Prayer for Anxiety: Ready-to-Use Prayers for Worried Hearts
Prayer for anxiety is a spiritual practice that helps manage overwhelming worry, fear, and stress by connecting with God through conversation, Scripture, and intentional surrender. It’s not a magic formula, but it’s a proven way to shift your focus from spiraling thoughts to divine peace.
Here’s what Scripture says: anxiety isn’t a sin, and it doesn’t mean your faith is broken. God invites us to bring our fears to Him. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Below, you’ll find prayers you can use right now—no matter what’s causing your anxiety.
Quick Bible Verses for Anxious Moments
- Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Psalm 94:19 – “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
- Matthew 6:34 – “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
- 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Breath Prayers (When You Can Barely Think)
Use these short, rhythmic prayers while breathing. Perfect for panic attacks when forming complete sentences feels impossible.
Inhale: “Lord Jesus Christ” / Exhale: “Have mercy on me”
Inhale: “You are with me” / Exhaale: “I am not alone”
Inhale: “Peace” / Exhale: “Be still”
Inhale: “I trust You” / Exhale: “I let go”
Inhale: “You’ve got this” / Exhale: “I release control“
Morning Prayers for Anxiety
When You Wake Up Already Worried
“God, I’m starting this day already feeling overwhelmed. Before my feet hit the floor, I’m thinking about everything that could go wrong. Would You quiet my mind? Help me take this day one moment at a time. I can’t do this alone, but I don’t have to. You’re with me. Amen.”
For a Stressful Day Ahead
“Father, I can see everything I have to do today, and I’m already exhausted. Give me Your strength, not mine. Help me prioritize what truly matters and let go of what doesn’t. When I feel overwhelmed, remind me to pause and breathe. Walk with me through every hour. Amen.”
Simple Morning Surrender
“Lord, I give You this day before it even begins. My anxiety wants to control every outcome, but I choose to trust You instead. Help me. Amen.”
Prayers During Panic Attacks
When Your Heart Is Racing
“Jesus, I’m scared. My heart is racing and I can’t breathe right. This feeling won’t last forever, even though it feels like it will. Stay with me. Remind me I’m safe. Help me breathe. You are here. You are near. Amen.”
When You Feel Like You’re Losing Control
“God, I feel like I’m spiraling. My body is in panic mode and my mind won’t cooperate. I can’t fix this on my own. Hold me together when I’m falling apart. Speak peace to my nervous system. Remind me this will pass. Amen.”
Ultra-Short Panic Prayer
“Jesus, help. I’m drowning. Breathe with me. Amen.”
Bedtime Prayers for Anxious Thoughts
When Your Mind Won’t Shut Off
“Father, my mind won’t shut off. I keep replaying conversations, worrying about tomorrow, imagining worst-case scenarios. I give You permission to guard my sleep. Remind me that You don’t sleep—You’ve got this while I rest. Let me wake up with renewed strength. Amen.”
For Racing Thoughts at Night
“God, I’m exhausted but my brain won’t stop. Every time I close my eyes, the worry starts again. Would You quiet these thoughts? I’m laying down every fear, every what-if, every worst-case scenario at Your feet. I can’t carry them into sleep. You take them. Amen.”
Simple Sleep Prayer
“Lord, I’m choosing to rest. You’ve got tomorrow. Guard my sleep and my mind. Amen.”
Prayers for Specific Anxiety Situations
Social Anxiety Prayer
“God, I’m about to walk into a room full of people and everything in me wants to run. Calm my racing thoughts. Help me remember that You see me, value me, and are pleased with me—regardless of how this social interaction goes. Give me confidence that comes from You, not from others’ approval. Amen.”
Health Anxiety Prayer
“Lord, my mind is convinced something’s terribly wrong with my body. I’ve spiraled into worst-case scenarios, and now I’m consumed with fear. You know my body better than any doctor. You know every cell. Would You speak peace to my worried mind? Give me wisdom to seek medical help if I need it, but free me from constant fear. Amen.”
Work/School Anxiety Prayer
“Father, I’m overwhelmed by deadlines, expectations, and pressure to perform. I’m afraid of failing, of not being good enough, of letting people down. Remind me that my worth isn’t in my productivity—it’s in You. Help me do my best and trust You with the results. Amen.”
Financial Anxiety Prayer
“God, I’m scared about money. The bills are piling up, and I don’t see a way forward. You promise to provide for Your children. I’m choosing to believe that, even when my bank account says otherwise. Give me wisdom, open doors I can’t see, and peace that doesn’t make logical sense. Amen.”
Relationship Anxiety Prayer
“Lord, I’m anxious about this relationship. I’m worried about conflict, rejection, or saying the wrong thing. Help me communicate with grace. Give me courage to be honest and humble enough to listen. Remind me that You love me regardless of how this conversation goes. Amen.”
Parenting Anxiety Prayer
“Father, I’m terrified I’m messing up my kids. Every decision feels huge, and I’m second-guessing everything. Would You give me wisdom? Remind me that You love them even more than I do, and You’re not expecting me to be perfect. Help me parent from rest, not fear. Amen.”
