Don't Worry 17 - Share it with Other Believers

17. Share it with other believers

In the last post in this occasional series (some time ago now!) I recommended seeking Christian fellowship as an antidote to worry, even if this seems counter-intuitive at the time.

I could go further: why not share your concerns with other believers and ask them to pray?  As British people we find ourselves very reluctant to do this but it can be a great help to know that someone else is aware of the struggle that you’re facing and is praying for you and supporting you.

Paul, even though he was an apostle, often requested others to pray for him, conscious of the help this gave:  I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.  (Romans 15:30)  Pray also for me.  (Ephesians 6:9)  And pray for us, too ...  (Colossians 4:3)  Brothers, pray for us.  (1 Thessalonians 5:25)  Finally, brothers, pray for us ...  (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.  (James 5:16)  Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  (Galatians 6:2)

Don't Worry 14 - Pray About It

14. Pray about it

If we can worry about something then surely we can pray about it. Commit your way to God. Ask God for wisdom and help. Ask that his will be done. But don’t prattle, going over the same things again and again; this can be a particular temptation when one's mind is in a turmoil. When you pray, do not keep babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Matthew 6:7)

Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden. (Corrie ten Boom)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

We should pray specifically:

... that we will not succumb to temptation when it comes. This is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven ... lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:9-13)

... for God to meet our needs. Give us today our daily bread. (Matthew 6:11)

... that we will have wisdom in all circumstances. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault; and it will be given him. (James 1:5)