For much of my life, I was unaware that I was experiencing anxiety. Among other things, growing up, I was familiar with a knot in my stomach and a racing heart. Today, I can recognize these as warning signs spurring from uncertainty and resulting in anxiousness. I’m very grateful for a Christian counselor who has helped me to navigate these things and identify them for what they are.
If you experience anxiety, you know it can be a struggle to escape swirling thoughts in your mind. I’ve found that having Scriptures as a structure to pray can help me step out of the spiral my mind has started.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Heavenly Father, You are aware of all my needs. You know all my thoughts and words before they’re even said. I’m starting to feel the familiar pull of anxiety and worry. I know that You’re trustworthy. I know that You hold me in the palm of Your hands. Right now, I submit the things that I need before You. Whatever I lack, whatever I may need You to provide today, You are aware of them. I can look back throughout the rest of the moments I’ve needed You to come through and be reminded that You’ve never let me down. As I confess my needs to You, please bring a peace over my mind. Amen.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27 NLT
Lord, I know that Jesus told us that He has left us with the gift of peace. Remind me that I don’t have to be troubled or afraid when I face hardships and difficulties, because Your peace isn’t like the world’s. I know that I don’t need to have all the right answers or the perfect circumstances. I don’t need things to go like I think they should go for me to have peace. I’m asking You to slow my mind down even before I have the things I may think will bring me comfort. Please bring me peace right now, Lord. Amen.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. – 1 Peter 5:7 NLT
God, I choose to lay down every fear, worry, and anxious thought that is running through my mind. As I wrestle with these thoughts, I confess them to You. I lay them down right now. I trust that as I lay these thoughts down before You, that You are with me as I work through them. Reveal to me the reason that these things bring up anxiousness and fear. Show me the deep parts of my heart that need to be healed by Your Spirit. As You do this, remind me of Your nearness and Your comfort. Amen.
The LORD is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him. – Psalm 103:13 NLT
Heavenly Father, I am grateful that You’re tender and compassionate in times of need. As I wrestle through anxiousness, would You draw closer to me and remind me of the peace that I have in Your presence? You are my Father. Even if I don’t know what it’s like to have a physical father draw near to me in times when I need him, I know that You are the perfect Father who does. Lord, pour out Your presence over me. Bring me the assurance that You are with me. Show me right now how much You care for me. Calm my heart and remind me of Your nature during what I’m feeling. Thank You for being gentle and patient with me, God. Amen.
