We all know how it feels when something precious to us gets broken. Maybe there is some cherished memory, friend, object, or relationship that seems to disintegrate for no reason. Perhaps you felt as if something got broken in your life – either something within you or something in your circumstances?

When this happens, we often develop destructive habits, like emotional eating, as a reaction to brokenness. We do it hoping that such an unfamiliar habit can soothe our hurt feelings. And perhaps it does relieve the pain or grief for a little while – making us forget the brokenness. But sooner or later, those jagged pieces “cut” us again.

Before we know it, we get caught up in a destructive cycle; trying to escape that pain of brokenness to that something we hope will make us feel whole.

King David described this feeling well in Psalm 38:8:

“I am exhausted and completely crushed.

My groans come from an anguished heart” (New Living Translation NLT).

If you feel something broken in your life keeps driving you back to harmful behavior, here’s a prayer I read that may help you start the healing process.

This prayer contains the thoughts of two scriptures:

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a repentant spirit” (Psalm 34:18). New Living Translation

God is high and lifted up. He lives forever. His name is holy. He says, “I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are humble and sorry for their sins. I will give new life to those who are humble in spirit. I will give new life to those who are sorry for their sins” (Isaiah 57:15). Easy to Read Version.

To receive the Lord’s help when you are broken is to first recognize that you cannot repair yourself.

Many people are enslaved to corroding habits because they refuse to admit they need help. Their pride prevents them from doing so.

They treasure having a “golden image” of self-sufficiency and looking strong before others while falling apart inside. Yet, underneath it all, they live under the fear of being “found out.”

But freedom and healing will come when you cease worshipping the ego’s golden image and get real. You agree with God that destructive habit is not good. You are ready to submit your heart to Him for healing so you can be truly whole. It is of no benefit to you and may result in more brokenness.

Here is a prayer for you:

“Gracious Heavenly Father, in the compassionate name of Jesus, I am so grateful to you that You saved me from my sins! You said my sinful tendencies should have no dominion over me, for I am not under law but grace. I need your blessing so I can walk in freedom every day.

You welcome those who have a broken spirit and a broken and repentant heart. So, heavenly Father, let me come boldly into your throne room and stay there to receive Your mercy and to find grace to help me in my time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Lord, I am weak and broken in my heart, mind, soul, and body.

I recognize You as the One who heals the brokenhearted and binds up our wounds. I honor You as the Repairer of the Breach. Make me whole in You. Fill me with your comfort and your peace.

I am Your child, Your handiwork. I renounce the broken cisterns I’ve run dry in my life, those worthless things that can hold no water. Instead, I turn to You in my brokenness, the Fountain of Living Waters. You promised that those who come to You would have access to an everlasting spring – waters that will never fail. These waters will revive me and refresh others.

I believe Your word. Each day, perfect me in Your love. I know it is only Your perfect love that will cast out fear. As You heal me, make me a channel of blessing so that I may share with others the healing that You have worked out in me.

Thank You for saving me, Lord. Thank You for giving me a new vision beyond my pain, a new life that is complete – one that is healthy, healed, and whole in You!”

In Jesus’ name. Amen.