Prayer for anxiety
Anxiety can make prayer feel impossible, because your mind will not slow down long enough to form words. These prayers for anxiety are short on purpose. Pray them slowly, with your breathing, and let them do the work your racing thoughts cannot.
Prayers to pray now
A breath prayer for anxiety
Breathe in: "Lord, You are with me." Breathe out: "I give You my fear." Repeat as long as you need.
A full prayer for anxiety
Father, my heart is anxious and my thoughts will not settle. You told me not to be anxious about anything, but to bring everything to You with thanksgiving. So here it is.
I give You the worry about my health, my money, my family and the future. I name each one, and I set it down.
Thank You that You care for me. Guard my heart and mind with Your peace, the kind that does not make sense on paper. Help me live this hour, not next month.
When the fear comes back, and it may, remind me I can bring it back to You. In Jesus' name, amen.
A prayer during a panic attack
Jesus, I am here. You are here. I am safe in Your hands. Slow my heart. Amen.
A prayer for anxiety about the future
Lord, I keep trying to live in a tomorrow that has not arrived. Help me trust You with the future and meet You in today. Amen.
A prayer for anxiety at night
God, I cannot fix any of this tonight. I cast all my cares on You because You care for me. Give me sleep. Amen.
When and how to pray this
When anxiety rises, slow down before you pray. Take three slow breaths, then use the breath prayer above. Short, repeated prayers are an old Christian practice and are especially helpful when your thoughts are scattered.
On calmer days, pray Philippians 4:6-7 slowly and name your worries one by one. Prayer is a real comfort, and it works alongside good care. If anxiety is affecting your daily life, please also talk with a doctor or counselor. If you are in crisis in the U.S., call or text 988.
Bible verses to pray
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (KJV)
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)
Questions people ask
What is a good prayer for anxiety?
A short prayer you can repeat, such as "Lord, You are with me; I give You my fear," often helps most when your mind is racing. On calmer days, pray Philippians 4:6-7 and give God your worries by name.
What does the Bible say about anxiety?
Philippians 4:6-7 invites us to bring every worry to God in prayer with thanksgiving and promises His peace. 1 Peter 5:7 says to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us.
Can prayer help with anxiety?
Many people find prayer calming and grounding. It works alongside, not instead of, professional care. If anxiety is affecting your daily life, talk with a doctor or counselor too.
Is it a sin to feel anxious?
Feeling anxious is a human experience, and Scripture is full of people who brought their fear to God. The invitation is not to pretend you are fine, but to bring the anxiety to Him.