A Prayer for When Life’s Burdens Are Heavy
By: Kristine Brown
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” - Matthew 11:28 NLT
It had been a rough week. My husband spent an entire day in the emergency room, trying to identify the source of a medical issue. Two days later we received a call from our adult son, who was admitted to another emergency room. Later that week, I had a draining follow-up visit with my oncologist. And to top everything off, we were dealing with frustrating issues at work. By the week’s end, I just felt weary.
Between three people in my family, we had 11 doctor’s appointments scheduled in the upcoming month and many unknowns. I tried to put the pieces together in neat little compartments, but it was all too much to handle. Thankfully, God offers supernatural comfort when we are beyond weary.
Sometimes we find ourselves in that place, battle-weak from carrying a heavy load. Each one of us will experience the weight of life’s struggles. The load we carry may come from the sins of our past, constraints placed upon us, or even overwhelming daily responsibilities. But whatever the cause of the heaviness we feel, Jesus Christ provides the only reliable source of relief. He lifts that unbearable load from our shoulders and provides refreshment for our souls.
Matthew 11:28 shares this promise in Jesus’ own words, “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’”
If you’re weary today, let’s pray this prayer together. Through Jesus, we have hope for relief and rest.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I’m beyond weary. Lately, I’ve been hit with one wave after another, without a reprieve. I’m physically and emotionally exhausted. Help me find relief and rest for my weariness. I need you, Lord. I need your strength, comfort, and peace.
I know my Savior Jesus invites anyone who is weary and feeling buried under the weight of life’s burdens to come to him. I accept that invitation right now. I am running to Jesus with my cares and worries, ready to enjoy his peace and rest. Thank you for the freedom we have through your son Jesus.
Let the words of Psalm 68:19 be my prayer, “Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms.” Thank you, Lord, for reaching out to me with open arms and beckoning me to find comfort in you! You are a good Father, gracious and faithful.
In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
For more spiritual growth resources, check out this free email study from Kristine Brown, Walking with Rahab: A 5-Day Challenge to Better Decision Making. You’ll find weekly encouragement to help you “become more than yourself through God’s Word” at her website, kristinebrown.net. Kristine is the author of the book, Cinched: Living with Unwavering Trust in an Unfailing God.
Related Resource: "I AM" - A Lenten Journey with Jesus
When the world feels heavy, clarity isn’t always what we need most. Sometimes what we need is presence. In John 8:12, Jesus doesn’t promise all the answers. He promises Himself: “I am the light of the world.” Light doesn’t show us the entire path—it gives us enough to take the next step. It reminds us that we are not alone in the dark, and that God is present with us even when things feel uncertain. I’m praying this meditation reminds you that Jesus is present—and you don’t have to walk in the dark alone. This week’s guided Scripture meditation is part of my larger Lent series that invites you to slow down, listen, and follow the Light who leads to life.
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Originally published Tuesday, 02 November 2021.
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