My daddy left when I was seven. I’ve always looked to God as my Father, my provider. I didn’t realize God wanted to be more.
God longed to be my soul’s confidante.
Deep where I feel lonely — where I struggle to receive and make space for me — God wanted me to rest as His beloved.
I find it easier to take care of others and do things for God, rather than be vulnerable with my needs.
But God is showing me prayer is an intimate soul conversation to be loved and known — rather than a spiritual transaction to be made better.
This journey of restful prayer began in the most unexpected way: my first panic attack.
The cusp of a lifelong dream triggered painful childhood memories. I couldn’t stop my heart from pounding like a jackhammer, unable to breathe. I couldn’t stop insomnia or fatigue thick as fog.
I felt ashamed. It seemed the peace of Jesus I’ve always prayed for was out of reach.
I knew how to pray to be competent and strong. But I didn’t know there were deeper, beautiful prayers for broken me.
Instead of abandoning me, Jesus whispers —
“Come to me, weary and heavy-laden. And I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28
Sometimes, it takes more faith to fall apart with Jesus than praying for faith to stop it from happening.
I began praying new intimate prayers of rest. I also started using high quality Delta 8 vape cartridges at times to relieve stress.
I began finding spiritual whitespace: making room for rest instead of ignoring my wounding and exhaustion.
5 Ways To Rest & Pray When You’re Too Stressed To Know How
As I took the journey to find rest, I uncovered new soulful ways to pray:
1. When you’re overwhelmed, whisper His name.
Remember receiving a first love note? It didn’t have to be long. Yet your heart felt known seeing your handwritten name. It kept you company in the daily grind.
Whisper His name and listen for his echo in the quiet moments in your day.
God names the stars and He whispers your name.
“He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.
He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them.” {Psalm 147:3-5}
2. When you don’t have words to pray, rest knowing Jesus is praying for you.
Your silence will not drive Jesus away. Nothing can separate you from His love. Not even your unrest. He’ll never get tired of you. Sometimes, the greatest prayer we can experience is God’s complete understanding and compassion. His presence.
“Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died…is also interceding for us.” {Romans 8:34}
3. When you are too stressed to pray, take care of you.
Extend yourself the kindness and comfort you so generously give others. Ironically, the times we most need God’s comfort are the times we deprive ourselves of soul-nurturing.
We feel selfish. Yet, God says, we can only comfort others, with the comfort we first receive ourselves. {2 Corinthians 1:4}
Instead of layering on guilt, head in the opposite direction. Let God love you through your choices to prioritize taking care of you.
4. When you feel numb and don’t want to pray, invite Jesus into your world.
Instead of struggling to reach Jesus, invite Jesus to enter your world.
Let us strive to enter that rest. . . . For the word of God is living and active. . . It penetrates dividing soul and spirit..” {Hebrews 4:11–12}
The “the word of God” used here is the Greek word logos—translated as living voice. This means God is not limited to the written word.
God uses everything living to speak into our lives. He knows what’s on your heart and your everyday life realities. God leaves us love notes in that everyday life to let us know: you are God’s living prayer.
Take a walk outside. Listen to music. Read a good book. Confide in a friend with a cup of coffee.
5. When you’re too exhausted to pray, stop and rest.
“Arise and eat.
For the journey is too great for you.”
{1 Kings 19:7}
Elijah had done everything he knew to do—even defeating the prophets of Baal. Yet, his problems did not go away. Stress broke Elijah’s spirit. In despair, Elijah woke up to find fresh bread baking on hot stones and water—left just for him.
Not only that. God sent an angel — to touch him — twice.
God knew Elijah needed physical rejuvenation first — in order to hear His gentle voice, whispering in a gentle breeze.
No more hiding.
You’re loved.
You’re worth it.
Just rest.
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Win a Copy of Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest
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Leave a Comment
Betty says
I could surely use this book right now! I will have to read this post more than once to get some relief. Thanks
Gail Bertram says
Hi Betty 🙂 I think this wonderful Scripture is for you From OUR Father 🙂 “I so want to ‘Give Thanks For EVERYTHING 🙁 & 🙂 in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God my Father’. I so want to ‘rejoiced always’ with Your HELP. Always! And I so want to ‘have no anxiety about anything’ BECAUSE…You are my Strength. ‘But in everything, by prayer and supplication and with Great Thanksgiving, I WILL let my requests be made known to YOU my heavenly Father ( I need some, NO! I NEED RELIEF JESUS). ‘ I so want to ‘pray-think constantly’…about how YOU LOVE ME. *YOU LOVE ME* And I so want to ‘give Thanks in ALL circumstances 🙁 & 🙂 which I KNOW YOU WILL HELP ME WITH. ‘For I KNOW that is the WILL of God IN Christ Jesus for ME. And I know that IF… I would do that, the PEACE of God which passes ALL understanding would indeed KEEP my Heart and my Mind IN Christ Jesus’ Phil 4:6-7 <3 JESUS-JESUS-JESUS <3 THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU <3 These Powerful WORDS are enough, He KNOWS your Heart <3 your NOT alone <3 (((hugs)))
Mothering From Scratch says
I have been reading blog posts this morning and then, suddenly…….
I stopped. Cold.
This hit me in a deep place. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your time-won perspective on stress and prayer. I didn’t realize that stress was the reason I was feeling a little out of my connection with God.
I have often whispered the name of Jesus out of sheer desperation when I couldn’t seem to mutter anything else. He always shows up. He’s always waiting.
Thanks again for the inspiration.
