How to Pray When Feeling Overwhelmed
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Life sure can get crazy, can’t it? Whether you are facing a snowball effect of circumstances or one extremely overwhelming situation, that feeling of being consumed to the point of breaking is terrible at best. It’s so easy to resort to panic when we feel overwhelmed. Our minds start to tailspin and our bodies are in overdrive. The hormones race in an attempt to form a plan of action.
If we are in a habit of praying regularly, then when the feeling of being overwhelmed threatens us, our prayer reflex will kick in automatically. This is why keeping the lifeline to God open in our lives is so very important. We need it continually and our heavenly Father loves to hear from us.
I wish I could give you a step by step instruction on how to pray when feeling overwhelmed. But as I’ve been studying what Scripture outlines on this topic, I found an interesting little tidbit and wanted to share it with you.
Some of the Psalms carry titles that were handwritten by the scribes from document to document. Many of these notations tell us who wrote the Psalm or the tune to which it was sung. Some of the labels are very interesting in that they give us a rare historical fact. For instance, Psalm 90 is said to be a prayer of Moses. As I was pouring over the Psalms, I found Psalm 102’s notation to be very unique.
A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD.
That’s kind of a long introduction when compared to “A Psalm of David.” Don’t you think? Or Psalm 98, which is labelled “a psalm.” Quite simple.
While Psalm 102 is beautiful, before I read the Psalm, the title to the Psalm spoke to me deeply. You see, there is no step by step instruction for how to pray when feeling overwhelmed.
Essentially, you just open your mouth and pour out your heart. Whatever thought is in your head is what God wants to hear. And it’s ok if you’re complaining.
Contrary to popular belief, God wants to hear us complain.
Now mind you, I believe praise is powerful. Oh so powerful.
But it’s ok to be overwhelmed and give it all to God. That’s what he wants- a pouring out.
He can handle your diarrhea of the mouth. He can handle your verbal vomit. There is nothing you are going to say that he doesn’t want to hear. That’s how much he loves us.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2
I’ve found time and time again, that prayer trumps panic. every.time.
Rachel
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Soo encouraging Rachel! You are such a blessing 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Rachel. I really needed to hear/read that message today. I recently lost my baby sister in a tragic car accident…and most of my days have been overwhelming. Thank you for the note of encouragement. Blessings to you and yours!
Jesus, please wash your mercy over Anita anew today. I pray for her healing heart that you would cover it in your love and grace. Anita- I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers with you today.
Thanks Rachel for these words and God’s heart shining through. The simple prayer trumps panic phrase is small but mighty. Have a blessed day!
Thank you Rachel.
I really needed to hear this today.
I have been so overwhelmed with my job lately. There have been so many days that I wonder how much more I can take before I finally break.
Bless you.
Jesus, please be with Kari in her job situation. You know every detail and I pray that you would strengthen her and relieve her in your name. Amen.
Rachel, your writings never let me down. And, for some reason, so much of the time what you so beautifully write about is something I need at that particular moment in time. But, then, the Lord knows exactly what I need. So, this will be another shared writing of yours because so much of the time, I do pass these on. God’s blessings to you for all the things you do!
Blessings to you, Terry. Jesus, I pray for Terry today right where she is. I pray that you would lead her and guide her as only you can. In this overwhelmed state, I pray that you would surround her with your grace and mercy. In your name we pray.