“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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)
“…based on more than 151,000 interviews with adults in over 140 countries in 2018…Asked about their feelings the previous day, the majority of Americans (55%)…said they had experienced stress during a lot of the day, nearly half (45%) said they felt worried a lot and more than one in five (22%) said they felt anger a lot.”
– Julie Ray, commenting on Gallup World Poll, 2018
Dear Friends,
Toxic levels of stress and anger damage and destroy people’s lives. These things have many, complex causes. Please pray with me this week, however, for the well-being of those suffering in this way in our own society, and throughout the world.
Blessings,
Pastor Basile
A Prayer
Lord, thank you that you want us to cast our cares on you. Thank you that there is nowhere I can go that you are not there with me. Thank you for having a hold of my life, even as I feel like everything is crumbling around me. Lord, I confess that…I have let stress control my mood, my attitudes and my actions….Please Father, help me see what is stressful in my life and hand it over to You….Help me actively think on Your goodness to me. I am so hopeful for my eternity with you, Lord, where there will be NO more stress! Help me look back on all the ways You have rescued me from my stressful moments, and look in hope to the future where You will one day rid all stress, forever. Help me live boldly in the truth of Your goodness and power today. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Emily Massey, from “A Prayer for Stress”
“Praying with the Pastor” is a resource highlighting prayer needs in our community, nation, and world. Names of Zion members and friends requesting prayer are listed in the weekly church bulletins, and monthly Messenger Newsletter. May God’s blessings abound as we consistently lift up the world, including our own church family, in prayer!