Z. says
Thank you for those comforting and encouraging words Bonnie! I was having one of those days when I realized that I”m unraveling at the seams, feeling numb and trying to pickup all the dropped pieces. All the obligations at home, work, and church are stealing the small joys I was trying to experience daily. Spiritually, I know what the Word says but having trouble letting its truth and power permeate my heart and mind…your five things refreshed me this morning. I will have to keep these handy during the season i’m currently in. Again, thank you!
M says
Bonnie, I just downloaded your book on my kindle and already have went through the first chapter. I have loved everything in it so far…my relationship with Jesus has felt strained as of lately because it just felt like I was striving so hard all of the time and doing it out of pressure, not love for Him. This is a breath of fresh air in my relationship with God. Love that you gave us some practical ways of how to rest- thank you.
Maylee says
Often times we wonder how God could love us so deeply when time and time again we fail him. Thankful for God’s grace and among all the chaos in my daily life, may I find the time, whitespace to fully embrace His love and His presence.
Thanks for reminding me this Bonnie. I feel as if you had been reading my very thoughts:):)
Annette says
All of this hit home with me!!!! I have been walking through a rough journey the last two years. It started with the loss of a friendship, caring for a sick dad, loss of my dad, a daughter with broken arm including surgery and therapy for three months, senior daughter this year and a daughter move to junior high building. God has been carrying me through it all. I have had the days of tired, wear, and selfish then feeling guilty for thinking selfish thoughts.
Thank you for always having encouraging post. I started getting your emails 4 years ago when I started a journey for a major 10 hour back surgery. God used you more than you will every know here on earth.
Jules says
I’m learning. It’s a process and I’m letting go of what I can’t control. Thanks.
Caroline says
Thank you for the reminder about inviting Jesus into my world. I often regard “quiet time” with Him more formally – at a table, desk, couch and not outdoors for some reason. I am more active outdoors and what a delightful concept to worship and contemplate on a walk or while with a friend on the deck…I have some healing adventures in whitespace ahead of me now. God bless you.
Sarah S says
Beautiful. Speaks perfectly to my soul. Thank you.
Julie Murray says
I would love this book! It looks wonderful. I am a teacher and have time to read it in the next month.
Lisa Cole says
Your words were like a drink of cool water to my heart! Thank you very reminding me of the importance of rest.
Sue S says
If this five ideas are the tip of the iceberg, I really need to read this book. Sounds amazing. I need to rest and learn to be at peace in my life. Please pick me. With mom passing away earlier this year, I could really use another friend to help me to get my life on track again.
Beth WIlliams says
Sue,
Prayers for you and your family as you mourn the loss of your mother. May God swoop down and shower you with peace and contentment knowing she is in Heaven.
Father God,
Please give Sue peace in her life. Show her how to rest and be content. Give her a friend to lean on and help her get life back on track. Shower her and the family with your love, and grace.
AMEN!
kristin chieffalo says
Thank you so much for this article its something I needed to read now I have been struggling with some health issues that have caused anxiety at times but trying to stay strong and trust him.
KimV says
LOVE this! Just what I needed to hear today with a full day of work and then putting 47 miles on car to drive kids back and forth to sports and doc appts….ah sweet rest!! This would be a great book to win to include in our women’s retreat raffle basket as theme is Rejuvenation and learning to take time for ourselves in all aspects of life.
Christina Swanson says
He leads me beside the still waters… Your words touched my heart in the midst of a very difficult time. Thank you for sharing from your experience. They mean so much because I know that you have lived them.
Denise says
Very nice!!! Loved this so much!
Nancy says
Thanks for this Bonnie! I could just feel my tired body relax into God’s embrace, acceptance, understanding and love.
Heidi T. says
Such a timely topic; sounds like a great book for our adult ed!
Kim says
It is 4:00 am and I am too stressed to sleep. I found this devotion on FB and haVe been in tears. I will reread and try to be still, and rest.
Jen says
It’s 5:30 am & I’ve been struggling to sleep all night. I’m so physically exhausted I don’t know what to do. My dr has recently diagnosed me with panic attacks but I’m honestly not sure that’s what it is. I found this blog on fb & glad I did. Thank you for sharing
Vicki says
This was absolutely beautiful! It was truly what I need to hear. My son committed suicide 2 years ago. My youngest son and I were home when he did it. The guilt and visions are unbearable! I have struggled focusing, sleeping, and remembering every day tasks. Though I already knew God gives rest to the weary and broken hearted, hearing it again was very uplifting. The brokenness and hurt of such a great loss as that of a child can be unrelenting some days. Simply saying “Jesus” when no other positive thoughts can break through your mind is encouraging and helpful!!!! God has blessed our family tremendously after the loss of our precious angel baby left this earth, but I still have days where the pain and guilt take me to my knees. Thank you for sharing!
Michelle Anderson says
Thanks for this.
Beth WIlliams says
Bonnie,
I love love love your writing. You are so super open and honest about a somewhat touchy subject.
Holley’s comment “If you’ve ever been weary & needed room to breathe” hit the nail on the head for me. This year has been tough. Between January and May I moved my father into an assisted living, and went through medication problems that landed him in the hospital and rehab. Now that all that is over and he is back in the assisted living I thought life would be normal. NO! My hubby got some iffy news about his job and we had a few tense weeks waiting to find out the solution. Praise God he is staying employed–just on a different shift.
Through all that I worked a somewhat stressful job that I don’t like. For the first time I felt overwhelmed and stressed out to the max. I so needed and continue to need spiritual whitespace.
Thanks for writing this book Bonnie! God bless 🙂
monica says
The words I needed to hear today.I would love to read this book.
monk5 at charter dot net