In the Valley
Prayer for When Youre Afraid
For the fear that doesn't respond to logic. The kind that sits in your stomach and won't leave no matter how many times you tell yourself it'll be fine. A prayer for the brave thing you have to do anyway.
Lord, I'm afraid. I know I'm not supposed to say that like it's the end of the sentence. I know the right thing is to follow it with "but you are with me." But right now I just need to sit in the first part for a second. I'm afraid.
I'm afraid of what happens if this doesn't work out. I'm afraid of the conversation I have to have. I'm afraid of what they'll say. What they'll think. I'm afraid of what I might find out about myself if this falls apart.
The Lord is my light. You are my light. Not a comfort. Not a warm feeling. A light. Something that makes it possible to see. So help me see, Lord. Because right now all I see is what I'm afraid of.
Whom shall I fear? That's a real question. Not a boast. A question I'm asking myself right now. If you are the Lord of everything, if nothing happens outside of your knowledge, if you hold my life in your hands, then who is there left to be afraid of? Help me believe that today. Help me hear this as a word for today, not just a song from the past. Psalm 27 says One thing have I desired of the Lord. Just one. That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. That's it. Not safety. Not answers. Not the outcome I want. Just to be close to you. Everything else I'm afraid of losing is smaller than that.
In the time of trouble he will hide me in his pavilion. Hide me. Not expose me to every fear I have. Not make me face everything alone. Hide me. Like a child tucked behind their father. That's where I want to be right now. Behind you.
Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage. Lord, I don't feel courageous. But courage isn't the absence of fear. It's moving forward anyway. With your hand in mine. With your voice saying "this way." So I'm releasing this fear to you. Not pretending it's gone. But choosing not to let it lead. You lead. I'll follow. Even if my hands are shaking while I do it.
In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.
Listen to This Prayer
Backed by ambient music. Made to be heard, not just read.
Audio version coming soon.