6 Empowering Prayers for When Change Feels Impossible
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Why can’t I just say no?
I didn’t even want the sugary dessert. Dinner had more than satisfied my hunger. But as the cake made its way around the table, I found myself taking a piece and eating until my stomach hurt.
Several decades later, I can still feel the helplessness that overwhelmed me that day. Looking back, I now recognize I was struggling with a food addiction, though I didn’t have language for it at the time. I just knew I was no longer in control of my choices. I’d read the Bible verses calling gluttony a sin, and I’d felt the shame of defeat time and time again. But I had no idea how to change myself.
The cake eating episode brought me to a breaking point. I sobbed out a prayer that night, telling God I wanted to change. He was already my Savior, and I wanted to obey him in every area, even my eating habits. But there I was, stuck in the quicksand of my own choices.
God met me in my place of powerlessness. He breathed hope in my heart that, while I couldn’t change myself, he was able and willing to do this work in me. Over the next several months, his Spirit began renovating my heart — teaching me to talk vulnerably with him about my struggle, to listen with my heart for his Spirit’s voice, and to rely on his strength to obey. Slowly I began building new habits as God renewed me from the inside out.
Since that experience in my teens, I’ve faced many other situations where change feels impossible. God continues to use the power of his Word and his Spirit, along with trusted friends, spiritual leaders, counselors and mentors, doctors and therapists to help me learn new patterns for obedience and wise living.
If you’re walking through struggles of your own, I invite you to join me in using the following Scriptures to pray for God’s power to help you overcome.
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1. When I’m Exhausted
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Lord,
I’m weary from trying so hard and failing yet again. I wear guilt and shame like shackles on my feet. Can you really welcome me close? What an astounding invitation. I come to you and lay bare my soul. Please reveal your gentle, humble heart so my own heart can find rest in you.
Amen.
(See also Hebrews 4:16 and Isaiah 42:3.)
2. When I Need to Confess
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
You, God, are pure and holy. I confess that I am not. You see my struggle with ________. I don’t want to justify myself or rationalize my sin. I just bring it out in the open and ask for your help and forgiveness. Thank you for your faithfulness, your justice, and your commitment to purifying my heart and life. Help me walk in tandem with your Spirit’s work within me.
Amen.
(See also Galatians 5:16-26.)
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3. When I Feel Alone
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Father,
Thank you that I’m not the only one with this struggle, and thank you for not leaving me to face it alone. Please teach me to recognize warning signs, to see the way of escape you provide, and to choose to take the next right step. Guide me to other people who can help me learn to walk in freedom.
Amen.
(See also Romans 7:15-20.)
4. When I Need Renewal
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
God,
I feel such relief knowing that transformation is your job. Because of my faith in Jesus, you’ve given me a new nature and are at work within me, teaching me to desire and do your will. I’m grateful you don’t expect me to change myself. Please renew my mind so that my thinking aligns with your truth. Teach me to recognize what is good and help me live in a way that pleases you.
Amen
(See also 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Philippians 2:13.)
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5. When I Feel Defeated
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).
Your unstoppable love, Lord, makes me strong. It gives me courage to face this battle with confidence. My heart responds with love for you in return. Thank you for not waiting for me to change before lavishing grace and kindness on me. Thank you for declaring my victory through Jesus.
Amen.
(See also Ephesians 3:16-19.)
6. When I Need a Miracle
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
My heart is your home. Do in me what only you can do. Exceed my expectations. Teach me to walk in the freedom Jesus purchased with his blood, to live according to his character, and to walk in the new identity you’ve given me.
Amen.
(See also 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 and Jude 24-25.)
Wherever you’re struggling, in whatever area change feels impossible, may you experience God as your safe place, your loving Deliverer, and your powerful Redeemer.
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