These activities follow on from each other, however you will know what is realistic at this stage of your life and best for you. Feel free to choose as many activities as you wish, or use them as a springboard to your own ideas and practices.

Activity 1 - Make a list

Make a list of everything that is on your mind at the moment that causes you anxiety.  Brainstorm them and then rank them from the most anxiety inducing to the least.

Did anything surprise you?  Was this list bigger or smaller than you might have thought.  Was a really big anxiety in the past now smaller (or vice versa). 

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you notice things in the list - this might be a thought that “crosses” your mind, or a triggered memory, a picture, words or anything with a sense that this is God speaking with you.

Activity 2 - Actively bring them to God

Your relationship with God is unique - so go with what works well for you if you have established practices. If this kind of stuff is challenging for you then here are some ideas:

Set aside 5 minutes a day to bring your list of worries to God. You could open in prayer, telling God that these things bring you anxiety and ask for His help. Then you could try any of the following:

• Imaginitive prayer: Imagine your favourite place; could be a room, a garden, a beach, a restaurant!  Picture yourself entering that space and that Jesus is waiting there for you (don’t worry if it’s hard to picture Jesus – don’t get hung up on that) and imagine Jesus smiling at you as he’s really pleased to see you and full of joy. Notice what you feel and how the thought of Jesus being pleased to meet you makes you feel. Talk freely and honestly with God about these things, or sit quietly together, knowing that He knows everything on that list.

• Breath prayer: This form of prayer “centres” us on simply being with God. Think up a word or two to pray as you breath in and then breath out - simplicity is key! It could be something like “faithful God” on the way in, and “help me” on the way out. If your breath prayer expands and changes during your time - go with it! Whatever helps you sense God’s presence with you.

• Silent prayer: This form of prayer focuses on being in God’s presence and simply being with Him. If your mind wonders (and it definitely will if you’re new to this!!!) then don’t beat yourself up - when you catch yourself thinking about something else use this as an opportunity to re-focus on God. Perhaps use a couple of breath prayers to re-focus on God. You may well sense God at work - even if you don’t know what He’s doing. Pay attention to your body - what are you feeling? Where? What emotions are you feeling - feel free to ask God questions and wait for Him.

Activity 3 - Talk & pray with a friend

Call or message someone that knows Jesus and that you trust.  Ask them if you could meet; have a tea or a coffee, and just talk through the list and ask them to pray with you and over you that God would meet your needs and bring you freedom.

Even better if your friend has done it too, so you can pray for each other.

Photo credit Pavel Danilyuk