I so often feel blindsided by bad days. When I wake up in the morning, everything may seem normal: I wake up early and go for a run, my train arrives on time, my co-workers smile and greet me as I walk into my office.

But then something unexpected happens. I return from work to find a $300 ticket on my windshield. A close friend lets me down. My landlord delivers an irritated email about my rent, which I neglected to pay. A co-worker shares a discouraging comment about a project.  

I never expect these days to turn sour so quickly. But then, without warning, everything changes.  I feel angry, irritated, anxious and bitter as I begin to process my unexpected frustrations.  

Can you relate? Maybe, just like me, you woke up and expected another routine day. You planned to come home from work, kick up your feet and watch TV. But before you had a chance to relax, your day spiraled out of control. Life dragged you down, leaving you stuck in wake of confusion and disappointment.

In these moments, when the weight of my day, my week or even my month feels unbearable, I call out to the Lord for peace. I seek his Word for encouragement. And I trust in him for the strength to endure another day. Will you join me?

These four prayers will get you started:

1. Lord, help me rely on you when I feel defeated.  
   We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed. - 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (GNTD)
2. Lord, help me feel your peace when I feel unsettled.  
   May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.– Romans 15:13 (GNTD)
3. Lord, give me strength when I want to give up.
   But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.– Isaiah 40:31 (GNTD)
4. Lord, give me rest when I feel exhausted.
   Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.– Matthew 11:28-29 (GNTD)