A Prayer for Burden Bearers

Listen to God's Word
Let us go off by ourselves to some place where we will be alone and you can rest awhile. From Mark 6:31

A "Day Dreaming" Prayer
Jesus knew that when we are unhappy or "stressed out" it is a good thing to take time apart—even for a short while. Did you know that you can do that without even taking a step? Try it! Lie flat on your back with your arms at your side in a relaxed position. Let your eyes close slightly. Gradually let your muscles relax, beginning at your feet and working upward.

Now imagine that all your strength and tension and anxiety is flowing away from you—as if you were floating at the edge of the ocean as the tide goes out. Slowly, slowly, slowly, breathe in and out, in and out.

Let your mind take an inward trip to a beautiful place where you have been happy in the past. Or create your own place from a remembered photograph. Hear Jesus saying, "Let's go off by ourselves and rest awhile." Then go into the beautiful place within. Stay quietly there with Jesus letting the beauty and peace of the place and his presence surround you. There is no need for words.

Listen to God's Word
Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. From Matthew 11:28

Lay Your Burden Down
We all have burdens to bear and sometimes they can wear us down. Burdens come in all shapes and sizes—they can be individual worries or family troubles, or difficulties with relationships. They can come from peer pressure, or pressure we put on ourselves.

What is your heaviest burden right now? Picture it as it weighs on you, taking up your energy and your time. On the lily pad, write in secret code one word or phrase that describes your burden. Then cut out the pad. With your prayer friends or with your family, place your lily pad in a large container of water. Imagine how it feels once your burden has been lifted. Picture how you are like the lily pad floating gently, quietly in the water.

My Prayer Goes On
Oh, God, you lead me to quiet pools of fresh water. You give me new strength. From Psalm 23:2, 3

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