In our busy and demanding world, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Take a moment and read the following prayer. In this moment, know that God is here.
Dear God,
Thank you for being the God who never sleeps.
Thank you for always being here for me, even when I’m not always here for you.
Thank you that you are Love and that you want the very best for me.
Thank you for your promises and that you never change.
I am feeling totally overwhelmed.
Please help me.
Help me to rest in the fact that you know what is best for me.
Forgive me for turning away from you and trying to control the outcome in situations in my life.
The Bible says that you are not the God of confusion but of peace.
Help me to rest in your love and to feel the peace which surpasses all understanding.
Help me to feel your love and comfort.
Help me to be still and know that you are God and that you will take care of me, just like any loving parent takes care of their children.
Your Word says to cast all of our anxiety on you because you care for us.
I turn all of my burdens and concerns over to you.
Please guide my every step and help me to be attentive to your loving direction.
Amen
If you enjoyed this prayer, I offer a Monday email with a Bible verse and usually a question for you to ponder throughout your week. I’ll also send you The Four Steps to FLOW. In this guide I share my story of overwhelm and how God provided. These are simple steps you can put into immediate action.
Need help in quieting your mind to not feel so overwhelmed? These guided meditations will guide you step-by-step.
Jackie Trottmann
June 17, 2022 11:50 amHello Jimmy,
I’m sorry to hear about your job loss. Prayers for peace and God’s provision.
Jackie
JIMMY MUKUBI
June 17, 2022 11:00 amPlease pray for me feeling overwhelmed just lost my job, and failing to let go.
Jackie Trottmann
December 11, 2018 5:42 pmHi Mary,
Reaching out for help can be a little complicated. That’s because it’s important to reach out to someone who is going to care and have your best interest in mind. Not sure what you mean by not knowing your trigger signs. For me, that would mean that I pay very close attention if I feel overwhelmed or feel envy or feel anger. I go within to ask why I’m feeling that way. I ask myself what is the root cause of this feeling? I’ve found that the majority of the answers I seek are within me. If I can’t seem to get past something and it keeps recurring, then I seek help from someone. I don’t know if that was helpful. I’m a huge journal fan and always journal out what I’m feeling. If you reach a point of confusion or depression or not able to do anything, it would be wise to reach out to someone and get help so that you are not alone.
Peace to you,
Jackie
mary goodwin
December 11, 2018 5:13 pmwhen or how do I know when to reach out for help as I don’t know my trigger signs any more
Jackie Trottmann
January 12, 2016 11:45 amHi Rachel,
I’m glad that the prayer helped. Thank you for sharing. Your pain came through in your comment. I’m sorry that this weight is weighing so heavily on your mind, body and spirit. Have you told your husband how you feel? Resentment is a huge, heavy wedge that will cause your health and relationship to suffer.
While this prayer will help give you some peace, it is not a magic wand that will take all of your overwhelm away if you have taken on too much in your life that is causing the overwhelm. Believing more and praying more is not going to change the anxiety you experience when you open your eyes in the morning.
At the risk of contradicting myself, :), when you do pray, ask God for guidance. It doesn’t sound like being a nurse and working two jobs (in nursing or something else to earn money to pay the bills?) is giving you joy and purpose to get up in the morning. Are these jobs something you even like doing? If the work fueled you in the past and doesn’t now, how can you get that energy back? Or, if you took on nursing as a safe profession, perhaps you should look at doing something that will make your heart sing. I know – you are probably saying, “How can I do that with my husband doing what he is doing!” I’m just asking to think about that. You don’t have to make any immediate decisions. But I would get down to the heart of what is making you sad and panicked almost all of the time.
I would pray that God gives you an opportunity to have a loving, honest conversation with your husband and how you can work together so that you don’t feel this resentment and anxiety. Ask God to give you the words.
At 33, you have, hopefully, an entire lifetime left to live. I pray that you will find the resolve to live your life with love, peace and lightness, not anxiety, resentment and panic. I’m reminded of how Jesus always asked people that wanted healing, if they were blind or crippled, or sick, “What do you want?” He never just healed whatever malady they had. Jesus would ask Rachel, “What do you want?” I would ask you that question also. If you can’t answer it, I would answer what you “don’t” want first then determine what you do want. How would your stress level improve? How would the relationship with you son improve? How would the relationship with your husband improve?
