Prayer Tip--Fears of the First Half of Life
Daily Scripture
Matthew 5:11-12 and Genesis 12:1-4a
Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me. Be full of joy and be glad, because you have a great reward in heaven. In the same way, people harassed the prophets who came before you.
The LORD said to Abram, “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation and will bless you. I will make your name respected, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, those who curse you I will curse; all the families of the earth will be blessed because of you.” ABRAM LEFT JUST AS THE LORD TOLD HIM.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
When Christians talk about fear, we often reach for the familiar lines: “Just trust God,” or “Let go and let God.” True words, and still they can feel thin when fear is thick. In those moments, the goal is not to argue your way out of fear, but to come back to the God who is already here.
Fear pulls our attention out of the present. It drags us forward into imagined futures, or backward into what is already over. Either way, it can make God feel far, even when God is not.
That is why the storm story in Mark still matters. The boat is taking on water. The disciples are sure this ends badly. Jesus is there. He interrupts their panic with a question, and then with a word. He is present in the storm, and he stills the storm.
As our new chapel goes up, that stained glass will keep preaching: a boat in a storm, disciples gripping the sides, and Christ with them and for them, present enough to calm what threatens to drown them.
When fear rises, try this like a recipe.
Pause for ten seconds.
Name it: “Fear is here.”
Take one slow breath.
Pray: “Jesus, keep me with you right now.”
Stay quiet for three breaths.
Repeat as needed. That is not failure. That is practice. Peace grows as you return to the present, where God meets you.
Prayer
Loving God, you know my heart. You know the fears that grip me at 2am, the what-ifs that spiral, the worries I try to hide from everyone else. When those storms are raging around me – when I’m bailing water as fast as I can – help me remember: you’re not watching from the shore. You’re right here in the boat with me. Help me trust that your presence is enough, no matter how long the storm lasts. Remind me that I’m not alone. Not now. Not ever. Amen.
GPS Insights
Max Franks
Max Franks, who serves as Congregational Care Pastor are Resurrection Leawood, wrote this week’s prayer tip. Max and his wife, Liz, enjoy hiking, exploring local restaurants, and spending time with their dog, Charlie.
