Devotion
A Heart Undivided
The apostle Paul wrote, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved
Jun 13, 2026
Devotion
How to Stop Worrying and Start Praying
by Greg Laurie
on Aug 25, 2025
So, don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
—Matthew 6:34
How to Stop Worrying and Start Praying: A Christian Guide to Finding Peace
Worry has the power to ruin your day, your week, and even your life. The word “worry” literally means “to choke” or “to strangle.” While a little worry might feel harmless at times, it can secretly choke the peace right out of you. The good news is that we don’t have to let it. The key to overcoming worry is to stop worrying and start praying.
Find Peace in Prayer, Not Worry
The Bible offers powerful wisdom on this topic. The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT), “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
This passage gives us a clear path forward: instead of being consumed by anxiety, we can transform our worries into a conversation with God. When you turn your thoughts toward prayer, you invite God’s peace into your situation.
Why Worrying About Tomorrow Steals Your Strength Today
When you worry about the future, you cripple yourself in the present. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:34 (NLT), “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Worrying about what might happen tomorrow only robs you of your strength today.
From Worried Reflex to Prayerful Habit
Overcoming worry and developing a habit of prayer is a learned skill—a conditioned reflex. Unlike a natural reflex (like pulling your hand from a hot stove), we must intentionally train ourselves to turn to God when worry strikes.
When panic or anxiety creeps in, stop and pray immediately. This is the moment to remember that God is in control of your life. As Christians, we don’t live by fate; we live by faith. By consistently choosing prayer over worry, you can experience a deep, lasting peace that guards your heart and mind.
Looking for more daily devotions to strengthen your faith? Check out our archive of topics on finding peace, hope, and purpose.
Share this today:
Did you pray with Pastor Greg?
To help you get started, we would love to send you a free Bible and other resources to help you grow in your faith.
Get Resources
In thanks for your gift . . .
The Jesus Movement began during a chaotic moment in American history, when thousands of young people searching for truth encountered the life-changing message of the gospel. In Jesus Revolution, Greg Laurie shares the compelling story behind this spiritual awakening—including his own transformation as a teenager coming to faith in Christ.
This book takes readers behind the scenes of a movement that changed lives through the power of God’s Word and the hope of Jesus. It’s a timely reminder that God still works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
When you give to Harvest Ministries this month, we’ll send you Jesus Revolution as our thank-you. And if your gift is $50 or more, we’ll also send you the Jesus Revolution movie on DVD—an inspiring way to enjoy and share this powerful story of revival.
Support today!
