7 Prayers for When You’re Feeling Discontent
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Every so often it happens—that familiar pang of envy. Perhaps a coworker is promoted, a neighbor wins the lottery, or a friend posts on social media about her luxurious tropical vacation.
Dear God,
Today, please help me to focus on the simple things. It doesn’t matter how difficult my life is right now, whether I am suffering from disability or financial strain, whether I am in the throes of sickness or debilitating grief and sorrow. Maybe I’m experiencing depression and anxiety or other mental illness. Maybe I’m just feeling bad for myself and having a gloomy moment in my life.
Help me, eternal and almighty Lord, to look at the simple things today and take pleasure in them. Help me to experience the sunset and the sunrise, the creatures upon this earth all around me, the wind upon my skin, the shelter You provide, the fact that I have the ability to receive this article itself.
Thank You for the people that You put in my life, even if there are issues and other difficulties with them. Thank You, Lord.
Help a spirit of gratitude and genuine appreciation wash over me today and bring me contentment within.
I love You now and always,
Amen.
Heavenly Father,
Today I simply state it: I am filled with envy at this moment. I want what I want so badly. You know the desires of my heart, and You know how badly I want it.
I don’t know why I can’t have this right now—or maybe ever. But sometimes, just saying the thing is important enough. Help me acknowledge and experience the cleansing and relief that comes with simply owning what I am feeling right now.
I love you God, and I’m so grateful that I can say what is on my heart and You love me anyway. I can feel these feelings in my soul, and You understand. You offer me salvation in spite of all this, in spite of my shortcomings, in spite of my envy.
Amen.
Precious God,
Most days I think I don’t have envy. I think I’ve achieved this place of contentment, this pure peace in You. But then something happens and that little kernel of desire begins to take root and sprout and grow … and soon the weed threatens to overwhelm the beautiful garden that is Your precious love.
Help me have grace with myself when I’m feeling this way. Soften my spirit, and open my eyes and my soul to the blessings that You’ve honored me with. They’re exactly the blessings I need – the blessings You have chosen for me to work Your glory in the world.
I don’t know Your plan, but enable me to trust it. Enable me to be willing to maintain faith in You even when I don’t understand.
And help me experience grace for others who might be envious also.
In Your name I pray, now and forever,
Amen.
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