All Nations Community Church · Leeds
Tell God what you feel and let his wisdom shape what you do next.
Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane holds deep distress together with surrender to the Father. Hebrews also describes his cries and tears. We can bring strong feelings into prayer and ask God to shape our response. James invites examination of our motives, and Romans gives hope that God is at work as we walk with him.
Read and reflect on Scripture
Read slowly and consider each passage in its biblical setting. The full Bible passages are included here to help you stay with the guide.
Matthew 26:39
World English Bible British Edition
39 He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire.”
Galatians 5:19
World English Bible British Edition
19 Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness,
Read this with the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit in the rest of the chapter.
Hebrews 5:7–10
World English Bible British Edition
7 He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,
8 though he was a Son, yet learnt obedience by the things which he suffered.
9 Having been made perfect, he became to all of those who obey him the author of eternal salvation,
10 named by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
James 4:1–3
World English Bible British Edition
1 Where do wars and fightings amongst you come from? Don’t they come from your pleasures that war in your members?
2 You lust, and don’t have. You murder and covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask.
3 You ask, and don’t receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
1 John 5:3
World English Bible British Edition
3 For this is loving God, that we keep his commandments. His commandments are not grievous.
Philippians 2:8
World English Bible British Edition
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross.
Romans 8:27–28
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27 He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God.
28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Genesis 32:24, 27–30
World English Bible British Edition
24 Jacob was left alone, and wrestled with a man there until the breaking of the day.
27 He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob”.
28 He said, “Your name will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
29 Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” He said, “Why is it that you ask what my name is?” So he blessed him there.
30 Jacob called the name of the place Peniel; for he said, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”
Create room between a feeling and a response
Use three sentences: I feel…; I wish…; The response I am considering is…. This helps distinguish a genuine feeling from the action it urges. Ask whether the response would express truth, kindness and integrity. You can ask God to change a circumstance while also asking for help with your own conduct. Tears and anger do not make prayer unacceptable, and emotional numbness is not proof that you lack faith. Take time when you need it. If a conversation is heated, a pause, a trusted listener or a later discussion may help you respond with greater care.
Four prayer starters
Use these prayers as a starting point, then add words of your own.
Perception
What am I noticing?
Father, help me name what I feel without hiding it or treating it as the whole truth.
Process
How am I understanding it?
God, give me space to consider my response and examine the desires beneath it.
Purpose
What matters before God?
Jesus, let love and integrity shape my choices while I bring you my pain and longing.
Path
What is my next faithful step?
Lord, help me pause, seek wise support and take the action that reflects your character today. Amen.
Put it into practice today
- Complete the three sentences about feeling, longing and possible response.
- Read Matthew 26:39, noticing both Jesus’ request and his surrender.
- Pray specifically about the desire behind your preferred outcome.
- Choose a pause or a helpful conversation before an impulsive response.
- Take one action consistent with kindness and truth, then review it with patience.
Questions for reflection or a small group
- What feeling do I need to name honestly?
- What response is that feeling urging me towards?
- What would truth and love require in this situation?
Discuss the Bible and the questions at your own pace. Sharing personal experiences is optional.
Continue with related ANCC guides
We can pray with you
You can ask for prayer or speak with someone about faith and the questions you are carrying.