Maybe your mission is to be a good, reliable mom, dad, or spouse. When bad news overwhelms you, focus on that. Or maybe you have a job to do and others depend on you. That’s important, no matter what the job. Finally, you might think you have no purpose, but your mission may actually be the most important of all.
A most important purpose
Maybe you feel you have no purpose. Maybe you’re all alone. Perhaps you are stuck in a dead end. But if you get on your knees and pray for others, the heavens will open and rejoice. The prayers of those that suffer are very powerful. These prayers cry out to God in a way that a comfortable life cannot reach. The forgotten ones that find strength in prayer have a truly special life mission. Nobody notices this – except God.
Remember, we’re in this together
Exercise your rights and assume your responsibilities as a citizen, but also think for yourself. If you are called to speak out or act, do so with wisdom and prudence. Be careful, as the easiest way to misguide someone is through fear.
It’s never been about individualism. Don’t go into this fight alone. Pray together for things like peace and justice. Pray for healing and transformation in zones of violence, illness, and disaster. Be active in your church for the Body of Christ is made up of many members, all of which are important, even the most humble.
Hope keeps it all alive
We live in troublesome times. If we don’t turn to our faith in moments like these, when will we? Return to the bedrock of your faith. Faith in a God that loves you so much that he sent his only Son to die for you. Faith in his resurrection and ascension into heaven. And finally, the great hope that Jesus will come again.
Don’t keep your eyes glued to the TV. Instead keep them looking upwards for when Christ returns.
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Prayer for a spirit of service
Prayer to be free from masks
What’s more harmful? Conscious or unconscious secrets?
The truth sets you free
Depending on the situation, hiding something about yourself can cause problems. Secrets can be a source of anxiety, but which ones are more harmful – conscious or unconscious secrets? Let’s find out how secrets can be harmful, and how prayer can help relieve this stress.
Healthy Secrets
In some cases, a secret may be healthy. For example, if someone shares with you an intimate part of their life, this is a sign of trust. Or maybe you need to make an important decision and require time to process things. Opening up too much or too early might confuse you, so it’s wise to keep to yourself sometimes.
Private Secrets
A secret that is totally private and held for a long time can have negative effects. Obvious examples are infidelity in a relationship or the hiding of an addiction. These kinds of secrets separate and isolate us from others, and the destructive effects delay healing and reconciliation.
Conscious Secrets
Even though they are private, the secrets mentioned above are conscious. You know when you are keeping these secrets and you make a willful effort to hide them. Even those these secrets are harmful, at least there is knowledge about them. This knowledge communicates with your conscious mind giving you hope for problem resolution. Other secrets are more dangerous.
Unconscious Secrets
Unconscious secrets eat away at your life and relationships since they work unnoticed. It’s like a cancer that goes undetected for a long time until it has spread all through the body.
These secrets are very hard to detect since they often mask themselves as other problems. For example, the secret might be that you feel superior to others, however, the effects show up as impatience or anger. Even though you are aware of anger issues, you might be completely blind to your arrogance. In some cases, facial expressions, tone of voice, or word choices can give subtle clues about the truth. However, things aren’t seen clearly since the exaggerated superficial effects grab everyone’s attention.
The truth can be hidden in very complex ways, such as the apparently timid person who deep down suffers from extreme vanity. In this case, shyness may be a way to avoid admitting that they are actually human after all.
The Devil made me do it
The unconscious secret is truly diabolical. The enemy prefers to operate in hidden ways while causing the most damage possible. Conscious secrets are often heaped in layers upon unconscious secrets, for example, a gambling addiction added to a lack of motivation to cover a secret envy. Like all harmful secrets, unconscious secrets separate and isolate use from others and from God.
How to get free
People can live all their lives as victims to these secret tendencies and desires. Even as conscious secrets are resolved, the hidden ones adopt other masks to hide our true deficiencies. Even Christians might adopt a religious fanaticism to hide their wounds. Modern psychology can help to unmask ourselves, but sometimes the secret is buried so deep that only a supernatural intervention will expose what has escaped years of therapy.
The greatest harm we do to others comes from these secrets that we hide at any cost. This conflict might even cause us to harm ourselves, such as through drugs, risky behavior or even suicide. The more time you spend in God’s presence, the greater you are exposed to his light, which is the light of truth. This light exposes the enemy’s lies that attempt to dominate your life.
Concrete changes
As your relationship with God develops, you begin to see yourself as you are, and this is the path to freedom. You begin to identify emotions and reactions more precisely. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m being impatient,” you more correctly think, “I’m being arrogant.” God’s Spirit is the Spirit of Truth; and the Spirit assists you in coming to these realizations.
Healthy expression
The goal here is not to suppress your emotions, but instead adopt healthy ways of expression. The key is to develop a clear understanding of what is going on inside of you. God’s goodness is the best way to get there. He will provide situations to teach you about yourself, and also give you solutions.
Jesus said that if we hold to his teachings then we will know the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:31). The greatest truth that Jesus is God’s Son, and through him we find our salvation.
Lies and deception make you a slave. Ask God to set you free to walk in the light of truth.
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Prayer of thanks to Jesus
Prayer helps you handle the stress of everyday life
Be free of your fears
For most of us, life itself is stressful. Even if you are not facing one large stress, the sum of your responsibilities can be more than enough to cause anxiety. How can prayer make a difference? Let’s find out.
Problems are in our heads
Did you ever stop to wonder why we worry so much? Imagine if you were someone’s pet. Would you worry about where your next meal was going to come from? Do we see pet dogs pacing back and forth thinking, “I wonder if my owner is going to feed me tomorrow?” In many ways, our worry comes from how we perceive situations. The famous psychiatrist Carl Jung said that even scientific study is a symptom of how our minds work.