Hope you don’t mind my long response in return. :)
Peace to you Rachel,
Jackie
Rachel
January 12, 2016 12:24 amI am a 33 year old nurse who is married and has a wonderful son. I work 2 jobs right now because my husband is in school and can only work very little substituting. I am so overwhelmed with life in general. I hate waking up in the morning because I know the anxiety will start as soon as I open my eyes. God is a big part of my life but one of my jobs requires I work every Sunday and I also work most Wed nights. I pray every morning when I wake up and at night. I feel like I’m falling into a pit of despair because all of the responsibility I feel that I am carrying. I also feel resentful and overwhelmed because my son and husband have such a great bond but I’m always at work and feel that I am missing so much. I know that people have many many worse and complicated problems than me, but I’m so sad and panicked almost all the time. This prayer really called out to me. I want to give this all to God and I have prayed about it but for some reason I struggle with handing it over to him. I do know that is the answer. Sorry this is so long but your prayer is what I needed to read tonight.
Jackie Trottmann
November 25, 2015 9:52 amDear Doug,
Thank you for sharing here. You are certainly not alone in your lack of peace, assurance and confidence. We live in an ever changing world that does not hold the certainty that it did in the past in regards to job security. There were no 24 hour news channels like today, bombarding our psyches with constant gloom and doom. The cost of living well, eating well and providing our children with a college education is outrageously expensive. There is a lot to be anxious about! John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” And Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” And finally, Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
God gave us very powerful minds. If your mind is stayed on your responsibilities and worries about them, you will continue to feed your anxiety. The Psalmist says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Be still, breathe, allow God’s peace to enter in. I know it’s easier said than done, but I hope that you can try it. Then you have to trust that all will be okay.
I pray that God will give you the peace, assurance, confidence and knowing that all is and will be well.
Peace to you,
Jackie
Doug
November 24, 2015 10:32 pmI am overwhelmed and filled with anxiety. Middle aged husband with a wonderful wife and 3 kids in college, bought a house that I shouldn’t have(feel like I let myself and the family down)and job that is tenuous. I usually have had the confidence to work through it but have lost my self confidence with the overwhelming burden of responsibility upon me. Been Christian all my life, involved in church leadership and never had anxiety in my life until now. I need assurance, peace and the confidence to know it will all work out. I keep thinking that I wont be able to take care of the family. I literally am crying out for God’s guidance every morning and night.
Jackie Trottmann
November 20, 2015 11:10 amHi Norma,
Thanks for subscribing to Living Life with Joy and Flow. I’m glad that you feel the messages are meant for you to hear. Well, I know firsthand that starting over is not easy. Hopefully, with life experience brings starting over with everything you have learned. I saw Jane Pauley speak when she was promoting her book Your Life Calling. I love what she wrote, “Coming full circle is very different from going back to square one.” So, I hope that you can take all that you have learned and know and apply it. Don’t be discouraged. There will be the right doors open when you are prayerful and listening to the still small voice inside of you to follow what makes your heart sing. Listen to God speaking through the Holy Spirit within you. Be aware of signs and nudges. They will come. I will hold you in my prayers. The meditation CDs can help you to quiet your mind, to let go of thoughts that are holding you back, and to trust yourself, trust others and trust God by resting in a place of trust. Respond to the email and keep me posted. Sending you thoughts and prayers of peace, clarity and direction.
Jackie
Norma
November 19, 2015 12:29 amI subscribed to your ezines and have received them in my email. I feel everything is meant for me to hear. I would like to get in on some of those CDs of meditation. Soon enough I am praying not too worry let God help me move forward and move on. It’s hard to start over. I need direction, the right job. Discouragement of plans happened and didn’t have money to really pursue the rest. Please pray for me the right opportunity comes to me and that I make good choices as well
Jackie Trottmann
August 24, 2015 9:50 amHi Jeanette,
Thank you for commenting. Sorry that you are feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes we can just take a deep breath and say, “God, help me get through this moment.” I hope that your overwhelm does not last for long.
Peace to you,
Jackie
Jeanette
August 24, 2015 12:27 amThanks for this prayer. It has been a very overwhelming last few days and this is definitely what I needed to feel an ounce of serenity in my heavy heart. God bless.
Jackie Trottmann
December 4, 2014 2:35 pmI’m glad that this prayer is what you needed at this time.
Peace to you,
Jackie
gabriel sifuentes
December 2, 2014 1:49 amThanks. This prayer came at a very critical time for me.
Jackie Trottmann
November 17, 2014 2:09 pmThank you Julia. Hoping the valley you are experiencing does not last for long.
Peace to you,
Jackie
Julia
November 17, 2014 1:48 pmThank you for allowing God to use you to express His love for us…..when we feel we are at our lowest.
Jackie Trottmann
October 1, 2014 3:44 pmHi Orlando,
Thank you so much for letting me know that this helped you. Sorry for my tardy reply. I was traveling for several weeks and was unplugged from the Internet. Never feel discouraged! At least for very long!
