Praying During Finals Week

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I’m sure I’m not the only one absolutely drowning in stress as the semester winds down. Finals week can be so stressful, but you know what the Bible says about anxiety - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). So here is my process of prayer that I find helps during times of stress:

1. Begin with thanks… always begin with thanks

This is a habit I recently began to develop this year. I find that thanking God gets me in a better mindset for a more effective prayer. It seems like this is especially true when praying in the middle of stress. Finals week makes your brain feel so hectic… at least that’s how it’s been for me. It feels like there are a million things to get done before the semester wraps up; plus, there is the added stress of keeping up with grades. But acknowledging blessings can bring peace as well as perspective.

2. Give your stress to the Lord

Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” The first step I take to do this is to present my weakness to God. Acknowledge your burdens and let yourself be vulnerable with the Lord. Not only is this healing, but I find that it also helps to sort out overwhelming emotions. Then, I will ask God to take this stress away. It’s important not to allow yourself to carry that burden alone.

3. Present your requests to God

Whether it is getting good grades, finding motivation to study, dealing with stress – whatever you need to get through the week – present it to God. Asking for help is one of the best things you can in the middle of struggle. And what better person is there to ask for help than God?

4. Give thanks… again

Giving thanks is so important in prayer that I make sure to do it at least twice. Prayer is one of the greatest gifts God has given us in my opinion. I like to acknowledge the gift of prayer with thanks. I always end my prayers by saying “thank you for listening and answering my prayers.” I suggest doing the same because not only are you praising God, but you are also acknowledging that your stress and requests are out of your hands, now. God always listens and he always answers.