Can Prayer Help Us Overcome Pain and Achieve Success

Can Prayer
Help Us
Overcome Pain
and
Achieve Success?

By  Laurie Hunter

Updated January 26, 2026

Wondering how prayer can help you overcome anxiety, an unhealthy habit, or achieve a goal? Or, do you feel disconnected from God? I’ve learned how praying a certain way can help us prosper, resolve problems, and develop our relationship with God and others. I’ve adopted an acronym from Jane Fryar and have made it my own. And now, I want to share it with you, in case you’re hurting or could use some help achieving a meaningful goal.

Praise
First, think of three things you’re thankful for that happened to you in the last 24 hours. Even if terrible things happened, take a moment to thank God for three blessings.

Recall, Reconcile, Repair
Then, recall one thing you did that you shouldn’t have. What did you think, say, or do that wasn’t right? Ask for forgiveness and think about what you should have done or said instead. What would have been better? How and when will you repair and reconcile for it?

Ask
Next, ask for what you want. Don’t be shy. Don’t feel like you’re asking for too much. Want financial stability, meaningful career/school opportunities, respect, improved social/emotional/physical/mental health, or to be better understood by someone? Ask away.

More importantly, think about what you need to accomplish your goal. Would more effective tools, communication, or instruction help you get what you’re asking for? Need more energy? If so, then pray for effective tools, skills, instruction, or energy. Or, ask God how you can make better use of your time, materials, connections, or resources. Or, pray for heightened awareness to see God’s signs and opportunities…or for the courage and discipline to help you make better choices that will bring you closer to your goal. Or, ask God to help you build character (forgiveness, fortitude, motivation, courage, strength, tech-savviness).

Afterward, think of how getting what you want will help God and others. Sometimes people are mentally hindered from reaching a goal because, deep inside, they may feel they are being selfish. Vanquish that by acknowledging how getting what you want could benefit someone else.

Yield
Lastly, give it up to God. “Thy will be done.” And then listen.

Many of us think praying is simply asking God for what we need and desire. And when those things we prayed for don’t happen, we may lose faith in prayer. I think that when we pray, if we skip the “Praise,” “Recall, Reconcile, and Repair,” and just “Ask” for what we want, we are not building a relationship with God. Instead, we are being like a child or teen who talks to a parent only when they want something. If you were a parent, how would you like for your children to talk to you only when they want something? And how would you feel if they never say thank you or give you credit for the good you do?

God is the ultimate parent. Praise and thank him always. Recall, Reconcile, and Repair. Ask away, giving your troubles and dreams to God. Yield to the wisest and most loving parent there is by listening, being patient, understanding, and trusting.

No one is immune to pain, anxiety, tribulations, and loneliness. But there is power in prayer. May PRAYing help you find the calm amid a storm or God’s presence when all seems lost. May it develop your relationship with God and lead you to many successes and much joy!