5 Prayers to Focus on God Rather Than the Worries of the World
Due to living in a fallen world, we have many worries, concerns, and stressors. At times, it can feel as though everything is going wrong. When these times come, we have to stop, pause, and remember God. By reflecting on God and switching our focus to Him instead of our problems, we will be able to change the narrative. This is easier said than done, but it is worth doing in both the short-term and the long-term.
Through this prayer guide, we will learn how to reflect on God instead of the worries of the world, how to turn these worries over to Him, and to truly take hold of the abundant life He has given us. When we are completing this prayer guide, we need to take time to truly reflect on what we are learning and to be genuine in our prayers. Prayer guides are not to be quickly rushed over. Stop, pause, and reflect on God and go to Him in prayer each day.
1. A Prayer Concerning the Lilies of the Field
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:28-34).
Through this passage, Jesus tells us we do not need to worry about the things of this world. We don’t need to worry about our clothes, our food, or our water supplies. Rather than worrying about these things, we need to seek His Kingdom. Each day has enough troubles of its own and we don’t need to add more problems into the mix by worrying about future days that have not even come to pass yet. We need to focus on the present and seek out God’s Kingdom. Once we do this, everything else will be added unto us.
“Dear Jesus, help me to remember the lilies of the field when I'm overwhelmed with worry. I don't need to worry about the things of this world. You have provided me with so much and You will continue to provide. Help me to seek Your Kingdom above all else and help me to stay focused on the present rather than worrying about the future. Amen.”
2. A Prayer to Look Forward to Our Future Glories
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).
Our present worries can overtake us to the point that we are paralyzed. Worries can quickly become anxiety and anxiety can quickly become a panic attack. When we start noticing worries are taking over our life, we need to look forward to the future glories we have in Christ. Yesterday we talked about not worrying about the future, but today we are focusing on looking forward to all the good things in our future. In this way, we can look forward to the future blessings while at the same time, turn away from worrying about things that might never happen.
Each of our present struggles and worries are completely valid. Many times people overlook worries as being nothing, but worries have the capacity to detail our lives. Paul tells us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). We need to take this to heart and meditate on it. Our future is bright in Christ and we need to focus on what the Bible says about our future rather than getting caught up in the worries of the world. This present life is temporary, but our future with Christ is eternal.
“Dear Jesus, help me to continually look to the future glories that will be revealed in me. These future glories are only because of You and I give You all the praise. The worries of this world will try to make me feel without hope, but I know I always have hope in You. Amen.”
3. A Prayer to Cast Our Anxieties Aside
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
We cannot discuss worry without including 1 Peter 5:7. If we are going to truly reflect on God rather than the worries of the world, we are going to have to choose to cast our anxiety on Him. Peter tells us that we can cast out anxieties on God because He cares for us. It is a great thing to know that God cares about us. Since God cares about us, we know that He cares about every worry we have to face each day.
God doesn't set our feelings aside. Instead, He brings us comfort, relief, and hope. When we pray today, we need to tell God our exact worries and anxieties. No matter how big or how small they are, we need to bring them to Him. God cares about our worries and He will bring our hearts relief.
“Dear God, I am casting all of my anxieties and worries on You today. Please bless me with Your peace and comfort. I'm tired of always living in a state of panic and anxiety. I give all these matters over to You. I praise You and I thank You, Amen.”
4. A Prayer to Focus in the Good, Not the Bad
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).
If we want to truly change the narrative in our minds, we need to turn to Philippians 4:8-9. By applying this passage into our lives, we can turn all worries over to God and choose to focus on the positives. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8-9 that we need to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. When we keep our hearts focused on these things, the peace of God will be with us.
This means we need to turn away from anything that could pollute our minds with worry. Maybe this is the news, social media, or a gossipy friend. Rather than feeding into bad things or things that will cause us to worry, we need to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. This will help us to keep our hearts focused on God and turn away from the worries of the world. In truth, it will bring us the peace of God because we will be focused on Him at all times and the distractions of the world won't get to us anymore.
5. A Prayer for Taking Hold of Abundant Life
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
Spending too much time worrying will rob us of the abundant life Jesus died in order for us to possess. The abundant life Jesus has given us is found in freedom. Jesus didn't die in order for us to live in a state of fear, anxiety, and worry. Instead, the Lord died in order for us to have an abundant life. We won't ever be able to reap the harvest of an abundant life if we are held in the prison of worry.
During this last day of our prayer guide, we are going to be focused on praying to take hold of the abundant life Jesus has given us. Rather than feeding into the worries of the world, we are going to truly start living the abundant life Jesus has blessed us with. No longer do we need to hide away because of our fears. The devil has destroyed our hope for too long. It is time to take back the abundant life Jesus has already given us and this starts with prayer.
“Dear Lord, please help me to take hold of the abundant life you have already given me. I don't want to be in a prison to worry anymore. Fill my heart with hope and comfort as I live this abundant life. Thank You for giving me an abundant life through Your great sacrifice. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.”
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Klebercordeiro
Originally published June 13, 2025.
