How Prayer Helps with Overwhelm: Finding Peace in the Chaos

It’s 7:30 PM. Dinner dishes are piled high in the sink, Barbie accessories are scattered in every corner of the house, and my daughter is having a meltdown over homework. Again. I’m standing in the middle of chaos, staring at it all, completely paralyzed.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in the weigh of life’s demands, you’re not alone. Between work, family, finances, and the never-ending to-do list, I’ve been there—standing in that current, struggling to keep my head above water.

But here’s what I’ve discovered: how prayer helps with overwhelm is not by removing the chaos, but by calming the storm inside me so I can face it. That’s how prayer helps with overwhelm—it gives us a lifeline to connect with God when life feels impossible.

Let me tell you about the season I’m in right now. My husband and I both work full-time, and my daughter just started kindergarten this year—at the same school where I work. She’s tired and adjusting, which means we’ve been fighting battles over homework, bedtime, and everything in between.

On top of that, we’re barely scraping by financially, which means hiring help for the house isn’t an option. And let’s just say Barbie accessories and art supplies have invaded every room in my house. For someone with ADHD, walking into a messy house isn’t just frustrating—it’s paralyzing. I shut down.

Then there’s the emotional weight: my mom had a triple bypass surgery last month, right after my mother-in-law endured multiple heart surgeries earlier this year. My stress was already maxed out before I even tried to focus on the things I want to do—like working on this blog or creating resources to share my passion for helping others with overwhelm.

It feels like I’m a goldfish swimming upstream. But I’ve learned something profound: prayer slows the current and helps me find peace even when the chaos doesn’t disappear.

For me, prayer is like coming up for air when you’ve been swimming against a strong current. It doesn’t always change your circumstances, but it changes you.

Here’s how prayer helps with overwhelm:

• Prayer grounds you in God’s presence. When life feels chaotic, prayer reminds us that we’re not alone. It’s a moment to pause and connect with the One who has the strength we lack.
• Prayer gives clarity. When I’m overwhelmed, my thoughts feel like a tangled web. But when I pray, I’m able to sort through the noise and focus on what matters most.
• Prayer affirms God’s promises. Praying scripture, like Philippians 4:6-7 or Isaiah 41:10, reminds me of God’s peace, strength, and faithfulness.

Sometimes prayer is a simple conversation with God:

“Lord, I’m overwhelmed, and I don’t know what to do. Please give me peace and show me the next step.”

Other times, it’s opening my Bible and praying scriptures back to Him. And sometimes, it’s just sitting quietly and letting Him work in my heart.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, starting a prayer routine might feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. Here are three simple ways you can begin experiencing how prayer helps with overwhelm:

1. Set aside 10 minutes a day. This could be in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Consistency is more important than length—just start with a small, manageable step. If you’re not sure where to begin, you might find inspiration in my post on morning rituals to grow closer to God. It’s all about starting your day with intention and connecting with Him before the chaos begins.
2. Pray your own way. You can write your prayers in a journal, speak them out loud, or follow prewritten prayers. Don’t worry about getting it “right.” God just wants to hear from you.
3. Incorporate scripture. Memorizing or meditating on verses like Philippians 4:6-7 or Isaiah 41:10 can bring comfort and direction when life feels overwhelming.

I’ll be honest—I’m still figuring this out. There are days when I feel like I’m failing, drowning in responsibilities and unsure how to move forward. But one thing for sure is that prayer works.

When I pray, God gives me the strength to take the next step, even if it’s a small one. He meets me where I am, not where I think I should be. That’s the beauty of how prayer helps with overwhelm: it’s not about having all the answers but trusting the One who does.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to try it. Set aside a few minutes today to talk to God—He’s waiting to meet you in the mess.

Overwhelm may feel like an endless cycle, but through prayer, you can break free and find clarity, peace, and renewed strength. When life feels too heavy to handle, God’s Word reminds us that He is always near, ready to carry your burdens and give you rest.

If you’re wondering how to begin incorporating prayer into your daily life, don’t worry—you’re not alone. In my next post, I’ll share practical tips on starting a Bible-reading habit and prayer routine, even if you’ve never done it before or are restarting, like me.

In the meantime, I’d love to invite you to join the Shielded Society Waitlist. This community is for women who want to connect with others on their prayer journeys. When you purchase one of the Simply Shielded resources, such as the upcoming Simply Shielded Prayer Bible Guide, you’ll gain access to the Shielded Society, where you’ll receive support, encouragement, and guidance as you build your prayer life.

You can also stay updated on new posts and updates by following me on X (formerly Twitter). I’d love to continue supporting you on this journey!

You don’t have to face the struggles of life alone—let’s walk this journey together, hand-in-hand with God.