Peace and blessings to you,
Jackie
Orlando Rosas
September 25, 2014 3:16 pmAwesome prayer! I myself feel overwhelmed with the demanding tasks of work. This prayer has helped me take a deep breath, praise god and not feel discouraged! Thank you.
Jackie Trottmann
March 6, 2014 2:38 pmThanks Debra. I appreciate you commenting. Children have a lot more going on now than when I was growing up for sure. My pastor uses a phrase along the same lines, that “God is in charge.”
Debra Falks
March 6, 2014 8:28 amI myself are overwhelmed, not so much for me but for my children, reading that prayer helps to remember God is still on throne
Jackie Trottmann
November 11, 2013 12:18 pmThank you, Betsy, for your appreciation and for taking the time to comment. Sorry for taking so long to respond. Life has been a little overwhelming at the moment attending to my mother and her affairs and was away to renew and “be still.” I hope, if you haven’t, that you will subscribe to The Guided Life, where I share encouragement and a lot more.
Peace,
Jackie
Heather
November 1, 2013 11:20 amI appreciate it for composing Guided Christian Meditation – Prayer for Being Overwhelmed | Guided Christian Meditation, Prayer, Resources for Spiritual
Growth and Spiritual Guidance. I personally will really be returning for more browsing and writing comments shortly.
With thanks, Betsy
Jackie Trottmann
July 21, 2013 5:27 pmHello Nancy,
Thank you so much for sharing such an eloquent testimony. I had a preacher friend who said to me, “If you want to get hurt, go to church.” Unfortunately, some experiences at church are abusive. I would describe mine as dysfunctional and hurtful in the past. Now, I have a WONDERFUL church. You will appreciate this since you responded to A Prayer for Being Overwhelmed… the sermon today was on being overwhelmed. God has perfect timing. :) Thank you for using the word lavished. I am reminded of the verse from 1 John 3:1 – See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! May you continue to experience your real, close, personal relationship with God.
Peace and continued blessings,
Jackie
nancy
July 20, 2013 11:49 pmThe past 3 years have been well-beyond anything I thought I could possibly handle. They have also been the most amazing. I have been a Christian all my life, but have never had a real, personal relationship with God. God had always seemed to be so far away, and my church experiences were abusive. Over the past 3 years, tremendous stressful changes overwhelmed me. God, hearing my cries, has lavished my life with miracle after miracle, and I am grateful for everything no matter how insignificant it may seem. God accepted me and my doubts and helplessness. Jesus personally delivering me eons before I was even born was a realization that still washes over me on a daily basis. I want these blessings to enrich everyone’s life as He has mine. I am so grateful to have found GuidedChristian!
Jackie Trottmann
March 29, 2012 2:40 pmI’m glad you found the prayer and that it helped. When you don’t have a prayer handy, stop, close your eyes and take some deep breaths. Focus on breathing to bring you into the present moment and to calm down. I hope your mom is unfrazzled now! Peace, Jackie
Brittany
March 29, 2012 2:34 pmThanks for sharing. Called my mom at work today and she was sooooooo frazzled. I am glad I found this to prayer for and with her.
Kristin McCann
March 20, 2012 12:42 pmThanks for the advice! Will try! Kristin
Jackie Trottmann
March 18, 2012 5:11 pmHi Kristin,
I am praying for you. Being still is not easy. Just stop, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. That will help you to not run your mind with worry and will help you focus on the present moment.
Wishing you peace,
Jackie
Kristin McCann
March 17, 2012 8:19 pmI’m following you & trying to be still but it’s so very hard to quiet my mind. It’s definately going to take a lot of practice. I’m going to write this prayer down as well as pray for a means to be able to purchase your meditation cd. Thank you so much for all u do. Please anyone here, pray for me & my family with so many issues we’re facing. Thanks & God bless u all & keep you. Kristin
Jackie Trottmann
March 13, 2012 8:16 pmYou are very strong and wise to keep in the present moment and to rest instead of giving into worry and suffering. “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7
Peace,
Jackie
Jackie Trottmann
March 13, 2012 8:09 pmSarah,
Congratulations on your one year anniversary! Thank you for the kind words. I hope that you enjoy your freedom to live the life that you were intended to live! Peace and happiness to you!
Jackie
Sarah Walker
March 13, 2012 5:19 amI am a recovering alcoholic and have just celebrated my first year of sobriety. Thanks must go to and your website for the inspiration I have received. God Bless You
SARAH
Patty
February 21, 2012 9:30 pmLike many, I needed this right now. So many issues – chronic pain, financial struggles, and finally working through the grief from my mom’s death last June. All I can do is pray…give it to God. He knows the beginning from the end. He promises to give me a hope and a future, and life abundant. Moment by moment, day by day I rest in that.
