This purposeful devotional guide features 7 readings and prayers designed to help alleviate your worries as you learn to live in the peace of the Almighty God, who offers calm for your anxiety-filled soul. Inspired by Philippians 4:6-7, Worry Less, Pray More reinforces the truth that with God, you can live anxiety-free every single day.
Barbour Publishing
Day 1
Scripture: Jeremiah 32:17
NOTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD
Sometimes the many things going right in your life and your world are overshadowed by that one thing that’s going wrong. You begin to question whether God has the power or know-how to change things for the better or get you out of whatever mess you’re in. That’s when you need to begin focusing on the right things. Trust that along with all the wonderful things God has done, is doing, and will do, He will turn any mishaps, errors, or darkness into something right, correct, and light. You see, there is nothing too hard for God. He can do anything, so don’t panic. Simply pray, and leave everything in God’s mighty hands.
Prayer: Thank You, God, for reminding me nothing is too hard for You. I’m leaving everything up to You, knowing You’ll put things right.
Day 2
Scripture: 2 Kings 19:14-15
GIVING GOD THE DETAILS
Hezekiah was the king of Judah. Here we find he’s received letters filled with threats of attack from Sennacherib of Assyria. After reading the letters, Hezekiah didn’t panic but went to the temple of the Lord. There he spread out the threatening messages before the Lord and prayed, acknowledging God as the supreme Ruler and Creator of heaven and earth. He asked God to listen to him, to open His ears and hear Sennacherib’s message, and to come to the rescue of His people. And God did. When you have a massive problem, don’t panic. Go to God, and then lay all the details before Him. Ask Him to save you. And He will.
Prayer: Lord of all, here’s what’s happening. . . . I’m resolved not to panic but come to You, for in You alone will I find help.
Day 3
Scripture: Genesis 12:1-2
BECOMING A BLESSING
Chances are that most of your worries are about you and your own life, and that’s only normal. But after you’ve come to God in prayer and dropped your worries off with Him, He would have you leave the land of You-ville behind and come into the land He’ll show you—the one where it’s all about God and others. Freed up from your own concerns, you now have room and time to bring to God the concerns of others. That’s you following Jesus and using the kingdom power of prayer on behalf of others. That’s you becoming a blessing to others and God, continuing the work your Master started. God’s ready to go. Are you?
Prayer: I have friends I’d like to bring to You today, Abba. They need Your blessing.
Day 4
Scriptures: Proverbs 4:20-22, Psalms 37:8
WISDOM OVER WORRY
David writes that worrying leads to evil and harm (see Psalm 37:8). His son Solomon tells you God’s wisdom leads to an awesome life. So if you want to have the best life, dig into God’s wisdom. You’ll find it throughout the Bible but especially in Proverbs. There King Solomon provides insight into how to deal with everyday issues, including how to work, act, talk, think, curb your anger, and so much more. In the verses above, Solomon strongly suggests you learn some verses by heart. Perhaps you could start by reading Proverbs every day. When you come to a verse that really speaks to you, that gives you guidance or peace about a situation, memorize it. Before you know it, God’s wisdom will stand in place of your worry.
Prayer: I want to live a good life, Lord. Help me replace my worry with Your Word!
Day 5
Scriptures: Psalms 68:19, Psalms 68:28, Psalms 68:35
YOUR BURDEN BEARER, DAY BY DAY
How blessed you are to have a God who loves you so much He will not only bear your burdens but will carry you! And not just once but every single day! Knowing and truly believing this, living as if it is true (which it is), gives you the peace of mind, heart, body, and spirit you need to live a fabulous life, free of worry! Yet the benefits don’t stop there. Along with God bearing your load, He’s decided you will be strong (Psalm 68:28, 35)! Today, give God your worries. Believe that He’s carrying them—and you. Then enter your day in the strength He gives you.
Prayer: Lord, my worries have been weighing me down. Thank You so much for carrying them—and me—today and every day. Such knowledge gives me the strength I need.
Day 6
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10
THE MASTER PLANNER
God, the Master Planner, had you in mind before time began, designed you, then re-created you in Christ so you could be a part of His grand plan. He has paths He’s prepared for you to take, all so you could live the good life He made ready for you. But how can you do all God has planned, live the amazing life He’s carved out, if you’re saddled by worry? You’re in God’s plan, but your worries are not. So stop wringing your hands. Give God all you can’t handle, and settle down in His peace. Live “the good life which He prearranged and made ready” for you to live.
Prayer: Lord, I’m amazed at the plans You’ve made for me. Help me leave my worries behind, settle into Your peace, and walk down the path You’ve laid out.
Day 7
Scripture: Psalms 63:6-8
NIGHT WATCHES
It’s late at night, and you should be fast asleep. But for some reason, you’re still awake. In the quiet darkness, it’s easy to let your mind wander into the even darker territory of worry. But why not switch up your thought pattern and go from worry to wonder by meditating on God? Remember how much God has done for you. How He protected and cared for you, helped you, and provided all you needed to make it to this point in your day and in your life. Rejoice in and thank Him for all the blessings He has bestowed upon you. Then see yourself clinging to Him as He holds you up, carries you, and pours out upon you His strength and peace.
Prayer: Hold me, Lord, as I cling to You, absorbing Your presence and peace.