10 Prayers for Anxiety

How to Approach Anxiety Through the Lens of Scripture

This world is broken and full of uncertainties. Sometimes those unknowns can grab ahold of our hearts and minds and send us into a spiral of anxious thoughts. The good news is that those in Christ are never alone in these moments, and we have an ever-present help for our time of trouble. If we struggle with long-term clinical anxiety, it does us good to prepare for it, so we know how to approach it when those times come. Below are several Scripture-based prayers to encourage you and keep handy for difficult moments. The included Scriptures are also beneficial for memorization in preparation for these moments of trouble.

Gracious Father, I never knew I had a place to lay my burdens until I heard about You. I’ve been trying to do this for so long, and I’m ready to stop trying to go it alone. Please strengthen me to give this all over to You. It will be challenging, but You are more than enough for my needs. Thank You for caring so much, Jesus. Amen.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.

– 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

Dear Lord, there’s so much going on. My mind and heart feel like they’re being pulled in a hundred different directions, and I’m left trying to keep everything going on my own. I honestly don’t know what to do right now other than come to You and just collapse into Your arms. I need Your help right now. Please take all these anxious thoughts and refocus my mind and attention onto You, sweet Jesus, my Savior. I know You have everything I need. Amen.

"So don’t worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."

– Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

God, You know I’m very discouraged right now. I’m anxious, frustrated, and quite frankly, I feel stuck here. Yet, I know that You have better in store for me and have provided hope and courage to push on through. I also know that You know I need time to rest in You and soak in the peace that only comes from You. If you call me to be strong, I know You will strengthen me. If You tell me to be courageous, I know You will provide that courage, so I’m going to say “Thank You” to You, even as I’m waiting to see this all work through. I choose to praise You, even now, when it’s hard. Thank You, Jesus!

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

– Joshua 1:9 NLT

Dear God, I need You right now. My heart feels like it’s being torn and twisted. My mind is overloaded, and I can barely think to pray right now. I am desperate for relief, and I know that You alone can bring it. I’m isolated, and I feel it. Please strengthen me to seek help, call out to friends, and cling to my church community, even though it feels so hard to do that. I know I need them, and I need You. I want to hear that song of love and rescue in my heart, I know You are near, but my anxiety makes me feel alone. Please overcome my fears and help me hear Your love song over me. Jesus, I love you, and I choose to trust You even now. Amen.

On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, "Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid!" For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

– Zephaniah 3:16-17 NLT

Heavenly Father, there are troubles around me that leave me anxious and fearful. People around me are causing distress, and I feel I can’t get away from them. Their words linger in my ears and heart, and I think of the pressure of their expectations even when I’m not around them. But God, I know that You are my helper. You guide me through these difficult days and situations. As I read Your Word and spend time praying with You, I find myself refreshed, sustained, and championed by You. My heart lies to me and tells me it’s hopeless, but Your word is accurate. I’m trusting You to see me through all of this. Thank You, Jesus, for loving me when I’m hurting and protecting me from fear. Amen.

So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?"

– Hebrews 13:6 NLT

Dear Lord, Thank You for always being there for me. I’ve seen You do it time and time again. And even though this moment feels difficult, I know You will see me through. I have faith in Your unfailing love; despite my circumstances, You are always good. Thank You for loving me and for Your promises that sustain me in the grace You provide through Jesus’s sacrifice. I choose to praise You, Lord, even in my struggle. This is right and good. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, "We have defeated him!" Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall. But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.

– Psalm 13:4-5 NLT

Heavenly Father, trusting You in the middle of a storm can be difficult. You know my heart. You know my struggles. You know my fears. Thank You for the reminders that these are all “light and momentary troubles” (2 Corinthians 4:17) and that there is rest in You yet to come. You promised a place with You, Jesus, a place for me to enjoy Your presence, and an eternal home that You have provided. My anxieties are real enough today, but they aren’t forever. Thank You for being The Way to Peace, Jesus. Amen.

"Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me. There is more than enough room in My Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going."

– John 14:1-4 NLT

Heavenly Father, I just want to pause and think about You. Your mercy sustains me. Your truth guides me. Your promises encourage me. Your love surrounds me. Your grace redeems me. Your wisdom instructs me. Your compassion heals me. This remembrance is for Your glory and for my good. As I think about You, Lord, and the longer I think about You, the more I see and feel Your peace at work in me. Thank You for drawing my mind to You, keeping me from my fears, and restoring my strength. Amen.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD God is the eternal Rock.

– Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT

Father, I did it again. I made plans and set my expectations high. But unfortunately, I got in over my head, and now I am left spinning. I should have brought it all to You first and asked You for wisdom. I don’t know why I do this, but I’m so thankful that You are always there to help me. So, allow me to rest in You, just laying my will aside in favor of following Yours. Amen.

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

– Proverbs 19:21 NLT

Holy Father, as I am drawn to focus on my anxieties, I know I need to focus on You instead. I don’t want my fears and troubles to ever take Your place on the throne of my heart. So, help me with Your strength, God, to praise You right where I am, and help me keep my eyes on You. This world and everything in it belong to You. There is nothing outside of Your control. Even if I cannot understand it all, You are always sovereign. Thank You for Your patience with me, Jesus. Amen.

"You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased."

– Revelation 4:11 NLT

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How to Approach Anxiety Through the Lens of Scripture

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