Prayer 16 of 35 · Psalm 86:1–7, 13–15
To Be Freed from Jealousy in Your Own Heart
The previous prayer dealt with other people's envy. This one is harder, because it deals with yours. Psalm 86 asks for something most of us never think to request: 'unite my heart to fear thy name.' A divided heart is exactly what jealousy is — genuinely glad and quietly resentful at the same time.
Bow down Your ear, O LORD, and hear me, for I am poor and needy. I confess the comparison I have been living with — the resentment I have dressed up as discernment, and the gladness I have faked. Great is Your mercy toward me; You have delivered my soul from the lowest hell, and I have nothing to protect. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Make me one thing. Let me rejoice honestly at another's increase, knowing my portion is measured by You and cannot be taken by anyone's success. You are a God full of compassion, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy — be that to me now. In Jesus' name. Amen.
- I declare my heart is united to fear the name of the Lord.
- I declare my portion is measured by God and no one else's increase diminishes it.
- I declare I rejoice honestly with those who rejoice.
Whenever the feeling surfaces. Name the person silently as you pray.
jealousyenvycomparisonheartrepentancecontentment