Listen to even one televised news report and fear or anxiety may capture your thoughts and grip your heart. We do not overcome the effects of ‘the news’ by denying or ignoring the evil in our world that causes such intense emotions, but rather by applying scriptural truth to circumstances and responding biblically.
But it doesn’t take a newscast to stir up fear. The Bible says such temptation is “common” to mankind (1 Corinthians 10:13). Even the strongest Christ-followers can experience the temptation to fear and worry.
What does the Bible say about fear and anxiety; and what might we pray to the Lord based on those Scriptures that can help us exchange toxic emotions for God’s wondrous peace? Let's begin to pray these prayers for anxiety over our thoughts and exchange fear for peace. Feeling overcome with anxiety can be a difficult hole to dig yourself out of, especially if you are prone to panic attacks. And while scripture is not equivalent to speaking with a licensed professional, verses about anxiety can help give you peace of mind when your worries are fighting to take over your day. Incorporating a few short prayers for anxiety into your daily spiritual practice may be a helpful way to reconnect with God and remember that He is there with you to provide support and love when you feel alone.
1. A prayer to Remember: God is not the source of anxiety or fear.
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
See also Philippians 4:7.
Father God,
I know you are not the source of fear and anxiety. That is Satan’s realm, and he delights in causing your children pain. You do not torment us with worrisome thoughts or burden our hearts with fretfulness. You are the God of peace. You desire to give me power over my worries as I count on your love and trust in your sovereign care.
Help me remember, when fears and anxiety come knocking at my heart’s door, to answer with powerful Scripture—to remember you are a good God and faithful, and you will help me challenge my worries with life-building truth instead of destructive thoughts. Your peace will guard my heart and mind in Jesus’ name.
Again, reading Bible verses about depression or anxiety is not a psychological treatment that will get to the root cause of why you are feeling anxious. Speaking with your healthcare provider and insurance company to find a therapist near you can set you on a path towards delving further into your anxiety and learning coping mechanisms. That said, uplifting verses can still help you proceed on your path towards healing. Reading one or more of these short prayers for anxiety before bedtime may help quell any racing thoughts so you can get a better night's sleep. Surrounding yourself with the words of the Lord's followers can give you the encouragement you need to overcome the battle you are facing.
If you are looking for prayers for protection, or scripture to send to a friend struggling with a mental illness, these prayers for anxiety can be restorative to a mind overcome with worry. If you are experiencing a crisis, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness' (NAMI) helpline number: 1-800-950-6264.
2) Dear God,
I come before You to lay my panic and anxiety at Your feet. When I’m crushed by my fears and worries, remind me of Your power and Your grace. Fill me with Your peace as I trust in You and You alone. I know I can’t beat this on my own, but I also know that I have You, Lord, and You have already paid the ultimate price to carry my burdens.
For this I thank you, Amen.
3) A prayer to help when you feel fearful.
Dear Jesus, You are the strength of my life; You are my rock, my fortress and my protector; therefore, whom shall I be afraid? You are my shield, my strong-tower and my stronghold. I will call to You because You are worthy to be praised. So, Father, I thank you for being my strength and My God in whom I trust, Amen. — Psalm 27:1
4) A prayer to quell worry.
Heavenly Father,
When I feel crushed by my own worries,
Lift my mind and help me to see the truth.
When fear grips me tight and I feel I cannot move,
Free my heart and help me to take things one step at a time.
When I can’t express the turmoil inside,
Calm me with Your quiet words of love.
I choose to trust in You, each day, each hour, each moment of my life.
I know deep down that I in Your grace, forgiven, restored by Your sacrifice, You have set me free.
Amen.
5) A prayer for finding inner peace in times of conflict.
God, who is more than we can ever comprehend, help us to seek you, and you alone.
Help us to stand before all that we could do and seek what you would do, and do that.
Lift from us our need to achieve all that we can be and instead, surrender to what you can be in us.
Give us ways to refrain from the busyness that will put us on edge and off center, give us today your peace.
Loving God,
Please grant me peace of mind and calm my troubled heart. My soul is like a turbulent sea. I can't seem to find my balance so I stumble and worry constantly.
Give me the strength and clarity of mind to find my purpose and walk the path you've laid out for me. I trust your Love God, and know that you will heal this stress. Just as the sun rises each day against the dark of night.
Please bring me clarity with the light of God.
In your name I pray, Amen.
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