5 Days of Heart-Calming PrayerSample

Why do we persist in tightly holding onto everything that upsets us, makes us edgy, or stirs up anxious feelings in our hearts? Could it be that relinquishing is so tough for us because we struggle to completely trust God? Our heavenly Father loves us, affectionately caring for us and watching over us, and He invites us to toss every worry—actually throwing them hard and strong—straight into His hands. Just like hurling a rock from the lake shore far out into the deep, we throw it where we are not in danger of retrieving it once again. When releasing our worries to God feels arduous, remembering His character will absolutely help us. The Lord is gracious and compassionate. He is kind and holy and all powerful. And in His great love for us He desires that we live life without an 80 pound rucksack of worries on our back. We can entrust everything to Him and experience freedom from all that troubles us. Instead of holding on to all that troubles us, let’s cling tightly to His goodness, His love, His hope, His joy, and His peace. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7) Lord, please teach me not to hold on to all that frustrates me, makes me uneasy, or stirs up anxiety in my heart. Right now, I choose to throw each concern toward You, entrusting them into Your sovereign care once and for all. When I struggle to release my cares to You, please give me grace to trust You. Help me not to take them back but entrust everything that concerns me to You, knowing You are good and kind and all powerful. Prompt me by Your Spirit the moment I am tempted to retrieve any worry or concern. Thank you for carrying all I cannot. Thank you for loving me, caring for me, and watching over me. Thank you for enabling me to live in Your very real peace. In Jesus’s name, amen.