Joel
February 7, 2012 10:29 pmThank you for this. I am struggling right now and feel so overwhelmed with work. It is affecting my personal/family life. I pray that God guides everyone who goes through the same and puts us all through it.
Joel
Jackie Trottmann
July 20, 2011 9:44 amGlad it helped. I use it a lot.
Peace,
Jackie
celine
July 19, 2011 11:07 pmprayer has saved me. thank you all. i had so many that prayed.
God is good.
blessings………..celine
Jackie Trottmann
April 29, 2011 12:28 pmHi Joe,
Thanks for the comment. God bless you too!
Jackie
joe
April 27, 2011 11:55 pmJackie,
Your site and letters are so comforting. God Bless you
Joe
Jackie Trottmann
April 4, 2011 7:00 pmRemember the verse – “Casting all your care upon him for he careth for you.” I Peter 5:7 Also, “Be still and know that I am God.” When you can just be in the moment and be still, you can focus right now. God will give you strength, right now, to brush your teeth and do your laundry, and all of the responsibilities that you have. Just think of getting through this moment. Peace, Jackie
Jackie Trottmann
March 26, 2011 9:27 amHi Frances, I’ve been a bit overwhelmed myself caring for my 91 year old mother and growing a business after my husband was out of work since December of 2009. My humble advise is to be still and spend a lot of time in prayer with a totally sincere heart asking for guidance. I just read a devotional from Sarah Young’s book Jesus Calling today based on my favorite verse from Isaiah, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Waiting is not something we like to do in our culture. Waiting doesn’t help pay the bills or relieve stress. But fear and anxiety is more destructive than waiting because the Holy Spirit can’t get your attention if you crowd out God’s guidance with doubt and fear. Easier said than done, I know first hand. Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people. Find a good church if you don’t belong to one. Ask for help from God and from others. Above all, be persistent in your asking and seeking, and believe that God will give you the answers. Peace, Jackie
frances
February 23, 2011 10:51 pmOverwhelmed with two difficult situations in my life. Need guidance on what work to do and been out of workforce for 20 years.
Thanks,
Frances
Jackie Trottmann
January 4, 2011 2:13 pmThank you. I hope you do come back often. Peace and blessings, Jackie
Jackie Trottmann
January 2, 2011 1:00 pmThanks, Stacy. I had to use this prayer often this December.
Stacy Poyser
December 27, 2010 9:44 pmI love your blog. I’ve added it to my favorite bookmarks and subscribed in a reader. Looking forward to reading more posts by you. Thanks.
Quinn Hedgepeth
December 27, 2010 10:18 amThanks for this awesome information. Keep up the neat work. I will be coming back often.
Jackie Trottmann
December 9, 2010 10:36 amKeep praying. We said a prayer for you.
William Sturgeon
December 8, 2010 11:44 pmI’m so stressed and need of help. This prayer is very helpful for me. I have been asking for the lords help for awhile. I’m being falsely accused of a crime I did not commit and I’m just lost and I come to you lord to let my innocense to be proven. If you guys here can please say a prayer for me and my fiancé I would appreciate that. Thank you all and god bless
Jackie Trottmann
December 7, 2010 10:23 pmCongratulations on the new job and for your attitude of gratitude. I know God heard your prayer. “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out, so that you may be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:13
DaveNR
December 7, 2010 8:46 pmGreat prayer. I need it. Changed jobs, relocated – thank the Lord Jesus Christ that I have a job – to provide for my family. New job is more challenging than I could ever imagine. I am overwhelmed and need help, Lord. Thank you for picking me up every time I fall down.
Ryan
October 17, 2010 2:28 pmThank you for sharing this prayer. My girlfriend and I needed to read it.
God bless
Jackie Trottmann
July 7, 2010 9:30 pmDebbie,
I said a prayer for you too.
Keep the faith,
Jackie
Debbie
July 7, 2010 3:30 pmI am feeling that overwhelmed feeling in some areas of my life all together it seems overwhelmed. If this is a prayer request spot I ask Lord for excellence in my life YOUR HELP Lord in areas of financial, I did not know exactly what to do in my particular situation so I signed up for school, I am overwhelmed in that area because I do not want debt in my life, the state I live in has been the worst as far as jobs employment for YEARS, I want to get out of school loan debt and Lord do You want me to finish school and get the degree, I pay that could be without loans and to be debtfree when I graduate, or do You have something else in mind for me like get it paid off first then finish, I am 53 and do not want any more exceeding unenjoyable jobs anymore, I’ve had enough. I want to start ENJOYING my life. Amen.