Anxiety is a common experience today. And if you feel pulled in a million directions and you’re exhausted trying to keep it all going, there’s something powerful you can do to pause and get centered: pray.
When you’re facing anxiety, prayer can be an intentional way to get some peace and clarity. And praying regularly can help you learn to trust God with your worries and give up control.
There are very real reasons you might be experiencing anxiety. But we can only control so much—and then let God handle the rest. In fact, here’s what the Bible has to say about praying when you have anxiety:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
And we pray:
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 have laid out for me. Father, I ask in prayer that the peace You give, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my hearts and my minds in Christ Jesus, Amen.
Short Prayers for Anxiety
Here are a few short prayers for anxiety you can repeat whenever you feel overwhelmed or stressed.
Prayer for Confidence
Dear Lord, I’m declaring today that I will not live in a state of fear. I place all of my fears into Your hands and commit to trust Your plan. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
— Lysa Terkeurst
Prayer for Patience
Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things.Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.
— St. Teresa of Ávila
Prayer for Surrender
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 doand seek what you would do,and do that.Lift from us our need to achieve all that we can beand instead,surrender to what you can be in us.Give us ways to refrain from the busynessthat will put us on edge and off center,give us today your peace.
— Author Unknown
Prayer for 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.
— Author Unknown
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.