I have a friend with a knack for “rolling with the punches.” Life has thrown him some jabs—job and financial struggles, the divorce of his parents, health concerns for his spouse—but he never stops smiling. Every time he faces a stressful situation, he shrugs his shoulders and says, “That’s the way it goes.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m not quite this good at managing stress. My anxiety often builds for days until I simply can’t take it anymore. Overwhelmed and annoyed, I frantically try to overcome my stress by crossing every item off my to-do list. But this process—stressful in and of itself—rarely solves the problem.

At the end of the day, I’m often left sitting on the couch in a daze.  I just want a more peaceful life, I think to myself.

Maybe you’re like me, and stress sends you into a problem-solving frenzy. Maybe you completely shut down and spend hours watching TV. Maybe you call out sick from work and spend the day in bed, fighting back tears.

Regardless of your response, you’re left feeling anxious, overwhelmed and afraid. You desperately want an escape from your chaotic life. But you don’t know how to get there.

In these moments, I encourage you to rely on God for peace and rest. And I encourage you to meditate on God’s Word for hope. These four prayers will get you started:

Lord, I’m tired of fighting stress. Give me rest today.

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.”– Matthew 11:28-29 (GNTD)

Lord, I long for a more peaceful life. Fill my heart with your peace today.

“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.”– John 14:27 (GNTD)

Lord, I’m feeling anxious and afraid. Help me to put my trust in you.

Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to him, “You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust.”– Psalm 91:1-2 (GNTD)

Lord, I know I can find hope in you. Give me joy, hope and peace today.

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)