A Prayer for Bringing Heavy-laden Hearts to Jesus

From Gospel Translations

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt. 11:28-30

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain. Psalm 55:22

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Pet. 5:7

Most gracious Jesus, I’m lacing up my running shoes this morning to come to you as fast as I can. Your gentle, lowly heart is simply irresistible to me. Your easy yoke and light burden beckon me, and I will gladly shoulder up. Your promise of soul rest has never been more timely or needed, for I am restless as I begin this day. Thank you for being so welcoming, understanding, and kind.

The burden and confusion I’m feeling are clearly connected to old wounds with lingering pain. Sometimes fresh hurts become like a magnifying glass or a megaphone by which you remind us of unfinished business in our souls. Like a broken bone that wasn’t set properly, broken hearts that weren’t healed the first time are susceptible to reoccurring pain. I praise you that you despise neither our tears nor our tares—our brokenness nor our weakness.

Lord Jesus, we need you. Flood our hearts with your peace. Kiss our souls with the assurance that you are enough. Confirm the promise that we can—that I can, do all things through you, as you give us strength. Give us the sufficient grace you have pledged, the new mercies and abiding presence—living water in the wilderness; blooming flowers in the dessert; your unspeakable joy in the speak-able messes.

As you advocate for us before our Father, don’t let the dark one seize the chaos for spewing his toxins. I don’t have a thousand tongues to praise you, but let my one tongue speak with the wisdom of the gospel, rather than wag with the poison of unbelief.

As the day unfolds, help me separate the issues at hand. I need wisdom to deal with the pressing concerns right before me. I cannot afford to drag the stockpile of old pain into this day. If I do that, I’ll get defensive and will be on the offensive. As usual, this isn’t about me, but about your glory.

Jesus, help me walk today as a man of faith, hope, and love. Give me the wisdom and power you promise. Bring much glory to yourself. Write stories of repentance and restoration, by the grace and truth of the gospel. So very Amen I pray, in your most worthy and gracious name. Amen.