anxiety – A Collection of Prayers

September 29

Holy Father, you show yourself to your children by discipline, which is sometimes unpleasant and painful. We turn to you in our anxiety and commit our troubles to your help. You have been with us in good times and in bad. Do not let our faith fail, even if our path is rough, but sustain us with the comfort and peace which are in Jesus Christ. God, grant that the fiery trial that is happening among us to test us will lead us to courage and patience, and let our patience bear good fruit, that we lack nothing, and draw closer to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source: Adapted from Henry Wilder Foote (1858–1889), revised from Prayers Ancient and Modern.

Prayers Ancient Made Modern (annotated) is available in print and on Amazon Kindle through Amazon.com.

Based on Prayers Ancient and Modern originally selected and arranged by Mary Wilder Tileston, 1897. Now in public domain.

September 26

Lord, set my soul on you. Do not let me weary myself with the cares, anxieties, and harassment of this life, for I hope to live in your eternal love. Do not let me be anxious about anything, but be confident in your love, and in your Spirit’s loving work in me. Amen.

Source: Adapted from Edward Bouverie Pusey (1800-1882), revised from Prayers Ancient and Modern.

God, be our refuge from the storm, our shadow from the heat. When we are safe in your arms, we are sometimes foolishly timid. Help us overcome our unbelief, and in your tenderness assure us of your protection. You make all things work together for good to those who love you. Do not let troubles injure our souls. Do not let sorrow wear out our hearts. Amen.

Source: Hunter’s Devotional Services, 1892, revised from Prayers Ancient and Modern.

Prayers Ancient Made Modern (annotated) is available in print and on Amazon Kindle through Amazon.com.

Based on Prayers Ancient and Modern originally selected and arranged by Mary Wilder Tileston, 1897. Now in public domain.

September 23

Loving Lord, prepare a place for yourself in my heart. Empty my heart of every feeling, thought, emotion, desire, purpose, anxiety, hope, fear, which may interfere with your love. Open my heart to receive you, let nothing shut you out, and let nothing be shut to you. You alone can prepare my heart for yourself. Cleanse me by your Spirit that I may love you, be filled with you, enlightened, and warmed by you. Dwell in me forever. Amen.

Source: Edward Bouverie Pusey (1800-1882), revised from Prayers Ancient and Modern.

Look on me, Lord, and pity me. Make me yours and let me remain yours forever. Amen.

Source: Adapted from Thomas Wilson (1663–1755), revised from Prayers Ancient and Modern.

Prayers Ancient Made Modern (annotated) is available in print and on Amazon Kindle through Amazon.com.

Based on Prayers Ancient and Modern originally selected and arranged by Mary Wilder Tileston, 1897. Now in public domain.

Heal, Provide, and Strengthen Our Families

Lord Jesus, healer and Savior,
bring health and unity
to your people in their families.
Provide for all their needs with your abundance.
Bring health and strength
to your people in their weakness.
Bring growth in wisdom,
strength in faith and spirit,
and growth and strength in body
to children everywhere.
Watch over the hearts
of the weary and burdened,
and direct them to cast their cares on you,
that they respond to life’s troubles
with patient endurance,
and put away anxiety and anger.
Give your people useful work that serves the good of others,
and provide for all our needs.
Lift and bind your people everywhere
in the bonds of holy love and prayer.
Uplift, strengthen, and heal us all;
you live and reign, now and forever.
Amen.

Source: Paul C. Stratman, August 4, 2024, from an online request.