Worry Cancels Prayer

Bible Passage

31 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’
32 For it is the gentiles who seek all these things, and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:31-33 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE) New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion

I grabbed these wonderful words of wisdom from Joyce Meyer’s repeat broadcast this morning.

If I’m gonna pray about something and worry about it, too, then my worry cancels out my prayer. The act of prayer says, “God I trust You,” and worry says, “God I don’t trust You.” Worry chokes the Word and keeps it from being fruitful, according to Matthew 13. “Some seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.” [verse 7]

Joyce Meyer Enjoying Everyday Life – Worry and Anxiety (4 Aug 2021)

Worry is one of the hardest things to give up. As part of growing up we learn to take control of our circumstances. We learn about responsibility. We learn about consequences.

Many of us learn, at some level, about prayer. We learn thankfulness. We learn to pray for others. We learn to pray for outcomes. We learn to pray before meals. We learn to pray at bedtime.

Some of us learn how to pray in conversation with God. We learn to talk to Him like a friend standing beside us, going through our day and continually discussing it with Him.

Very few people learn how to handle the part after the ‘Amen.’ Prayer means we are giving our worries to Jesus. He already knows what’s on your heart. He’s waiting for you to hand him the reins, LET GO, and let Him take care of those things.

One of the hardest things to learn is to hand our worries and fears to God and let it go. Once we learn to let go, we give God permission to fix it. Until then, because He created us to have free will, He is waiting for your permission. He wants to heal you, fix you, take care of you, and prosper you. Give Him permission to do what He does best. Show Him how much you love and trust Him. When you do, He will show you how much He loves and trusts you!

Prayer Focus

Letting go of fear, doubt, and worry

Prayer

Almighty God, He who bears our burdens for us, help us to rely on You more and to give You our heavy hearts, tortured minds, and burdened souls. Help us to keep our focus where it belongs, on You. Thank You for loving us so much! Amen.

Final Thought

Freedom lies in the path of the Lord. Give Him all your doubts, worries, and fears. He will make your path straight, your burdens light, your mind free, and your heart full of joy!