On the fourth Friday of each month in 2026, we’re studying The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer. Join me as we learn practical. Scripture-based steps we can take when fear or worry try to take hold.
CHAPTER SIX — The Comfort of Prayer
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
— 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
INTRODUCTION
In Chapter Six, Joyce Meyer teaches us about the comfort of prayer—how we can receive comfort from God for ourselves and how we can extend that same comfort to others. She also addresses several hindrances to answered prayer.
Joyce encourages us to remember that God is the God of all comfort. When we are hurting, anxious, or overwhelmed, we don’t need to wait—we can receive His comfort simply by asking. Going to God immediately in times of distress allows His peace to meet us sooner.
“When I am anxious or worried about a problem that comes up, the sooner I release the care of it to God, the sooner I receive comfort from Him.”
— Joyce Meyer
CASTING YOUR CARE ON GOD
“Cast your burden on the Lord [release it], and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.”
— Psalm 55:22
God wants to help us carry our burdens, but we must be willing to release them to Him. Scripture repeatedly invites us to cast our cares on the Lord. God can carry what we cannot. When we try to hold everything ourselves, stress and anxiety take over.
Jesus offers this same invitation:
“Come to Me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28–29
Jesus desires to share our load, not add to it. But we must choose to let Him carry what weighs us down.
Joyce reminds us that meditating on Scripture and praying bring comfort during difficult seasons. The sooner we release our cares; the sooner God’s comfort can meet us.
PRAYER FOR OTHERS
Praying for others can also reduce our own anxiety. When we shift our focus away from ourselves and onto the needs of others, our stress level often decreases.
Ways to pray for others:
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- Ask God to comfort, strengthen, and meet their needs
- Pray for patience and endurance
- Ask God to give them wisdom
- Pray for medical professionals to have wisdom and clarity
- Lift up anyone facing physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges
HINDRANCES TO ANSWERED PRAYER
Joyce reminds us that certain things can interfere with answered prayer. Scripture identifies several common hindrances:
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- Prayerlessness (James 4:2)
- Lack of boldness (Hebrews 4:16)
- Hidden sin (Psalm 66:18)
- Wrong motives (James 4:3)
- Doubt and unbelief (Mark 9:24)
- Worry (Matthew 6:25–34)
- Unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:26–27)
- Pride (1 Peter 5:5–7)
These are not meant to discourage us, but to help us remove anything that blocks God’s peace and power in our lives.
CALL TO ACTION
This week, spend intentional time in prayer. Ask God to reveal any cares you need to release to Him. Invite the Holy Spirit—your Comforter—to guide you to Scripture and bring peace to whatever troubles you are facing today.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, thank You that I can cast all my burdens and cares on You. Help me release anxiety and receive Your comfort and peace. I trust You with everything that concerns me. Amen.