Praying out the anxiety
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 NRSV
Sometime in the past I was worried about a friend. She had hurt the rotator cuff in her arm and the pain grew progressively worse. It was to the point she could not sleep or find a place of ease. She was doing everything that was recommended. She followed the regimen the doctor prescribed, but for the moment it didn’t seem to be helping. I’d been in that place, and not being able to help frustrated me no end.
So, I did the only productive thing I could do — I gave her advice long distance and told her I was worried about her. What? Not productive? You’re right. It wasn’t.
The more productive thing I could do? Pray. I was reminded we are doing two good things when we pray: First, we put the problem into the hands of the one who can actually do something about it. Second, as we pray, we actually transform our anxiety into prayer. Our fear is slowly swallowed up by faith. For me, this rarely happens instantly. But with perseverance, it comes to pass.
When we worry about a situation or a friend, we are talking to ourselves. When we pray, we are interacting with god almighty. Important difference.
Prayer: Lord? Remind me that prayer is more than talking. It is also trusting that You are listening, and that you care. Thanks.
The reverend Dr. Michael Sanders has books of devotions available locally at Kens Village Market in Indian River, Michigan. To purchase as gifts to mail, contact Kathy at Tccsec2013@yahoo.com
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Praying out the anxiety
