In-person therapy in White Plains, NY, and virtual sessions for women of color across NY, NJ, PA, SC, CT, and CA.
And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. Romans 8:28 AMP
If you’ve been struggling to run this race and stay on the narrow path, whether because you’re suffering physical pain, dealing with difficult situations, or mourning the loss of a dream, this is a prayer for the weary. This is a prayer that I’m praying for you. A prayer for the woman who is becoming but grieving where the Lord may be taking her.
Prayer for the Weary
We just want to take this moment to thank you. Thank you for being who you are. Thank you for being faithful. Thank you for your unfailing love and kindness, Lord. Thank you for your correction and the wisdom you so freely give when we ask, Lord.
Right now, I want to lift up each and every person who is weary, Lord. Exhausted, tired, burnt out, overwhelmed, Lord. You know these things are real, Lord. I pray that you give them the strength and courage to rest in you and trust you, Lord. Help them to understand what it looks like to trust you, and how that has a direct positive effect on feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, hopeless, and discouraged, Lord.
Lord, I just pray that in these times when we feel exhausted and weary, we don’t feel too exhausted to come to you with everything, Lord. You know everything we need before we ask or think it. I just pray that you keep us, Lord. Keep us on the narrow path. Keep us making the right choices. Keep us continually moving closer toward you, even when things don’t look like we hoped for, Lord.
Heavenly Father, I pray for the person who’s exhausted by a broken, lost dream. I pray that you give them your dream for their life, Lord. Sometimes we have such grand and lofty plans and goals for our lives. We work tirelessly. We go to school. We invest in the course. We take the training. We go for the certification. But at the end of the day, Lord, even though you work everything out for the good of those who are called according to your purpose and who love you, sometimes your purposes and your plan are completely removed from this activity.
Jesus, I pray that you give us wisdom and show us where you want us to lean in and where you want us to go. Show us what you want us to do, and remind us that the first thing you want us to do is to come to you and have a relationship with you, Lord. Help us to know that our relationship with you is not just about what we can get or what blessing we stand to gain. Our relationship with you is about spreading the gospel, salvation, and becoming more like you. We know that you put these things on earth for us to enjoy within limits, Lord Jesus. But teach us moderation. Teach us to know that we can have joy in you and in this life, but help us not to crowd you out with the cares of this world, Lord.
Lord, we just want to thank you again. Thank you for being ever-present. Thank you for giving us more of yourself. Thank you for giving us a peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you for giving us the armor of God, Lord. Lord, I just thank you, and we are grateful. I pray all of this in your name, Lord. Amen.
Sermons, Questions & Prayers for the Weary
Desiring God (Ask Pastor John): A Word on Suffering
Desiring God (Ask Pastor John): How a Crushed Faith Comes Home
Does following Jesus mean more suffering?
With the Perry’s Podcast: When You Don’t Desire God
With the Perry’s Podcast: Deep Dive, Encouragement for the Weary
Jackie Hill Perry’s Sermon on Endurance
Allen Parr’s The Beat: https://youtu.be/Uv-XPxSYPvs?si=txh8lgzhAh2Ut5Li
An Invitation to Rest
If there is anything you need to repent of, or sins you’re carrying, the weight of what you haven’t surrendered to the Lord, or plans you haven’t released, this is your invitation to rest.
You can get my free workbook when you sign up for our newsletter below; it will help you take practical steps to rest in God.
If you are looking for a therapist who really understands what it means to lament, struggle, and still love the Lord, book a consultation with Cheerful Heart. You can visit our appointment request page to book a consultation directly. There are free 15-minute options and paid 30-minute options.
You can check out the rest of our blog posts to see what else can edify you throughout your day. This walk is not easy. I know a lot of times people highlight the goodness of God, removed from the pain of life, and at Cheerful Heart we hold both with care and compassion.
Starting in September, we will have a lovely intern who is eager to learn and support you as well. She has greater availability and can offer therapy at a lower cost than Shakira. Working with her ( and with Shakira as her supervisor) allows you to work with Shakira indirectly and with Amber directly, at a fraction of what it would cost to work with Shakira alone. Schedule your consultation today, and we will look forward to walking alongside you in faith.
Shakira K. O’Garro, LMHC-D, LPC, LPCC, NCC, is a Black Christian therapist specializing in medical trauma, chronic illness, and supporting Christians through a crisis of faith. Living with severe stage 4 endometriosis and adenomyosis taught her how deeply physical pain, medical dismissal, and suffering can impact your mental health and relationship with God. Her work centers Black Christian women who are exhausted from being gaslit by healthcare systems and told to just “pray harder” when their bodies are breaking down. Shakira (and her clinicians) offer therapy that honors your pain, validates your experience, and integrates your faith without spiritual bypassing.