Praying... but not fully trusting

I’ve noticed something in my own prayer life: there’s a difference between praying in faith and praying in fear. Sometimes, what I call “prayer” is actually just anxiety wrapped in spiritual language. It’s me trying to control an outcome, manage my worry, or beg God to do something, fast. I say I’m trusting Him, but inside, I’m panicking. Have you ever been there?

A few months ago, we were facing a financial situation that felt impossible. I remember sitting at the kitchen table, bills spread out, tears welling up, and saying, “God, You have to do something!” But if I’m honest, that prayer wasn’t born from confidence... it came from fear. I wasn’t resting in God's promises; I was bracing for the worst. I wasn’t praying from a place of peace, I was spiraling, trying to say all the “right” things so maybe He’d answer quickly.

Later that night, I felt the Holy Spirit gently whisper, “Do you believe I love you, even if I don’t answer the way you want?” That stopped me. I realized I was holding my breath, hoping God would come through on my terms, instead of trusting that He already had a plan—one that was good. That moment shifted something in me. I opened my hands and prayed... God, I trust You. Even if the outcome looks different than I hoped. I trust You. And peace came. Not because the situation changed immediately, but because my posture did.

That’s the difference between praying in fear and praying in faith. Fear says, “What if God doesn’t show up?” Faith says, “Even if He doesn’t show up the way I expected, I know He’s still good.” Fear-driven prayers are often rooted in control, desperation, or panic. Faith-driven prayers surrender to God’s will, even when the outcome is unknown.

The Bible makes this distinction clear. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” When we pray in fear, anxiety leads the way. But when we pray in faith, we come with thanksgiving, because we know who we’re talking to. We’re not begging a distant God, we’re trusting a faithful Father.

James 1:6 warns us not to doubt when we pray: “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” Fear-based prayer feels like that, tossed around, unsettled. But faith gives us an anchor.

And 1 John 5:14 reminds us of our confidence: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” Faith doesn’t demand our way... it trusts His will. That’s the shift. Faith releases control and believes that God’s way is higher, even when it’s harder.

Maybe today you realize your prayers have been coming from a place of fear. That’s okay. God doesn’t shame you for that... but He invites you into something better. Praying in fear tries to control. Praying in faith surrenders. One prays from the middle of the storm, the other to the One who calms it. Sometimes the most powerful prayer isn’t loud... it’s surrendered.

You don’t need perfect words... you need an open heart. Take a breath. Let go. Trust Him again. He’s listening.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the times I’ve prayed from fear instead of faith. Help me release control and truly trust You. I don’t want to strive anymore. I want to rest in Your presence, knowing that You are good, no matter the outcome. Teach me to pray with boldness, not panic. With peace, not pressure. I surrender the things I’ve been gripping so tightly. Thank You for hearing me. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for being faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Worship Song