Prayers for Anxiety
When your mind won't slow down, it can be hard to find words. These prayers are short and honest. Read one slowly, or pray it out loud.
If anxiety is affecting your sleep, work or relationships for weeks, please also talk to a doctor or counsellor. Prayer and good care go together.
When worry won't stop
Lord, my thoughts are running ahead of me again. I can't hold all of this, so I'm handing it to You, one thing at a time. You said to cast all my care on You because You care for me (1 Peter 5:7). Help me believe that right now. Slow my breathing. Quiet my mind. Amen.
Father, I keep imagining the worst. Bring me back to today, to this room, to this breath. Tomorrow belongs to You. Give me what I need for the next hour, and help me trust You with the rest. Amen.
God, I don't even know exactly what I'm afraid of. You know. Search my heart and bring Your peace into the places I can't name. Amen.
Jesus, You said, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:27). My heart is troubled. Speak peace to it the way You spoke to the storm. Amen.
Before something hard
Lord, I'm walking into something that scares me. Go before me. Give me clear thinking, steady hands and the right words. Whatever happens, remind me that I'm still Yours. Amen.
Father, before this appointment, I ask for calm. Help me listen carefully, ask what I need to ask, and leave the outcome with You. Amen.
God, I've prepared as well as I can. Now I give You the result. Help me do my best and rest in Your care. Amen.
At night when I can't sleep
Lord, it's late and my mind is loud. You neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:4), so I don't have to keep watch tonight. I hand You every worry on my list. Let me rest. Amen.
Father, I lay down the conversations, the bills and the what-ifs. They'll still be there in the morning, and so will You. Give me sleep. Amen.
Jesus, be near me in the dark. Slow my heart, loosen my shoulders and let my last thought tonight be of You. Amen.
Short breath prayers
Breathe in: “Be still.” Breathe out: “And know that You are God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Breathe in: “The Lord is my shepherd.” Breathe out: “I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)
Breathe in: “When I am afraid,” Breathe out: “I will trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3)
Lord, this moment is Yours.
Jesus, carry what I can't.
Father, give me peace for the next five minutes.
For someone I love who's anxious
Lord, You see how much my friend is carrying. Wrap them in Your peace. Show me how to help without trying to fix everything. Amen.
Father, comfort my child tonight. Quiet their fears and help them feel safe. Give me patience and gentle words. Amen.
God, be close to the one I love who is struggling. Bring them people who care, good help and rest. Let them know they are not alone. Amen.
More prayer collections
Questions
What is a short prayer for anxiety?
A breath prayer works well: breathe in on “Be still,” and out on “and know that You are God” (Psalm 46:10). Repeat it slowly a few times.
What Bible verse helps with anxiety?
Many people turn to Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7 and Isaiah 41:10. The prayers above include several of them.
Can I share these prayers?
Yes. Copy or share any prayer freely with friends, family or your church.