Many of us are struggling with the worries and frustrations of COVID-19 and the uncertainty it carries with it. But, sometimes all you can do is pray.

Below is an excerpt from Mindscape: What to Think About Instead of Worrying. Author Tim Witmer draws from thirty years of experience in helping worried people apply Scripture to their lives to present a clear, biblical, and deeply pastoral guide to replacing worry with a new way of thinking.

Excerpt from
Mindscape: What to Think About Instead of Worrying by Timothy Witmer

On a recent trip Barb and I visited a beautiful property. One of the features on the grounds was a huge hedge maze consisting of lots of misleading turns and dead ends. It would really be easy to get lost in there. At the maze we visited, as at most similar mazes elsewhere, there was a tall platform overlooking the hedges. From this platform, an overseer could see the whereabouts of anyone in the maze. I’m sure it is there to give direction to someone who might panic as they are trying to find their way out.

“Sometimes we too feel like we’re in a maze and don’t know which way to turn. We fear that if we take a wrong turn, it will lead to a dead end from which we might not be able to escape. When we’re feeling lost and frustrated, the Lord knows our circumstances and is eager to direct us if we’ll just ask him. Prayer puts us in touch with the One who sees the beginning from the end. The One who can give us his perspective on our worries and fears. The One who promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). The One on whom we can cast all of our cares because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

Our verses from Philippians 4 also give us direction about the characteristics of prayer that smothers worry and how we can implement them:

Pray specifically.

Paul uses different words for “prayer” in verse 6. The first is a general word for prayer, but the second word, “supplication,” refers to an urgent specific plea. This is reinforced when he adds, “let your requests be made known to God.” I’ve heard some folks say that when they pray they don’t ask for anything for themselves. This might sound very selfless and holy, but it is wrong! The prayer Jesus taught his own disciples includes specific personal requests. It begins with praise to our Father in heaven and ends with his kingdom and power and glory; but in the middle supplications Jesus teaches us to ask God to meet our important personal needs. “Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:11–13). Requests for daily provision, forgiveness, and protection are quite personal, and we are urged to bring them before the Lord regularly. This includes things we are prone to worry about. Do not be reluctant to cry out to the Lord about anything and everything.

Pray remembering God’s goodness.

You’ll also notice that Paul tells us to pray “with thanksgiving.” Praying with thanksgiving requires us to remember all of the good things the Lord has done for us and is doing for us now. After all, there are more things in your mindscape than just worry weeds. Worries might be in the foreground at the moment, but there are many other things to which you should draw your attention and for which you should be thankful. This isn’t easy because our natural tendency is to focus on our worries rather than to give thanks. When you are worried, bring your cares to the Lord, but also remember his kindness and goodness to you right now and in the past.

Pray expecting an answer.

Another reason we can pray with thanksgiving is that we can expect an answer. Sometimes the answer might not be what we expect, but the Lord has promised to answer. As many have observed, the answers the Lord gives can be “yes,” “no,” or “not yet.” We might always like a “yes” but the Lord our heavenly Father knows what is best and he will not give us something that isn’t good for us. When I was in college I thought the Lord’s plan for me was to become a famous tuba performer. Yes, that’s right—I said, a tuba performer! He had given me lots of success up to that point and I was a performance major in my college. I decided that I would audition for the United States Marine Band (The President’s Own) in Washington, DC, and the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. I didn’t make either one. It was “no” and “no” from the Lord. I was disappointed, but in closing those two doors the Lord was directing me elsewhere—toward the ministry.

Pray expecting that God will want your response, too.

As we pray, the Lord might make it clear that there is something that we need to do. For example, if you’re worried about a relationship, God might lead you to have a conversation with the individual with whom you’ve had difficulties. He will certainly impress upon you the need to look for and apply for jobs if you have lost your job. New health challenges will require a change in diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Be ready to be directed toward things you might need to do regarding your situation. This leading will always be according to and consistent with his Word. If you feel that God is calling you to do something that is beyond you—pray about that as well. If he is calling you to do something, he will also give you his Spirit to do it. Pray for the Spirit to help you and direct you so that you can follow Jesus wherever he calls you to go. Fundamentally, Paul reminds us that the Lord will answer, and that we should be prepared for where that answer may lead or what that answer may call us to do.

Prayer leads to peace.

Paul tells us that the result of our prayer is that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Notice that this doesn’t promise that the problems will go away, but that even in the midst of our problems, anxiety can be replaced by peace.

Click here to purchase your copy of Mindscape: What to Think About Instead of Worrying! 

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As Christians, we strive to get to know God better – and what better way to do that than through daily prayer? Prayer is a wonderful thing. It can help us get through tough times and celebrate the good times. But how often do you pray? We know life can get in the way from time to time, but taking a few quiet moments with God each and every day something we should all aspire to.

So, as a little reminder, here are some reasons we think praying each and every day is so important…

Brings You Closer to God

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. – Psalm 145:18 

This one is simple… Just as with every other relationship in your life, communication is key! If it’s a closer relationship to God you seek – prayer is the way.  By talking to God each and every day, we can develop a deeper and more meaningful connection. But make sure you talk honestly! Open up about your struggles, talk about your loved ones, ask for forgiveness, and just as importantly, celebrate the joy. By doing this every single day the more you’ll know the heart of our heavenly Father. What could be better or more fulfilling?

