As we’re nearing the end of the year with holidays just around the corner, it’s helpful to stop and reflect. Stress levels can run higher as we prepare for various festivities and fellowships. And it’s a good time to remember the power of prayer for stress at all times of the year.

The Power of Prayer for Stress: 4 Ways to Reach Out

If you have a regular prayer practice, you’ve probably already experienced its real and life-changing effects.

Even science supports the physical benefits of prayer for your health. Prayer can prevent you from getting sick, provide comfort and connection in times of anxiety , and even support you during a weight loss journey.

Related: 15 Powerful Bible Verses for Better Health

This is especially true during times of stress. However, remember that prayer requires belief and faith that God will look out for you and knows what is best for you. Praying during darker, more stressful times assures you that God is listening and will help.

With that in mind, here are four ways to inspire your daily prayer for stress relief and comfort.

1. Pray for Yourself

Pray for help and guidance through what is causing you the most stress. In prayer, converse with God and seek His strength and insight. Only He can truly know what’s bothering you the most and what you need to work through it.

Then, surrender your worries to Him and rest easy knowing all will be well under his direction.

2. Sit in Silence

Stress often grows from overwhelming. Whether it’s giving attention to work, school, children, your spouse, the bills, holiday plans, or day-to-day responsibilities, life can become very “loud.” This is when embracing quiet and meditating with God is best.

Sitting in stillness and listening is a form of prayer. You might meditate in silence, just you and God, listening for guidance. This can bring an amazing sense of calm and peace during otherwise stressful times.

3. Pray for and With Others

Don’t suffer alone. If you have a prayer partner, reach out to them and ask for support. This could be a friend, family member, or someone you pray with at your church.

Ask how you can lift them up in prayer, as well. Chances are, a prayer for stress can help them too.

When we’re dealing with stressors in life, it’s easy to feel alone on this earth. So lean on your brothers and sisters in Christ, and form a prayer chain together.

4. Pray with Thanksgiving

Gratitude is a powerful force again stress and anxiety. Sometimes the best option is to pray with a mindset of giving thanks for what’s good—even amongst the bad.

Give thanks to the Lord for your many blessings (even the ones that don’t seem like blessings in the moment). When we focus on what we’re thankful for, our challenges grow less powerful. We see more of the big picture, and God helps us put things into perspective.

A Simple Prayer for Times of Stress

Dear Lord,

You know these stressful things I am struggling with. You know how I feel stressed and worried about what is going to happen in the future.

Please take my burdens and help me direct my thoughts on You instead of on my stressors. Walk with me as I navigate life, one day at a time. Please fill me with your guidance and peace during these hard times so I can focus on your glory.

I ask these things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

When life gets tough, a mindset of trust and surrender will strengthen your spirit to better deal with stress. Don’t wait to fall on your knees in prayer for stress you’re holding. Ask God for help as soon as you need the support.

Keep your eyes on Him and have faith He will get you through what is heaviest on your heart. God will help us through anything, if we let Him.