A Prayer for Finding Balance - Your Daily Prayer - February 5

A Prayer for Finding Balance
By: Kristine Brown

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 1:2

Looking at my calendar for the week, a familiar heaviness settles into my stomach. I’ve done it again. Not intentionally, but when those last few requests came in for one more phone call, one more meeting, one more event, I said yes. Now, I’m regretting it with everything in my being.

The only way out is also a familiar tune I sing to myself every time overwhelm takes over. “I need a break. I need to rest.” The pressure of doing it all is followed by the desire to step away from it all. Give in to the exhaustion.

And just like that, I’ve fallen into the same trap of “all or nothing” that I promised myself I’d avoid.

Life feels a lot like a roller coaster ride these days. As a kid, I anticipated the adrenaline rush of going faster and faster, followed by the need for a reprieve. Pretty soon that desire for more rush took over and I was back in line again. Fun for a visit to the theme park, not so much when it’s real life. If only I could learn to move with steady assurance instead of full-speed ahead. If only I could find balance in life.

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 1:2

In this opening to his friend Gaius, John makes a statement about the connection between our physical health and spiritual health. We can work diligently for the Lord, our families, and our jobs with the best intentions. But every go-getter knows when we don’t stay centered on God, we will find ourselves overloaded. Left unchecked, we will keep going until we crash. Physically depleted. Then we fall behind on our tasks, and the cycle repeats.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. We can keep our minds, hearts, and bodies in perfect balance when we refocus through prayer. Notice in John’s letter how he commits to praying for his friend. When we pray for God to keep us in good balance, He will help us. Let’s begin with this prayer for finding balance in our lives.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I like being busy, and I believe you created me to be productive. But time and time again I get into a pattern of saying yes and adding one more thing to my already full calendar. Pretty soon I end up physically exhausted and wanting a break from everything. Forgive me Lord for relying on my own strength instead of calling out to You for help. You are my hope and the answer for this struggle.

Your Word says in Romans 8:28 ESV, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” You’ve called me. Therefore I don’t have to prove myself with good works. You love me and want me to live in good health. You want me to prosper in soul and body. When I start running full-speed ahead, help me remember to let You guide the way. Help me stay centered on Your son Jesus.

I give you praise today for giving second chances. You never give up on me, and You provide the answers I need for the off-balance life I’ve been living. Thank you for grace, mercy, and for leading me into the balanced life You offer through the Holy Spirit.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For more spiritual growth resources, check out this free email study from Kristine Brown, Walking with Hagar: A 5-Day Challenge for Following God’s Plan. You’ll find weekly encouragement to help you “become more than yourself through God’s Word” at her website, kristinebrown.net. Kristine is the author of the book, Over It. Conquering Comparison to Live Out God’s Plan, and the companion devotional for teens.

Related Resource: How to Choose Your One Word for 2026

This month on the How to Study the Bible Podcast, we’re starting a new series called One Word 2026, and it’s meant to be a gentle but intentional way to reflect, respond, and reconnect with God as we begin the year. In this episode, I’m walking you through why I love taking the whole month of January to pause and listen — rather than rushing into resolutions or putting pressure on yourself to “get it all together” by January 1. We’re going to start with Philippians 1:3–11, where Paul reminds us that we can have real confidence because God is still working in us, and He’s not finished.

Then I’m going to share six words I’ve been praying over for our community — six spiritual intentions that I believe reflect the kind of growth God may be inviting us into this year. You don’t have to choose one right away, and you definitely don’t have to force it — but I hope that one of these words will resonate in your spirit and give you a steady anchor for 2026.

 This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!