Hard to Pray Because of Stress? Overcome It This Way

No one is human who is free from stress. Even a baby in the womb can experience stress when something bad happens to the mother’s physical or mental condition. How much more we, who must face various challenges and problems every day. Financial hardship, health problems, and relationships that do not meet expectations are some of the factors that can cause stress.

Each person also responds to stress differently. Some are driven to eat a lot, while others lose their appetite instead. Some cry, some keep silent, and some seek escape through illegal drugs or promiscuity. As believers, we have one solution to relieve stress, namely prayer.

The problem is, it is not easy to pray when we are under pressure. What should we do when this happens?

Pray So We Can Be Calm, or Be Calm So We Can Pray?

That afternoon I received news that my father-in-law had to take a swab test and be isolated in the hospital. My mind was instantly in turmoil. What if he was declared positive for COVID-19? What would happen to my mother-in-law and my sisters- and brothers-in-law, who had been caring for him all this time? And what about my husband, who had gone back to our hometown and had direct contact with them?

Not long afterward, my husband came home carrying a package of our favorite food. But at that moment I had already lost my appetite. During the meal, my thoughts kept wandering in every direction. Strangely, my husband looked calm and did not show any worry in front of me and the children.

After discussing it, my husband and I decided to return to our hometown and leave the children in the care of our extended family. Before leaving, we prayed together first. We prayed that my mother-in-law would remain calm, that my father-in-law would not sink into despair, and that his test result would be negative. Even if the result were positive, may he still have the spirit to recover, and may all of us remain healthy.

Prayer does bring relief. By praying, we have already handed our worries over to God and no longer need to carry them.

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. – 1 Petrus 5:7

However, there are times when we must calm ourselves first so that we can pray. Because if we are in turmoil or restless, our thoughts are out of control, how could we possibly pray to God?

The end of all things is near. Therefore be self-controlled and calm, so that you can pray. – 1 Petrus 4:7

We need to calm ourselves so that we can surrender in prayer. And the good news is, after praying, we will be even calmer because those worries have been handed over to God. The next good news is, God is the One who has power to sustain our lives in any condition. He will deliver us, or He will strengthen us to go through the challenges before us. What is certain is, God always cares for us.

Get Rid of Stress by Changing Your Mindset

Stress is the body’s reaction that appears when we feel threatened or pressured by circumstances. This causes us to be unable to think calmly because we are nervous, angry, or hopeless. In this condition, of course it will be hard for us to pray. So, before praying, we must calm ourselves first (1 Petrus 4: 7). 

By praying, it does not mean our problems are immediately resolved, but we will become calmer and ready to face them. Get rid of your stress by remembering the following things:

1. Stress Does Not Solve Problems

Worrying about bad possibilities that may never happen at all brings no solution. In fact, in the long run, that anxiety has the potential to bring on various illnesses.

And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his span of life? – Lukas 12:25

This verse is what strengthened my husband’s heart. While I was worried and restless, he was instead busy taking care of various administrative documents for the hospital. After praying, my husband was convinced that we could support one another and strengthen the other family members in going through that situation.

2. Stress Makes the Day Heavier

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matius 6:34

Focus on solutions to the problems you can resolve today. Worrying about tomorrow’s situation will make the day you are living feel heavier and more exhausting. Whatever the outcome, there is no need to think about it now. Just deal with what you can handle now, and let tomorrow find its own solution.

3. Stress Brings Illness

Prolonged stress can trigger heart disease, headaches, breathing problems, digestive problems, and more. In short, a troubled mind can invite various illnesses and harm your health.

By thinking positively, your heart will be more cheerful, and you will be able to think clearly so that it is easier to find solutions to your problems.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. – Amsal 17:22

My husband and I chose to think positively while waiting for the results of my father-in-law’s swab test . We stayed encouraged and confident in God’s help, whatever the result. Praise God, the test result was negative, and he was moved to a regular ward.  Now he is recovering at home. We believe that, with a cheerful heart, he will recover more quickly as before.

Everyone has experienced stress and has different ways of dealing with it. How blessed we are as believers that prayer is an effective way. And, in order to pray wisely, get rid of your stress first. Remember that instead of solving problems, stress actually makes your day feel heavier and harms your health.  By praying, we can remain calm because we believe that God cares for us in every situation. Amen.

Related Articles:

• Praying in the Midst of Battle)
• 3 Tips for Overcoming Fear
• Signs of Depression You Do Not Realize
• Worry: The Parasite That Eats Away at Faith
• Strategy in Prayer, Is It Necessary?

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