Prayers and Worries

How do you keep yourself from worry? I recently figured out one activity that does not help me: praying constantly.

You know how worries run around and around in your mind while you bring up and discard solutions? I often "sanctify" this process by praying each time I go through an option: "Lord, I don't know what else to do!"

Then I go back to solution hunting. Worry, pray, worry, pray, worry, and praise the Lord when it is all over with. "I knew everything would be fine if I just 'prayed' about it hard enough!"

I don't think the Apostle Paul dealt with his worries that way.

What I have tried most recently is praying once. Then, when I find myself solution-hunting again, I tell myself, "Did God answer the last time I prayed? Will He answer this time? Then stop worrying!"

God has answered so many prayers for me, I cannot rightfully worry.

What do you do when you find yourself worrying?

Rachel Potter