A Prayer for When the Burdens Pile Up

by Lois Flowers

There are good days and there are bad days, aren’t there? I admit, my worst day probably looks better than the best day of many in the world. But stresses and pressures and heartaches and annoyances can pile up, can’t they? When they do, it’s sometimes hard to breathe, sometimes hard to put one foot in front of the other.

It’s been an exhausting season, for many reasons. The weight is lighter now, but one day when it felt especially suffocating, I could hardly wait to get downstairs in the morning and pour it all out in my prayer journal.

I don’t normally share such things here, but for some reason, I feel compelled to do so today. If you’re struggling or feeling overwhelmed, I hope you realize you’re not alone. I know how you feel. More importantly, so does God.

Here’s what I had to say to Him about it last week:

Lord, I am coming to you today with many burdens, more than yesterday. They are weighing me down and I want to cast them at your feet, but it seems like as I cast, more come.

Nothing is too hard for you, Lord. Nothing is too heavy. I am weak and heavy laden, and I have more questions than answers.

Please show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy. Please send your light and your truth, let them lead me. Please guide me in your truth; your Word is truth. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Your Word says that you will fight my battles for me, that I need only to be still. Help me to be still and know that you are God, that you will be exalted on the earth and among the nations.

The details of my life are swarming around in my head, Lord, confusing me and stressing me out, but you know the way that I should take. Please grant me wisdom, the kind that only comes from you.

Please cleanse my heart and forgive my bad attitudes. Help me to trust in you, help me to rest in you, help me to come to you for protection and provision.

You are not only my God, but you are the God of my loved ones. You don’t just care for me, you care for them. Nothing escapes your view, nothing is a surprise to you.

You go before us all and are with us all. You will never leave us nor forsake us, so we don’t have to be afraid or discouraged.

I confess now, though, that I am both afraid and discouraged. More discouraged than afraid, which for me is worse.

Fill my heart with your peace today, Lord Jesus. Help me to remember who you are and to rest in your presence.

Amen.

♥ Lois

You are not only my God, but you are the God of my loved ones. Click To Tweet

Note: The prayer above draws from the following scriptures: Psalm 16:11; Psalm 43:3; Psalm 25:5; John 17:17; Psalm 19:14; Exodus 14:14; Psalm 46:10 and Deuteronomy 31:8.

Weekly blog linkups:
RaRaLinkup, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Chasing Community, #HeartEncouragement and Grace & Truth.

Leave a Comment

32 comments

Aimee Imbeau October 5, 2017 - 8:43 pm

Beautiful words, Lois. Life has been heavily burdened lately. I appreciate reading your prayers – they encouraged my heart. Thanks for sharing on Grace and Truth.

Reply
Lois Flowers October 8, 2017 - 4:22 pm

I’m glad you found encouragement here, Aimee. So thankful for your faithfulness in hosting Grace & Truth each week!

Reply
Theresa Boedeker October 1, 2017 - 10:46 pm

Lovely prayer. Thanks for reminding us of God’s truth and promises in the midst of worries and burdens. And who doesn’t have those now and then? Worries swirling though the air disturbing our thoughts. You point us to the perfect solution.

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 8:23 pm

You are so right, Theresa … He is the perfect solution to all of that, isn’t He? So glad our paths crossed this week! 🙂

Reply
Alice Walters September 29, 2017 - 9:04 am

Dear Lois, you are so brave to candidly share the aching in your soul and spirit. I believe the more honest and transparent we are with ourselves and others, the more freely God’s love can flow through us. Prayers for continued strength and wisdom, and respite to ease your weariness.

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 8:18 pm

Aw, Alice … you are such an encouragement, my friend! I’m with you about being honest and transparent … nobody benefits when we act like everything is OK when it’s not!

Reply
Stella September 29, 2017 - 9:03 am

I have really liked your prayer.We are starting a new study next week based on resting and releasing our burdens to the Lord.The verses you gave will be good for reference.
Thank you.

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 8:16 pm

Sounds like a great study, Stella. I’m so glad you stopped by last week! 🙂

Reply
Liz September 29, 2017 - 7:34 am

Amen! Beautiful prayer, Lois. My 9 year old son say, “Worst Day Ever.” A lot! And I’ve started telling him I hope this is your worst day ever…. He just rolls his eyes at me, but I like the little lesson to remember how much worse it could be and is for others. I appreciate your vulnerability and the truth you share here! Blessings!

