A PRAYER FOR OVERCOMING ANXIETY AND FEAR

John Baillie (1886-1960), Scottish theologian is the author of A DIARY OF PRIVATE PRAYER, which has sold over a million copies and has been a favorite of mine. Here is one of his prayers which I have treasured and made my own over the years.

Almighty and most merciful Father, whose power and whose love eternally work together for the protection of your children, give me grace this day to put my trust in you.

Father, I pray –

for faith to believe that you rule the world in truth and righteousness:

for faith to believe that if I seek first your kingdom and righteousness, you will provide for all my lesser needs:

for faith to take no anxious thought for tomorrow, but to believe in the continuance of your past mercies:

for faith to see your purpose of love unfolding itself in the happenings of this time:

for faith to be calm and brave in face of such dangers as may meet me in the doing of my duty:

for faith to believe in the power of your love to melt my hard heart and swallow up my sin:

for faith to put my own trust in love rather than in force, when other people harden their hearts against me:

for faith to believe in the ultimate victory of your Holy Spirit over disease and death and all the powers of darkness:

for faith to profit by such sufferings as you call upon me to endure:

for faith to leave in your hands the welfare of all my dear ones, especially……and …..

 

God in whom all my forebears trusted and were not put to confusion, rid my heart now of all vain anxieties and paralyzing fears. Give me a cheerful and buoyant spirit, and peace in doing your will; for Christ’s sake. Amen