7 Prayers That Work

I read this passage this morning. It's startling and challenging, and it compelled me to pray. Isaiah 26:3-4 --"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast , because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal." Lord God of Heaven, I want peace from stress and anxiety. I want direction for my energy, creativity in my calling, success in my life. You call me to steadfastness : to lean fast, support myself, stand firm, uphold my conception, imagination, purpose, mindfulness. I cannot trust your will without becoming steadfast in what you've already imparted to me. That's how I learn to trust you. Not by getting you to rubber-stamp what I'm doing or what I want to do. Trust comes from watching you be God in my life, not by being god of my own life. Trust is confidence, boldness, security. It's a decision I make, not a promise You make. I want peace in my soul,...

Lord, my heart is heavy. A rock sits on my shoulders, a weight presses against my chest. But you already know that. You feel it with me, the pressure of success, the fear of failure, pain, and loss. But I choose to trust in your will and your way--at least, I'm trying to trust you! Carry me through this time of heaviness. Lift my arms. Support me in the strong circle of your embrace. Maybe you could even carry my burdens for me--just a few steps--as I realign myself to follow you. I know you'll protect and provide. Help me to trust your process, because it will not feel trustworthy. I love you, Lord. I believe you, and I praise your goodness! In Jesus' name, Amen.