Not knowing what lies ahead in the future is very stressful and worrying. Sometimes, not all that is mysterious and unknown is exciting. In times of worry and anxiety, it is very important to pray to God, surrender our worries to Him, and fully entrust ourselves and our unknown future to his hands.
In a world that is filled with uncertainties and unpleasant surprises, it is but human to feel bothered and anxious. In the face of uncertainty and cluelessness, it is a very human response to be worried. Sometimes, we feel helpless and hopeless. However, it is by acknowledging our worries about the future that we can entrust ourselves confidently to the providence of God.
Admit that we are worried and frightened about what the future will bring and surrender all of it to the compassionate love of God. Fears and doubts may not be eradicated all at once, but this prayer will help us become more dependent on God little by little every day.
Prayer for worrying about the future
Loving Father, You created us and know us each by name. You search the mind and probe our hearts. You know us – every detail and in all situations in life. When Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus, he got frightened by the strong winds and turbulent waters. He sank, but at his call for help, Jesus caught him by the hand and saved him.
Father, You know all my worries, fears, anxieties, and uncertainties. Many times, I felt desperate and hopeless in the face of many tribulations and problems. But Your words give me comfort: “Do not be afraid”. I believe in Your consoling words. Help me in times when I forget Your promise.
Thank You, Father, for never abandoning me, even during my deepest and biggest fears. Thank You for being with me. Thank You for walking with me along the path of the uncertainty of tomorrow. Your grace and love are more than enough to encourage my fearful heart. Allow me to see things ahead of me with greater understanding and clarity.
Tomorrow gives me a mixture of hope and worry. But please do not let me waste my today worrying about tomorrow. Bestow on me the grace of being grateful for today and hopeful for tomorrow. Help me to become patient with myself as I hurdle the challenges of my here and now. Help me to anticipate tomorrow full of hope and courage.
Be with me as You are always with me. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Short prayer for worrying about the future
Faithful God, I humbly seek for Your grace to surrender what worries me the most. Help me in times when I feel lost, unmotivated, and frightened. Reach me from where I am now. I put every ounce of my trust in Your providence and guidance. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Word of God
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Matthew 6:25-26 NRSVUE
“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:34 NRSVUE
Prayer to the Blessed Virgin for entrusting our worries
O most Holy Virgin Mary, when Gabriel visited you and announced to you the plan of the Father to be the mother of His Only Begotten Son, you gave your trusting “yes”. With a heart filled with trust and confidence in the Father’s will, you surrendered yourself to His divine providence and love.
Most of the time, I feel very worried and anxious about things that are unknown. I am too attached to my past and too nervous about the future that I often forget that God is with me in the here and now of my life.
O most loving Mother, I turn to you. I humbly implore your compassionate help in surrendering my worries about the future. I give you my worries and fears and ask you to bring them to the feet of Jesus. Please tell Him to turn these worries into full trust and confidence.
Whenever I feel anxious, embrace me with your tender love. Guide me in all my endeavors. Strengthen me when I feel discouraged and fearful. Help me to always listen to the comforting words of your beloved Son: Do not be afraid, I am with you.
O most loving Mother, pray for us. Amen.
Further reflection
Challenges and trials come in our lives, and worrying is but a natural response to these circumstances. However, too much worrying, especially about the future, can paralyze us from doing what we ought to do today. We are too tied to our past and too worried about the future to the point that we miss out on the lessons and blessings of today.
Worrying is a natural response to uncertainty. When we face an unfamiliar situation or when we encounter events that bring us confusion or fear, we feel worried about what the future holds for us. Such feelings and extreme emotions lead us to unnecessary fear and anxiety. And worrying can be addictive and self-destructive.
However, worrying about the future can also become a motivation for us. Yes, we can worry and be motivated at the same time. When we see the future as unknown, then it gives us a sense of mystery – something to look forward to. Not knowing about the future can bring us stress, and stress can sometimes be beneficial for us since it urges us to do more and do better.
The future and its uncertainty can overwhelm us. It is not uncommon or alien to us. However, the future also holds a ray of hope for each one of us. When we entrust ourselves and our future to God, we can be sure that everything will be all right eventually. When we trust God, we are consoled by the truth that in spite of uncertainties and cluelessness, we can depend on God, who holds all things in His mighty and guiding hands.
