A Co-Dependent’s Holiday Prayer
As a recovering co-dependent, I cringe at the onset of holiday season. I know—I probably shouldn’t say that–after all, the holidays are a joyous time. We celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
That’s not the part that makes me cringe. It’s all the…
- Expectations.
- Hustle.
- Frenzy.
- Event after event after event.
Starting around Thanksgiving and through mid-January, stress and anxiety overwhelm me.
This year, I figured I would be proactive and pray continually. This is my…
Co-Dependent’s Holiday Prayer
Father, thank you for this joyous season.
Thank you for sending Jesus to die for me
So that I could live forever with you.
God, you know how anxious I get during the holidays.
Help me not to look for approval from anyone—
Not about presents, events I plan, events I attend,
Not even about the way my home should look.
Help me not to let anyone’s frenzy zap my serenity.
I might feel the urge to rescue others from their over-commitments, Lord.
Help me to restrain myself.
Help me not to try to please others by putting myself and my family on the backburner
While spending so much time on what others might want.
Lord, give me the freedom to let my family be themselves—
Not to control their behaviors and appearance.
Help me to be myself,
Regardless of what others might say or think.
Lord, help me to demonstrate the true meaning of giving—
Not giving to others as a way of gaining their approval and exceeding their expectations.
Open my eyes to my own feelings as they arise.
Help me to step aside and regain my focus as I need it.
Show me what I truly want this season—a simple life that celebrates You—
The greatest gift of all—Jesus.
Amen.
Come alongside… What part of my prayer resonated with you most? Will you share this prayer with others?
