16 Prayers for Anxiety to Calm Fears and Worries

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Turn to God and your faith to ease anxious thoughts

Co-authored by Olivia Woodford and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: January 8, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Prayers for Anxiety
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• How to Pray
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• What God Says About Anxiety
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• Other Ways to Cope

|Show more |Show less

As a Christian, the Lord is your shepherd, but sometimes following His path can be difficult, especially if you’re anxious. Anxiety can lead you astray, leaving you stressed and fearful. But remember, God is here for you. Take a look at these prayers to help ease anxiety and stress. Talking to God may be exactly what you need to find peace.

A Prayer for Calmness When Anxious

Dear Lord, please grant me peace and clarity tonight. I feel as though I’m wading through water, stranded in a raging ocean. Give me the strength to keep afloat, clear my mind, and ease my troubled heart. Amen.

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Section 1 of 4:

Prayers for Anxiety

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1. 
   1
   Prayer to Heal Stress 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.
2. 2
   Prayer to Release Stress Lord, hear my releasing stress prayers. Be my Good Shepherd and lay me down in green pastures and still waters. Let your truth be my guide and help me abide in your forever. Amen.
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   Prayer for Anxious Times Lord, may your presence and consolation bring me joy and calm my mind amid the stress, sorrow, and chaos of life. Amen.
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   Prayer for Depression Father, my heart is heavy. I feel like I have to carry the burden alone. Words like overwhelmed, distraught, and exhausted seem to describe where I am. I am not sure how to let you carry my heavy load, so please show me how. Take it from me. Let me rest and be refreshed so that my heart won’t be so heavy in the morning. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. 5
   Prayer for Difficult Times 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.
6. 6
   Prayer for Anxiety at Night Watch over me, God, body and soul. Stay beside me through the night. Protect me from harm. Banish my fears. Send me dreams that are sweet, fill my heart with Your peace, and set my mind at ease. And, at first light, please, restore me to new life. Amen.
7. 7
   Prayer to Let Go Heavenly Father, lately, I’ve been so worried about things that are out of my control. Help me to trust that you are working every little detail of my life out and that I have nothing to fear or worry about. In Jesus’s name, amen.
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   Prayer to Worry Less Dear Lord, When my mind starts going down the road of worry, guide me back to your path of peace. Remind me that you are not bound by time. You have been in my past, you are in my present, and you’re already in my future. Whatever I have to walk through, you’re already there. You know it. You are sovereign over it. I have nothing to worry about. I lay all my worries into your capable hands. Help me not to reclaim them. Amen.
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   Prayer to Overcome Fear Fill me with compassion, God. Let me transform these doubts of mine into acts of goodness and charity. Calm my fears, God. Remind me that I am vital, that I am needed, that I matter, that I am loved.
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    Prayer for Calmness Almighty God, I bless you with my life. I thank you for the blessings you have given me and the love you show me. I trust in you, Lord, and I ask you to guide my path. I am undergoing a new season of life—one of great excitement and great worry. Bless me with a quiet mind and deliver me from fear. Let me cultivate gratitude and give thanks every day. Let me stay calm and face my new season with an open mind. Let your angels of peace stay by my side. In your so, Lord Jesus Christ's name, amen.
11. 11
    Prayer for Trust Father, in the midst of my stress and panic, please open my eyes. Show me what You are doing. Remind me that You are greater than all those who are against me. Help me see where You are at work, and give me Your joy and encouragement. In the Name of Jesus, who is for me, I make this prayer, amen.
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    12
    Prayer for Joy Lord God, in the midst of trials and challenges, I cling to the joy of the Lord as my strength. It is easy to be happy when the skies are clear, and the path is smooth, but I know that true joy is most evident in the midst of storms. Help me to embrace the trials of life not as burdens but as opportunities to see Your power and grace at work. Remind me that every challenge is a chance to experience the wonderful joy that comes from trusting in You.
13. 13
    Prayer for Peace God who is with me, bring to my mind previous times of fear and worry and how I have overcome similar challenges before by Your Spirit. Lead me beside still waters. Slow my racing thoughts. Bring me back to this present moment. Don’t abandon me in my anxiety. While I do not yet know the outcome, I know You have a good plan for my life and for my work. Help me to trust in Your provision, and may that trust begin to take up more space in my heart and mind. Equip me with the patience, energy, persistence, and courage I need to do this work and remind me of Your love for me. Amen.
14. 14
    Prayer for Strength Heavenly Father, thank You for being an overcoming God! I know I can take heart because You have overcome the world. Empower me to rise above my circumstances. Help me cast my anxiety on You because You care for me. Give me Your power to overcome. Thank You for giving me the victory! In Jesus’ Name, amen.
15. 15
    Prayer for Protection Grant, O Lord, thy protection and in protection, strength. And in strength, understanding. And in understanding, knowledge. And in knowledge, the knowledge of justice. And in the knowledge of justice, the love of it. And in the love of it, the love of all existences. And in that love, the love of spirit and all creation.
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    Prayer for Courage I know that worrying gets me nowhere. Yet, I still allow worry and anxiety to consume me. In times such as these, Lord, I ask you to grant me a great amount of strength, faith, and courage to fight off the doubt and fear within my mind. Faith casts out fear, while fear casts out faith.
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Pray When You’re Anxious

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1. 
   1
   Greet the Lord. The first step to starting your prayer is to address God. You might start formally with “Dear Lord” or “Almighty God,” or perhaps you begin with a more nonchalant opening like “Hi God.” Think of it like beginning a letter or conversation with a loved one.

