A Prayer about Not Panicking

Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. Isaiah 41:10

Strong-gripped Father,

Thank you for holding us firmly 

when we’re frightened.

I’ve been re-listening to Prince Caspian, 

and I love the scene where Aslan says to Susan, 

“You’ve been listening to your fears again. 

Come here, let me breathe on you.”

Boy do we know that feeling of listening 

to our fears. 

When we listen to our fears,

we might get grumpy and mean like Susan was to Lucy. 

When we listen to our fears, 

we will struggle to see you in all of your might and majesty, 

just as Susan couldn’t see Aslan 

when Lucy insisted Aslan was there. 

When we listen to our fears, 

we might tremble and shake in panic. 

And yet, all along, 

you are holding us and helping us, 

keeping us steady and sure. 

Today, whether we fear 

abandonment of a friend 

or anger of a boss 

or abuse of a spouse, 

may we turn to you and trust in you 

and find you to be our unshakeable comfort and guide. 

In Jesus’ strong name. Amen.

Read Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 43:1-7.