My kids are quite young, nine, seven, and five. And, you know, fear is kind of a big thing

with them, whether it's being afraid of the dark at bedtime or being afraid in a new social

interaction. And one of the things that I often say to that is this psalm set to song,

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

And we sing that together at bedtime and we sing it before going on a scary encounter.

And I wonder if sometimes as adults, we need that same reminder.

And God wants to set us free.

Welcome to the Prayers of Rest podcast.

I'm your host, Asherita, and this season we are praying through spiritual strongholds today breaking free from fear

through the power of God's spirit at work in us so take a deep breath quiet your heart

as we become aware of God's loving presence around us and within us.

Today's passage comes from Mark chapter 5, verse 36.

And Jesus said, don't be afraid. Just believe.

Oh merciful God, you are the one who is present with us even in our fears.

You bend low to hear the cries of those who call out to you.

Thank you that you are a very present help in our time of need. Thank you that you are a very present help in our time of need.

Thank you that you are not a far-off God who's waiting for sacrifices or rituals to get your attention,

but rather in our moment of fear, you are there.

You are near when we cry out to you. Thank you, that you welcome us to bring

even our fears. Thank you that you are so great, so strong and so mighty, that even our biggest fears, dwarf in comparison with

your glory and your strength. What a great God you are and what a great invitation you've given

us to bring our fears to you.

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