Why do we worry?
Ironically, we worry because we know too much. We can think abstractly and imagine what could go wrong. Being fully conscious, the danger and unpredictability of life make us cringe. Even though it’s wise to be prudent, excessive worry doesn’t help.
True problems
For most of us reading this article, the major problems that might face human beings are not present in our lives. Things like food, shelter and clothing are probably not missing from your life.
Compare these two questions:
- What if my son/daughter does not graduate from high school?
- What if today my child does not eat for the third day in a row?
If the difference is so easy to understand, why do our smaller worries take on such big proportions?
The Liar
The devil’s power works only if you believe his lies. In the stress of everyday life, Satan wants you to believe that your problems are much bigger than they really are. But he doesn’t stop there. He also wants you to believe that if you worry enough and work hard enough that your problems will go away. In this way he generates the thing he desires more than anything else: fear in your heart.
And the last thing in the world the enemy wants you to do is get on your knees to trust God in prayer.
Prayer is hard
It’s hard to pray when you are busy and overwhelmed. Many times we have to force ourselves to pray. You might be thinking, “But if God is love and mercy, why does he want me to struggle to pray?” Because in this way he builds your character, and a strong character casts out fear.
We want fast, concrete answers to problems, that is, we want the easy way out. We don’t want to have to venture into uncertainty to find the solution. But our consciousness reminds us that the universe is full of uncertainty, so in our worry we fight against the entire universe. Only by invoking God can we hope to be victorious in this struggle.
God in control
When you stop to pray, you enter into God’s presence. Even though it may not happen immediately, with time and practice, prayer will show you the greatness of God. His majesty is revealed to you, and your worry fades away as God becomes the center of your life. Sometimes we misunderstand this to think that following God means ignoring your worldly responsibilities. Instead it means that your experience takes on the right perspective giving you order and clarity.
When God is at the center, we see things in the light of truth. If God gives you the gift of life each day, then how can he not be at the center of your existence? This truth gives us the right mind to be free of fear. Even our greatest fear – the fear of death – is fully addressed when we contemplate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Prayer time
So when you pray, give praise to God. Praise him for who and what he is – the Creator of the universe. Thank him for your life. Gain the confidence that dispels worry and fear. Let all your troubles out in his presence. Tell him everything that bothers you and takes away your peace. Then take it all and place it in the wounded side of Jesus – giving it up to God’s grace.
Our search for concrete answers is a never ending process. Only God gives you an answer that is eternal and unchanging. His answer is love.
(Related Bible passages – Matthew 6:25-34; 2 Samuel 22:1-4)
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Image source (modified).
How to find peace
Your faith will set you free
Isn’t it what we really want after all? We just want to be at peace. It seems like in today’s world it’s harder and harder to find the peace we desire. Let’s find out why.
The Empty Promise
The power of the world offers us promises. Science, technology, government and global organizations all attempt to offer the promise of peace and prosperity. Today, we see more than ever how short the world falls from keeping this promise. For every developmental advance we seem to take many steps backward at the same time.
Humanity
We often look towards others to find the peace we seek. Even the most trustworthy person, however, will eventually let you down in one way or another. In many ways our mistakes define us, and this is part of being human. So it doesn’t work when we heap a burden of responsibility on others that only God can carry – that is, being a source of peace. Perhaps the most debilitating form of this is when we place all the burden upon ourselves.
The Fight
How many times does a disagreement remove our peace? There have been wars among Christians due to doctrinal differences. But where in the Gospel does it say you must convince others by force? The overwhelming message is that the Spirit must do the convincing; and our greatest resources are mercy and love.
Situations
Have you ever thought or said, “As soon as I get to such-and-such point in my life, everything will be better”? Then what happens? Circumstances change and other trials appear. Our lives are unpredictable, and the chaos of the world cannot give us rest. Many who are surrounded by money and power suffer tremendously.
The Immutable Presence
The common thread in all the worldly things is that they always change. Only God is unchanging and unchangeable. His Kingdom and promises are eternal. In this truth we can begin to understand where we can find true peace.
It’s Between You And Him
When we do not have peace, it means we are not at peace with God. As Jesus said, “My peace I give you” (John 14:27). His peace is not partial, temporary or based on circumstances. The peace of Christ is based on his identity and his glorious work of forgiveness. Otherwise it depends on the universe working the way you want it. If you reject Jesus’ peace, then there is a personal issue between you and God.
In the same verse, Jesus goes on to say, “I do not give to you as the world gives.” This means that true peace is purely spiritual. This is why a person that has all they need materially can be miserable while a person facing death can be at peace. It’s normal for people and situations to bother us, but you can regain peace under any circumstance.
The central issue is fear
Jesus completes the verse saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” These are the words of God’s Son. These are the words of a Great King that spilled his blood for you. Even death is powerless when God’s Spirit lives within you. Like Jesus, you also are a child of God. Trust in this. Believe in this. As this truth grows in your heart you will find the peace you desire.
This does not mean you walk around with your head in the clouds ignoring your responsibilities. Instead it means you see things from a heavenly perspective. Situations that provoked intense anxiety suddenly shrink in God’s great presence. This is because you know where you stand with God. You have been forgiven. You have been redeemed. You have a place in heaven, and you are loved with the purest love possible.
Not anesthesia, but truth
Faith in Jesus Christ is not spiritual anesthesia. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. When you have the desire to know Jesus more – who he is and what he means in your life – then you see things clearly. No more monsters and no more lies. God is in control and you are his beloved child. Let the good fruit of peace come forth in abundance.
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Prayer For Anxiety 