Debt can feel very heavy.
It may be a credit card, loan, overdraft, catalogue account, unpaid bill or money borrowed from someone you know.
Perhaps there are several debts and you no longer know which one to deal with first.
You may wake up thinking about money and go to bed thinking about it too.
Every letter, email or telephone call can make your stomach turn because you are frightened it will be someone asking for money you simply don’t have.
If you are carrying that worry today, this prayer is for you.
You don’t have to hide the numbers from God.
You don’t have to pretend everything is fine.
You Can Face This One Step at a Time
Before we pray, remind yourself of something important:
You do not have to solve your entire financial situation in the next five minutes.
Today may simply be the day you decide to stop running away from it.
Take a slow breath.
When you’re ready, pray with me.
Let Us Pray
Dear God,
I need Your help with my debt.
I have worried about it.
I have tried not to think about it.
Sometimes I have even been afraid to look at how much I owe.
But today I am bringing it to You.
God, You know every number.
You know every bill.
You know every payment that is due.
You know what I earn and what I need to provide for myself and my family.
Nothing about my situation is hidden from You.
Please give me the courage to face it.
When I feel ashamed, remind me that shame will not solve this problem.
When I feel frightened, help me not to hide.
When everything feels too big, show me the next small step.
Give me wisdom with every pound that comes into my hands.
Help me understand where my money is going.
Help me recognise the things I need and the things I can live without for now.
Give me courage to ask for help if I need it.
Give me courage to speak to the people I owe money to instead of being frightened of them.
Guide me towards trustworthy advice and people who can help me understand my options.
God, please protect me from desperation.
When I am frightened about money, help me slow down before making another financial decision.
Protect me from borrowing without understanding what it will cost.
Protect me from promises of quick money that could leave me in an even harder situation.
Give me patience.
I know this may take time.
There may not be one big answer that makes everything disappear tomorrow.
So help me keep going.
One payment.
One telephone call.
One decision.
One month at a time.
God, I pray for the day when I can look at my finances without fear.
I pray for the day when this weight feels lighter.
Until then, give me the discipline to continue when progress feels slow.
And please help me forgive myself for financial mistakes I may have made.
I cannot change yesterday.
But with wisdom, help and courage, I can make a different decision today.
Thank You for listening without judgement.
Thank You for meeting me here, even in something I have been afraid to talk about.
Please guide my next step.
And when I become frightened again, remind me:
I don’t have to solve everything today.
I just have to take the next step.
So it is.
After Your Prayer
Prayer can give you comfort and courage, but debt usually needs practical action too.
If you are struggling, consider writing down each debt, what you owe and any payments that are due. If you cannot afford the payments, getting free, independent debt advice can help you understand your options.
Be careful with anyone promising a quick or guaranteed solution to debt, particularly if they want money from you before helping.
Taking that first look at the numbers may be uncomfortable, but knowing what you are dealing with can be the beginning of moving forward.
A Short Prayer for When Debt Feels Too Much
If you receive a letter or see your bank balance and suddenly feel overwhelmed, you can pray:
“God, help me not to hide. Give me wisdom and courage to take the next step.”
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