Prayer Shines a Light in the Darkness

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:17-18

Sometimes we forget just what a powerful tool prayer is. No matter what you are going through, by speaking to God on a daily basis we can make any situation seem manageable. When you are praying to God, you can tell him just what it is that is concerning you – and, you can be sure he is listening and lessening your burden. But remember, prayer should never be a last resort – it should always be our first response.

It Can Set the Tone for Your Day

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. – Mark 11:24 

Life can be incredibly busy. There are chores to do, errands to run and bills to pay. Sometimes the to-do list can seemingly go on forever. Rather than waking up and feeling overwhelmed by the long list of things you need to get done, just pray. By making prayer our first priority, it sets our intention for the day and helps focus on what matters most… Him. Mornings are better when you talk to God first!

Prayer Protects

For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield. – Psalm 5:12

When you pray often, it helps build a faith that can stand firm even when faced with obstacles. When challenges come your way, you can rest assured you are not alone. It’s also a way for us to offer protection to others in our lives. Praying to God in the name of others is a powerful thing and something we should never underestimate!

Have a Prayer you’d like to share? Click here to add yours to our Prayer wall! 

The post The Importance of Daily Prayer appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Guest post by Adam Weber, author of Talking With God: What to Say When You Don’t Know How To Pray.

Ever felt like everyone else has this prayer thing figured out except you? When Paul said “pray without ceasing” did he really mean, like, never stop praying? Sounds pretty impossible to me. The truth is, prayer doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact it’s just talking. Like talking with a good friend. Here are five practical ways to a healthy prayer life:

#1 If you tell someone you’re going to pray for someone, do it!

For years, I struggled with the bad habit of telling people I would pray for them but never getting around to doing so. I would simply forget.

I didn’t want my words to be hollow, so I made a simple change. Now, if I tell someone I am going to pray for him or her, I either ask if I can pray right then and there or else I silently pray as we part ways. There are other ways to act on this. My wife will often set a daily reminder on her phone to pray for a certain person at a specific time so she doesn’t forget.

It might feel strange at first, to pray for someone audibly, but it’s amazing the impact our words have when talking with God on someone else’s behalf.

#2  Just let the words come up!

The truth is most people pray, Christians and non-Christians alike. People who go to church and those who don’t. Everybody prays, sometimes without knowing it.

When we’re on a plane, as it takes off. For some reason we pray. When we’re wheeled into an operating room, even if it’s a simple surgery, we pray. When our favorite sports team is in a close game, we bite our nails and we pray. It just happens. We might not even hear the words we’re saying, words whispered under our breath:

Lord, help my team to win!

God, help me pass this test.

Lord, help my mom be okay.

God, I hope this pilot knows how to fly.

Jesus, why am I doing this?

Whether we’re pursuing God or not, the words, our prayers, just come out.

#3 When something reminds you of God, pray!

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul writes about praying without ceasing.

Without ceasing? Like never stopping?

When I first began to take my relationship with God seriously in college, if something reminded me of God, I took the time to acknowledge him. To sit with him. To talk with him.

Write a short prayer on a notecard. Set an alarm on your phone. Find something that reminds you of God and talk with him.

#4 Write prayer notes!

One of my favorite things to do is to write notes to people. To thank people. To encourage people. To let them know I’m praying for them.

I want my notes to have a personal touch, but since my handwriting looks like a first grader’s, I type them. Not on a computer. I use a typewriter. I should say typewriters. Let’s just say I have a few. I may have an addiction to buying them. Anyway, it’s just a simple way to let people know that I’m thinking about them, cheering for them, and praying for them. It’s a simple way to let them know that they’re loved and noticed by me.

As I’m typing a note, I simply begin praying for the person.

“I just want you to know that I prayed for you today…”

And I begin to list the specific things that I pray.

“For you.”

“For your work.”

“For your family.”

“For your walk with the Lord.”

“For your health.”

“For your marriage.”

“For decisions you’re trying to make.”

It’s so simple, and yet I never cease to be blown away by the responses I get.

“The timing of your note was perfect. I was waiting for test results.”

“You prayed for my marriage, and we just started seeing a counselor.”

“I’ve been struggling with depression, and your words were comforting.”

“No one’s ever told me that he has prayed for me.”

“Lately I’ve been overwhelmed by life and your letter was so encouraging.”

It’s amazing how powerful our words to God can be. How powerful our prayers on behalf of others can be.

#5 Encourage others through prayer!

Practically speaking, encouraging others through prayer can look a million different ways.

It can be done while grabbing lunch with a friend. You can ask if there’s anything he’s going through right now, then pray for him, his needs, his marriage, his health (and maybe the meal) before chowing down. In so doing, you can almost see the person gain strength right before your eyes.

Some folks keep a list of names. Others pray as God reminds them of people throughout the day. I often write a person’s name down in my Bible. It reminds me to pray for that person, either for a specific need or just because. Sometimes I pray words of comfort for a relative who’s going through a difficult season. Other times, I pray words of encouragement for a person who I know has a job interview.

Guest post by Adam Weber, author of Talking With God: What to Say When You Don’t Know How To Pray. Now available to purchase!

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