A Prayer for a Heavy Heart
By: Ron Moore
Psalm 22:11 - Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.
Recently, a dear friend experienced the heartbreaking end to her engagement with her dream wedding to her best friend only weeks away. I’ve sat with her for hours and hours as she grieved and mourned and tried to process all the chaos and life changes that were now surrounding her, and my heart has been weighed down by the immensity of it all.
Another friend reached out with the painful news of infertility in her marriage, a family member is in the hospital after a fall broke her leg in a nasty way, parents I know are struggling with prodigal children they wish would come, and the weight of the hurt and confusion is heavy on my heart.
There is nothing I can say or do that will ease the pain or erase the ache. When I feel hopeless and helpless, I come before the Lord and surrender it all to Him. I cannot, but I know He can, and I’m grateful for the words of this prayer:
Father, my heart is heavy. I feel like I have to carry the burden alone. Words like "overwhelmed," "distraught," "exhausted" seem to describe where I am. I am not sure how to let you carry my heavy load, so please show me how. Take it from me. Let me rest and be refreshed so that my heart won't be so heavy in the morning. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Editor’s note: This prayer was written by Ron Moore and shared in a collection here. The devotional content was added by BibleStudyTools.com editor Rachel Dawson.
Related Resource: How to Choose Your One Word for 2026
This month on the How to Study the Bible Podcast, we’re starting a new series called One Word 2026, and it’s meant to be a gentle but intentional way to reflect, respond, and reconnect with God as we begin the year. In this episode, I’m walking you through why I love taking the whole month of January to pause and listen — rather than rushing into resolutions or putting pressure on yourself to “get it all together” by January 1. We’re going to start with Philippians 1:3–11, where Paul reminds us that we can have real confidence because God is still working in us, and He’s not finished.
Then I’m going to share six words I’ve been praying over for our community — six spiritual intentions that I believe reflect the kind of growth God may be inviting us into this year. You don’t have to choose one right away, and you definitely don’t have to force it — but I hope that one of these words will resonate in your spirit and give you a steady anchor for 2026.
This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!