5 Emotions That Weigh You Down—and the Prayers to Lift You Up

Negative emotions can easily burden our hearts and threaten to stomp out our prayer lives. Have you been there? Guessing you have! Taking them to God at the first trigger is critical.

2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us, "We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ," empowering us to purposefully push back on the negativity that creeps into our lives. 

Prayer and Scripture equip us to stand firm in spiritual warfare, just as Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the armor of God. Prayer is both a defensive and offensive weapon. Communication with our heavenly Father provides exactly what we need to deal with the negativity in a positive, God-honoring way.

A few weeks ago, I shared how to pray against anger, comparison, bitterness, envy, and pride. Let's explore how prayer can help us battle five more common negative emotions: anxiety, worry, fear, shame, and control.

1. Anxiety: Praying for Calm and Trust

Real-Life Scenario:
You've been thinking about the future and overwhelming feelings rush over your heart and mind. 

Biblical Truths:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7

Prayer Pattern:
Adoration: "Lord, You are worthy of my trust."
Confession: "I confess that I'm overwhelmed with anxiety right now."
Supplication: "Calm my anxious heart and bring me peace."
Thanksgiving: "Thank You for Your love and care."

Practical Steps:
Push back on anxiety by shifting a single thought of worry to a note of gratitude. Start a simple gratitude journal to write one thing you're thankful for each morning.

Reflection Question:
What situations cause you the most anxiety, and how can prayer help you surrender them?

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/ Ahtziri Lagarde