If you’re anything like me, you have big aspirations in life. You’re dying to visit London, Rio, Cape Town and a dozen other locations around the world. You have a list of hobbies—from skiing to gardening—you’re excited to finally master. And you can’t wait to buy a new, larger home with a comfortable hosting space.

But every time you daydream about these ambitions, you come crashing back to reality. When I’m a little more financially stable, I’ll travel, buy a home and take skiing lessons, you think to yourself.

Have you been here before? I certainly have. As I think about the future, I can’t help but muse about everything I want to accomplish. And then, in the midst of my wishful thinking, I begin to consider all the financial obstacles in my way. Student loans, tight budgets, car payments, unexpected expenses—the list goes on an on. I feel captive to the numbers on my bank statement, and I just want more freedom.

But here’s the thing: I don’t have to let my bank statement dictate my happiness and sense of accomplishment. If you feel weighed down by financial instability today, I encourage you to seek God in prayer. The following prayers will get you started:

1. Lord, I pray that you would provide for my needs and make me content with what I have.
   Philippians 4:19 says: “And with all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs (GNTD).
2. Lord, bless my family. Help us cling to you when the future feels uncertain.
   Psalm 94:18-20 says: “I am falling”; but your constant love, O Lord, held me up. Whenever I am anxious and worried, you comfort me and make me glad (GNTD).
3. Lord, sometimes I lay awake at night, wondering how I’ll make ends meet. Please give me peace, even when money is tight.  
   John 14:27 says: “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid” (GNTD).
4. Lord, I want to honor you with my money. Make this my financial goal today and always.
   Matthew 6:31,33 says: “So do not start worrying: ‘Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes? …Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things” (GNTD).