Decision-Making Anxiety Prayer
“God, I have to make a decision and I’m paralyzed by fear of choosing wrong. My mind keeps spinning through every possible outcome. Would You give me clarity? Show me the next right step, even if I can’t see the whole path. I trust that You’ll redirect me if I get off course. Amen.”
World Events/News Anxiety Prayer
“Lord, the news is overwhelming. There’s so much suffering, conflict, and uncertainty in the world. I feel helpless and scared. Remind me that You hold all things together, even when it feels like everything’s falling apart. Help me be compassionate without being consumed. Show me where I can help and give me peace about what I can’t control. Amen.”
Scripture-Based Prayers
These prayers use God’s own words from the Bible:
Based on Philippians 4:6-7
“Father, Your Word says not to be anxious about anything, but to pray about everything. So here I am, bringing You this mess. I’m worried about [name specific concern]. I don’t know how this will work out, but I’m thanking You in advance for Your faithfulness. I’m asking for Your peace—the kind that doesn’t make sense—to guard my heart and mind. Amen.”
Based on Psalm 23
“Lord, You are my shepherd. Even in this valley of anxiety and fear, You’re with me. Your presence comforts me. You’re preparing good things even while I’m in the middle of this hard thing. I’m choosing to trust that Your goodness and mercy are following me, even when I can’t feel them. Amen.”
Based on Matthew 6:25-34
“Jesus, You told us not to worry about our lives—what we’ll eat, wear, or what tomorrow holds. You point to birds and flowers and remind us that if You care for them, You certainly care for us. Help me seek Your kingdom first and trust that You’ll handle the rest. Give me today what I need for today. Amen.”
Based on Isaiah 26:3
“God, You promise perfect peace to those whose minds are fixed on You. My mind keeps wandering to fear and worry. Would You help me redirect my thoughts back to You—over and over, as many times as it takes? I trust You. I’m choosing to trust You. Amen.”
Prayers When You Can’t Find Words
Honest Surrender Prayer
“God, I’m a mess. I don’t even know what to pray. I can’t fix this. I’m giving it to You because I’m completely out of options. Help. Amen.”
The Desperate Prayer
“Jesus, I need You. That’s all I’ve got right now. I need You. Amen.”
One-Word Prayers
Sometimes one word is enough:
- “Help.”
- “Peace.”
- “Stay.”
- “Mercy.”
- “Please.”
God hears them all.
Gratitude Prayers (To Shift Your Focus)
Gratitude in the Anxiety
“Father, even in the middle of this anxiety, I can still find things to thank You for: [name 3-5 specific things—hot coffee, a comfortable bed, a friend who listens, sunshine, your pet]. Help me see Your goodness even in hard moments. Shift my perspective from what’s wrong to what’s still good. Amen.”
Simple Thank You
“God, thank You that I’m not alone in this. Thank You that You hear me. Thank You that this feeling is temporary. Thank You for being patient with my worried heart. Amen.”
How to Use These Prayers
You don’t have to pray them perfectly. Change the words. Make them your own. Pray them 17 times in a row if you need to.
Combine them with deep breathing. Anxiety lives in your body. Take slow, deep breaths while you pray.
Pray out loud when possible. Hearing your own voice speak truth can break the cycle of anxious thoughts.
Ask others to pray for you. There are seasons when you can’t pray for yourself. That’s what community is for.
A Word About Therapy and Medication
Here’s something important: you can pray AND see a therapist. You can pray AND take medication for anxiety.
God created doctors, therapists, and medicine. He works through all of them. Seeking professional help doesn’t mean you don’t trust God—it means you’re using every tool He’s provided for healing.
If you need therapy, get it. If you need medication, take it. If you need both, do both. Prayer is powerful, but it’s not meant to replace professional mental health care.
Final Thoughts
Prayer isn’t a magic wand that makes anxiety disappear instantly. But it’s a lifeline when you’re drowning. It’s an anchor that keeps you from being swept away completely.
You don’t need perfect prayers or unwavering faith. Jesus said faith the size of a mustard seed is enough (Matthew 17:20). You just need to show up—messy, scared, uncertain—and say, “God, I need You.”
He’ll meet you there. Every single time.
You’re not alone in your anxiety, and you’re not alone in your faith.
A Prayer to Close
“Father God,
Thank You for meeting us in our anxiety—not with judgment, but with compassion. Thank You that we can come to You exactly as we are: worried, scared, overwhelmed, exhausted.
For everyone reading this right now who feels the weight of anxiety pressing down on them—would You remind them they’re not alone? Breathe Your peace into their racing minds. Calm their nervous systems. Give them courage to take the next right step, whether that’s praying again, calling a friend, or reaching out for professional help.
Help us remember that anxiety doesn’t disqualify us from Your love. That our worth isn’t in having it all together. That You’re big enough to handle our biggest fears.
We cast our anxieties on You—because You care for us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
If you’re experiencing severe anxiety or panic attacks, please reach out to a mental health professional. In the UK, you can contact:
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free 24/7 helpline) or email jo@samaritans.org
- NHS Mental Health Crisis Line: Call 111 and select the mental health option
- Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, confidential, 24/7)
If you’re in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
