What’s harder for you to do: believe bad things about yourself or believe good things about yourself? If you’re like most of us, it’s a lot easier to believe the worst than it is the best.
Negative thoughts can come from all directions. They might stem from hurtful words we’ve heard in the past, memories of past failures, fears over uncertain situations, or worries over imagined worst-case scenarios.
Many people also experience mental health challenges that amplify their negative thoughts, leaving them stuck in fear, self-pity, and hopelessness.
What do we do? Fortunately, there’s a way to find relief from negative thoughts, and it starts with prayer. Below, you’ll find seven example prayers to help you overcome negative thoughts.
Your Worst Thoughts Do Not Define You
Who are you? If you ask yourself, your worst thoughts might tell you you’re unworthy, pathetic, weak, a hypocrite, or a burden.
You already know how anxiety-inducing it can be to deal with chronic negativity. But what’s the alternative? Should you listen to cliched advice like "focus on the positive" or remember that "things could be worse?"
No, for most, it takes more than one quote, Bible verse, or prayer to eliminate negative thoughts. Instead, we begin to overcome negative thoughts when we learn to embrace our identity in Christ.
Who Are You?
God doesn’t see you as a failure, mess-up, or burden. Instead, He sees you as His loved child who He came to rescue. He saved you and gave you a new purpose—to help people get to know His love.
So who are you? Not an unworthy, pathetic loser. No, you’re a loved child of God with a purpose.
When you feel trapped in negativity, there are a few things you can do to remember who you are. Prayer, of course, is a great way to strengthen and guard your mind. Just look at what one biblical author wrote about the power of prayer.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Nothing Is Too Small for God
No matter the source of your negative thoughts, God wants to hear about what you’re going through. Nothing is too small for Him.
Don’t battle negative thoughts on your own. Seek help, both from God and others.
Another way to process negative thoughts is with trusted friends, a mentor, or a small group. Surrounding yourself with fellow believers can encourage you, help you confront negative beliefs, and provide you with hope. Don’t battle negative thoughts on your own. Seek help, both from God and others.
It takes time for our identity in Christ to drive out nagging negative thought patterns. But prayer and positive people can help us take daily steps toward a healthy mindset.
7 Prayers for Positive Thoughts
The seven prayers below can help you embrace your identity in Christ, let go of negativity, and experience God’s peace through His Holy Spirit.
1. A Prayer for Mental Strength
Dear God, please help me find confidence in Your good promises. You’re faithful and won’t abandon me. Please keep me from chronic negativity and despair and help me to pursue You with my whole life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. A Prayer for Mental Direction
Heavenly Father, You know my thoughts and desires. You know what I want and what I need. But my life isn’t my own—it’s Yours. So please help me to act on the thoughts and desires that turn me closer to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. A Prayer Against Negative Thoughts
Dear God, You are a mighty Savior and merciful Deliverer. Thank You for rescuing me from my darkness and sin through Jesus’ death on my behalf. Lord, protect my mind and give me a more positive outlook. I cry out to You for deliverance from negative thoughts so I can have a positive mindset. I know You can help, and I trust that You hear me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. A Prayer for a Positive Attitude
Heavenly Father, I want to submit to You. Please fill my mind with thoughts that honor You and other people so my attitude can bring life and encouragement to everyone. Transform me into a new person by changing the way I think and the way I speak. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. A Prayer for Intrusive Thoughts
Dear God, unwanted thoughts are swirling through my mind. Please relieve me from my intrusive thoughts and give me a positive outlook on life. Help me hear Your gentle voice the next time intrusive thoughts invade my mind. Thank You for always being with me and helping me find joy every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
6. A Prayer for Self-Forgiveness
Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving the mistakes I’ve made. Sometimes, it’s hard to accept Your forgiveness, and I have a hard time forgiving myself. Help me to see myself the way You see me—forgiven and made new by Christ Jesus. Help me give myself grace for the mistakes I’ve made and to move forward confidently. In Jesus’ name, amen.
7. A Prayer for Embracing Your Identity in Christ
Dear God, thank You for intricately forming me. Rid my mind of self-doubt and discontentment. I am Your unique design. I am known. I am a fearfully and wonderfully made masterpiece! Teach me to embrace this truth and rest confidently in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Learn to Know God’s Voice
The next time negative voices tell you you’re unworthy, unloved, and unforgivable, don’t listen. Instead, listen to God’s voice through the Holy Spirit. He loves you and made you with a purpose.
God doesn’t want you trapped in negativity, so He’s provided ways for you to find freedom from your worst thoughts.
Continue praying and asking Him to renew your mind with His strength. As you pray, bring others into your battle. Allow trusted people to offer support and encouragement as you move toward a healthy perspective.
For more on dealing with negative thoughts, check out this message from Pastor Craig Groeschel.