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 8:07 pm

Liz, your story about your son made me smile … us moms have to keep our kids grounded in reality, don’t we? 🙂 Seriously, I have the same feeling about people who say, “There’s nothings worse than …” about trivial things. Thanks for your kind words, my friend!

Reply
bethany mcilrath September 28, 2017 - 8:53 am

What a beautiful prayer. Thank you for sharing Lois. Joining in the chorus!

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 8:22 pm

You’re welcome, my friend. Hugs to you this week!

Reply
Becky Hastings September 27, 2017 - 12:11 pm

Thank you for your vulnerability and your Jesus heart!

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 8:22 pm

Aw, thank YOU for those sweet words, Becky! 🙂

Reply
SUSAN SHIPE September 27, 2017 - 8:36 am

Lois, I am so sorry for your sadness. I will share with you that you are not alone…those exact words could be written in my summer 2017 journal. Much love to you sister, from your sister in Christ in NC. Visiting from Holley’s today, we’re neighbors.

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 8:21 pm

It’s good to hear from you, Susan. It is comforting to know I’m not alone … it’s been quite a year for a lot of us, I think. Hugs, friend!

Reply
Betsy de Cruz September 27, 2017 - 8:17 am

Thanks so much for sharing this, Lois. It encouraged me to no end. I’m not alone! Thanks for reminding us to look up and to be real.

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 8:04 pm

I’m glad you were encouraged, Betsy. No, you are definitely not alone! 🙂

Reply
Meg September 26, 2017 - 8:57 pm

Lois thank you. xoxo

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 8:04 pm

You’re welcome, my friend! 🙂

Reply
Beth Willis Miller September 26, 2017 - 6:17 pm

What a beautifully open, honest, and transparent post! Yes, as someone said to me in an especially difficult season, “You know Who to run to”…it’s always Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…I am praying your wonderful scripture- based prayer along with you. Many blessings to you ❤️

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 8:03 pm

Thanks, Beth. I think that person was right on in what he or she said to you about always running to Jesus. People can and will disappoint us, but Jesus? Never!

Reply
Jeanne Takenaka September 26, 2017 - 5:55 pm

Awww, friend. Those days that feel overwhelming are HARD. I’m sorry this season has been full of these days. The way you incorporate Scripture and remind yourself about God’s truth and who He is is beautiful. It’s only as we remind ourselves of who He says He is in His word that we find the peace and the ability to lay our burdens before Him. He truly is the One who can handle them.

Saying a prayer for you today.

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 8:02 pm

Thank you so much, Jeanne … for your kind words and your prayers. I love what you said about what happens when we remind ourselves of who God says He is in His Word. So powerful! Hugs, friend. 🙂

Reply
Trudy September 26, 2017 - 3:33 pm

Thank you so much for answering God’s nudge to share this with us, Lois. Tears pool in my eyes as I read it. It really resonates in my heart. Thank you so much for encouraging me today. Blessings and hugs!

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 7:58 pm

Aw … thanks for sharing that, Trudy. Happy October to you, my friend!

Reply
Lesley September 26, 2017 - 12:00 pm

Thanks for sharing your prayer, Lois. It is so good to know we can go to God honestly and pour out our hearts to him. I find journaling really helpful too for bringing difficult feelings to God and helping me get perspective.

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 5:03 pm

Absolutely, Lesley. I mat start out all twisted up and anxious, but by the time I’m done praying, my heart is usually calm and my perspective is changed (like you say). Blessings, friend!

Reply
Michele Morin September 26, 2017 - 7:56 am

Thank you for allowing us to look over your shoulder at your journaled — and thank you for making scriptural truth the default of your brain as you poured out your heart in exhaustion and frustration.
I’m finding this post to be perfect for my Tuesday morning, so I’m grateful.

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 5:01 pm

Michele, I find so much comfort in praying the scriptures, and I’m guessing you do as well. I’m glad this little outpouring made a bit of a difference on your Tuesday morning! 🙂

Reply
Linda Stoll September 26, 2017 - 7:48 am

You, a kindred spirit. Your journaling entry reminds me of multitudes I’ve penned along the way. Yes, I find myself turning to Him more than ever when the way gets tough and rough.

And that’s what He longs for.

Thank you for sharing your personal conversation with God, friend. It will impact not only His heart, but others, too.

I hope you have a splendid day, even in the midst of it all.

Reply
Lois Flowers October 2, 2017 - 4:58 pm

Thank you, my friend. I’m so thankful for your faithful encouragement in my blogging life! 🙂

Reply