Evening Prayer, January 14, 2025: Prayer from Fear of Failure

As the day winds down and we welcome the peacefulness of the evening, it’s instinctive to reflect on the dedication we’ve shown throughout the day. After a day filled with hard work and commitment, we naturally desire to see the results of our persistence, to observe the outcomes of our diligence. Yet, there are instances when the day’s experiences linger, leaving us with a lingering fear—the fear that our efforts might not succeed, that the seeds we’ve sown may not flourish. This evening prayer is intended for those times, offering comfort and relief from the anxiety of failure.

Scriptural Comfort:

In 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, the Bible offers reassurance: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” This passage emphasizes that while we are called to act and contribute, the ultimate growth and outcome rest in God’s hands.

Prayer for Overcoming Fear of Failure:

Heavenly Father,

As we gather in the stillness of this evening, we come before You with hearts that sometimes tremble at the thought of failure. After a day of sowing and working, we seek Your comfort, knowing that it is You who gives the increase. We lay down our fears at Your feet, trusting in Your promise that our labor will not be in vain.

Lord, You see the efforts we’ve made today, the seeds we’ve planted in our work, relationships, and personal growth. We ask for Your divine touch on these endeavors, that they might flourish under Your care. Remove from us the fear that our work might fail, and replace it with the assurance that comes from knowing You are in control.

Now, I declare that I have rest from all my works and that none of them shall fail in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

We pray for:

• Faith Over Fear: Strengthen our faith, O God, so that it might overshadow our fears. Let 2 Timothy 1:7 be our guide: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
• Success in Your Eyes: Help us to redefine success through Your lens, understanding that true success is found in obedience to Your will, not merely in worldly achievements. As Joshua 1:8 instructs, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8).
• Restful Assurance: Grant us peace as we rest tonight, knowing that You watch over our work even as we sleep. Let Psalm 127:2 be our comfort: “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves” (Psalm 127:2).
• Perseverance: Instill in us the perseverance to continue our work with hope, not letting the fear of failure deter us. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Declarations for Overcoming Fear of Failure:

• I declare that my labor is not in vain, for it is the Lord who gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).
• I declare that I am empowered by the Spirit of God, not given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
• I declare that my success is defined by my obedience to God’s will, and in His eyes, I am prosperous (Joshua 1:8).
• I declare restful assurance in God’s care, knowing He watches over my work even as I sleep (Psalm 127:2).
• I declare that I will not grow weary in doing good; I will persevere, for I am promised a harvest in due time (Galatians 6:9).

Reflection:

Reflect on the day’s work and the fears that might have arisen. How can trusting in God’s promise of increase change your perspective on potential failure? Consider how these scriptural truths can become personal affirmations, fortifying your spirit against fear.

Closing Thought:

As you close your eyes tonight, let go of the fear of failure. Remember, your work is in God’s hands, and His plans for you are for good, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). May this prayer and these declarations be a balm to your soul, ensuring a peaceful night’s rest, free from the shadows of doubt.