   • You can pray out loud or in your head. No matter what, God will hear you.
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   Tell God what’s troubling you. Now it’s time to open up. Remember, God is your friend—He loves and cares about you. Tell Him everything that’s on your mind. What do you need help with? How can He guide you?

   • For example, you could say, “I’m really worried about passing my science exam. I want to get into a good college. I know I can do it, and I know you’ll guide me down the path that’s best for me, but I can’t help but be fearful. Please help me find peace and ease my worries.”
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   3
   Thank the Lord for His blessings. Before you close your prayer, think of at least one thing you can thank God for. There’s always something to be thankful for, even when you’re anxious or going through a hard time. This shows the Lord that you appreciate Him.

   • For instance, you might say, “Thank you for giving me the strength to ask you for guidance,” or “I’m grateful for all the opportunities you send my way.”
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Olivia Woodford

   Holy Bible Expert

   Olivia Woodford is a Holy Bible Expert and the Founder of Bible Women Speak. Olivia has been teaching biblical stories of women through theater since 1992. She is a member of Biblical Storytellers International and has performed at and hosted learning retreats with churches, schools, and women's groups of all denominations throughout the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Olivia has a BFA in Theater Arts from Boston University.

   

   Olivia Woodford
   Holy Bible Expert

   Nothing you thank the Lord for is too small. Thank God for whatever you’re grateful for—the air you breathe, the beauty of flowers, the food you eat, etc. Show how much you appreciate the world you live in.
4. 
   4
   Close the prayer with “Amen.” Say goodbye to the Lord by saying “amen” once you’ve finished your prayer. This closes your conversation with God. Think of it like saying “See you later!” to a friend.
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Section 3 of 4:

What does God say about anxiety?

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1. 
   God says anxiety can be overcome with faith. Anxiety appears many times in the Bible, with notable figures like Jacob and Esther experiencing anxiety. God does not deny anxious thoughts, but He does say that faith in Him is the one and only cure. To feel more at peace, the Bible recommends putting God first, acknowledging your sins, and having faith. You can count on the Lord to provide everything you need—He will guide you.

   • As Matthew 6:33 states, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
   • Use Philippians 4:6-7 as your guide: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
   • Remember Psalm 68:20: “Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.”
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Olivia Woodford

   Holy Bible Expert

   Olivia Woodford is a Holy Bible Expert and the Founder of Bible Women Speak. Olivia has been teaching biblical stories of women through theater since 1992. She is a member of Biblical Storytellers International and has performed at and hosted learning retreats with churches, schools, and women's groups of all denominations throughout the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Olivia has a BFA in Theater Arts from Boston University.

   

   Olivia Woodford
   Holy Bible Expert

   God is always answering your prayers. Continue to praise and pray to God, no matter what. Even in difficult times, He’s listening.

Section 4 of 4:

Other Ways to Cope with Anxiety

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1. 
   1
   Take a break and count to 10. Sometimes, taking a step back and refocusing your attention can help you calm anxious thoughts and feelings. When the anxiety starts to build, pause, slowly count to 10, and take some deep breaths.
2. 
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   Practice a healthy lifestyle. Keeping your body healthy can help you feel happier. Focus on eating a balanced diet full of veggies, fruits, and whole grains. Aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Exercise regularly with an activity you enjoy, like yoga, walking, swimming, or cycling.
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   3
   Learn your triggers. Knowing what causes you to feel anxious or stressed can help you develop and use your coping strategies. Think about moments where you felt anxious or uneasy. Do these moments have something in common?

   • Try writing in a journal whenever you feel anxious or depressed. Not only can this help you keep track of your mood and triggers, but it can also help you sort through your thoughts.
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   4
   Ask for help. There’s no shame in needing a little extra help, especially when it comes to your mental health. Talk to a licensed therapist or counselor for additional support. They’ll be able to provide you with personalized coping strategies to help you overcome anxious thoughts.

   • Therapy comes in all types of forms—there’s something out there for everyone.
   • A therapist or counselor may also be able to prescribe medication if they believe it’ll help you manage anxiety or depression.
   • See a doctor or therapist right away if you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions.
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