Have you been lying awake at night with anxious thoughts running through your head about what’s happening in the world? Yeah, me too. Given the frequency I have anxious thoughts at night, I’ve found a three step system to stop anxious thoughts so I can sleep.

It’s simple and quiet, so you don’t disturb your partner or any other person in the house.

Pray

First, pray. When anxiety creeps up on you and pushes you into your well worn worry groove, pray. Even if you’ve been lying awake for hours before you remember to pray, just start praying.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Petition

Second, petition God to help you let anxiety go. Use whatever release image works best whether you cast your anxious thoughts on God’s altar, place them at Jesus feet, release a balloon, burn them in a fire, float a paper boat down a river, etc. Visualize the release of your anxious thoughts. Alternatively, you can inhale peace, exhale anxiety.

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

Thanksgiving

Third, respond with thanksgiving and trust. This step is the most important and one which makes a difference. Give thanks to Yahweh, Jehovah, Lord, Savior, Yeshua, God, Jesus, and say you trust Him. (Use whichever name for the Divine you prefer.)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

These simple three steps: pray, petition and thanksgiving, repeated for each anxious thought, will help you to be less anxious.

Sample Prayer

This is a sample prayer to help you get started.

Dear Lord,
I’ve been anxious about many things. Things such as _____________ (fill in all your worries). Each and every one of these items that cause me to be anxious and worried I am releasing into Your capable hands as each worry I’ve written down on a piece of paper and thrown into the fire. The smoke rising brings those anxious thoughts to You, Lord.
Thank you Lord for Your faithfulness in caring for me and in Your trustworthiness. You carry me through dark days and give me hope for the future. You give purpose to my steps and thwart the plans of evil-doers.
Amen.

God bless.

Michelle

p.s. Leave a comment if you found this helpful!