SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE
Trying to build a prayer life can be difficult—whether you don’t know how to pray or you don’t feel like praying. So we’re here to help you connect with God with simple prayers for the everyday.
I’m Feeling Overwhelmed
Pick which ones apply to you:
Stressed. Tired. Worn out. Anxious. Overworked. Overwhelmed. Worried that if you start crying, you may not stop. Or if you give in to your anger, you may completely lose it! Cynical. Struggling to pray. Dreaming about doing something wrong on purpose, so you get fired or kicked out of school, just so you can get a break. Maybe even a minor stint in the hospital would give space to rest. Longing for quiet, but avoiding it. Have a headache or tight shoulders. Scrolling, scrolling, scrolling. Struggling to be motivated. Loss of joy.
We’re not doctors. And there could be more going on… But if several of these resonate right now, you may also be experiencing burnout. There can be so many causes of this: tough or painful circumstances, being overworked or overstressed, health issues, or saying “yes” to too many things. Oftentimes, burnout sneaks up on us when we aren’t having healthy rhythms of work and rest. And sometimes the best thing you can do? Take a good old fashioned nap.
So if this is where you’re at, hear the invitation from Jesus in Matthew 11 and pray this prayer with us. It won’t fix everything, but it may help you find a moment of peace in the midst of your current craziness.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28-30, MSG).
A Prayer for Burnout
Rest-giver and Sleep-maker, I’m tired— physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m anxious and overwhelmed, and I don’t see a way out. Please surround me with your love, and fill me with your peace. When I don’t have space or time to sleep, give me your strength. When I have too many tasks on my plate, give me wisdom to choose which ones to work on first, and which ones I can leave for tomorrow. Fire of God, be the fuel and flame for my burned-out soul. Amen.
Simple prayers like this are a great way to engage in your prayer life and connect with God today. For more everyday prayers, visit this page![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
