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Life has become uncertain and even frightening during 2020. Many of us are concerned about different events that are happening in our country and around the world. You may be concerned how these events will affect you and your family. Instead of experiencing happiness, you may find yourself more worried than usual.
It's natural to sometimes experience stress and anxiety. If you're feeling stress and anxiety to the point that it's affecting your ability to live your life and carry out daily activities, it may be time to seek out professional help. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America can help individuals find the appropriate treatment to meet each person's need. There is no need to suffer in silence when help is available.
There are lots of steps you can take to help reduce anxiety. Sometimes finding a different career can help. You might want to start a new hobby or connect with old friends.
You may also find that praying can help reduce stress and relieve anxiety. While you may like the idea of starting out the day with morning prayers, you can pray throughout the day whenever you feel the need for strength and encouragement.
The following are 21 prayers that can help you find peace and strength during these uncertain and difficult times. For those who find strength in God, the following are prayers that can give you peace and strength and help relieve stress, anxiety, and fear.
Prayers for Relieving Anxiety & Stress
1. Heavenly Father,
I come before you full of fear and anxiety. I ask that you help me through this day, this hour, and each and every moment. I lay every problem and worry before you. I will focus on the fact that you love and care for me.
I will allow you to carry my burdens as you surround me with peace, joy, and contentment. Thank you, Lord, for all that you have and will do for me, amen
2. Dear Lord,
Your word tells us that we are not slaves to fear. You have given us many promises that tell us to rest in you and your word. In Romans 8: 15-17 you tell us,
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Thank you for this wonderful promise. I will remember these words during the difficult times that I am tempted to give in to fear, but instead will decide to completely trust in you.
May you keep your words in my heart and mind, and help me to dwell on them throughout the day. Thank you, Lord.
3. God,
Help me to stand when I feel I'm about to fall;
Help me to carry on when I feel I can't take another step.
Lead me gently in the direction that I should go;
Lead me into a place of peace and security.
Even while the world around me is full of turmoil,
Bring me closer to you.
Amen
4. Dear Lord Jesus,
In John 14:1 You have told us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me.”
I believe your words and take comfort in your promises. I'll trust in you to calm my heart and relieve my fears.
This day I will choose to believe in you and trust in your words.
In Your Beloved Name, amen
5. Dear Lord,
The stress of everyday life has become overwhelming.
My life is confusing and sometimes even fearful.
Forgive me where I have doubted and given in to fear.
Fill me with your Holy Spirit and provide me with incredible peace.
I thank you for who you are and all that you have done.
In Jesus name, amen
6. Dear God in Heaven,
I remember your promises in Psalm 55:22.
Cast your cares on the Lord
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.
Your words are power and strength,
You alone give me the hope to carry on.
According to your words, I ask you to sustain me and provide all that I need.
Amen
7. Dear Father,
It seems as if my life is in constant turmoil. I often feel stress, anxiety, and fear of what tomorrow may bring. I need to be reminded that you are greater than all my fears and anxiety, and that you hold everything within your hands.
Embrace me and surround me with your love and peace. Thank you for always hearing me and being there when I need you. I know that you will continue to guide me and provide all that I need.
Amen
8. Dear Lord,
I come before you seeking peace and calm. When I am overwhelmed with fear and worry I am reminded of who you are and how much you care for me.
In Luke 12:6,7 we are told, Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Speaking these words out loud brings me peace and comfort during trying times. I will rest in the fact that you know more about me than I know about myself. You know what's best for me and I will ultimately trust in your plan for my life.
Knowing that all of creation is held together by your power and love, will give me the strength to trust in you more. Thank you for these incredible promises. In your name, amen.
9. Father in Heaven,
I am weary and tired. The world around me has become difficult and hard to bear.
I lay all these burdens down before you. You are my strength and rock in times of trouble.
I listen and hear your presence in the trees and the flowers and all the beauty of nature.
I know you are involved in every aspect of my life whether I see it now or not.
I will choose to breathe deep, let go of fear and anxiety, and rest in you.
Amen
10. Dear Lord,
I come before your presence looking for relief from worry and fear. Lift me up and surround me with your great peace and love. Carry me through another day. Bring me safely through the struggles I'm dealing with. I thank you for hearing and answering my prayer, in Jesus name, amen.
11. God Almighty,
I come before the throne of God seeking calm and comfort.
I will remember Psalm 34:7
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
Thank you Lord, for being near me and protecting me at all times, amen
12. Dear Lord in Heaven,
My heart is racing and I'm overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. Help me to remember that you are greater than all the craziness that I'm caught up in now. You are my calm in the midst of the storm.
I ask for you to relieve my anxiety, stress, and fear. Empty me of all these negative emotions and fill me with peace, joy, and love. In your name I prayer, amen.
13. Father and Lord,
In Philippians 4: 6,7 I read, “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.”
I will stay focused on you, not on the world around me. I will look to you Lord, and not be consumed by my problems and fears. You alone will bring me peace in heart and mind. I thank you for this comfort in the midst of all the turmoil. Amen
14. Dear God,
When life is overwhelming, I come to you. You were great enough to create the heavens and the earth. You were great enough to hold everything together.
You are still great enough to hold my life together and take care of me. I will release my fear and anxiety and rest in the knowledge of who you are. Amen
15. Lord,
During these stressful times I remember the words of Jesus in John 16:33. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Right now I'm going through great tribulation. I am struggling with so many things that are weighing me down all at once. I'm asking you to calm my mind and to slow down my racing thoughts.
Bring me to that place of peace that you can provide. You overcame the world and I trust that you will overcome all the trouble I'm currently dealing with, amen.
16. God Almighty,
I am worried about my job, my family, and my ability to help and support them. I need you to guide me in the direction I should go. I'm asking you to help me make the right decisions for myself and those I love. I can't control what happens at my job or the choices that other people make.
But you God hold all things together and know the end from the beginning. Give me the strength to hand over all my worries to you and to rest in your goodness. Help me to trust in you through these difficult times.
Amen
17. Our Lord in heaven,
Your peace and comfort I desire. May I remain calm and bask in your presence. May I be surrounded with your peace and joy. As dark as life may seem, I know you are near. One touch from you and I believe peace will flow throw me.
Surround me and calm me as only you can. I come before you and rest in your care. I'll trust in your love for me. While I may not understand everything happening around me, I know that you do and that you are in control.
Amen
18. Dear Father in Heaven,
I lay all my worries and cares upon you, because I know how much you care for me.
You know me better than I know myself. You have known me and understood me before I ever existed.
Because you know and understand all my needs, I'll trust you and wait on your provision.
Help me to stay calm, rest in your words, and come to a place of joy and peace.
Amen
19. Lord,
May your love surround me, comfort me, and protect me.
May I trust more and worry less.
May I always call upon you when I'm feeling fear or anxiety.
In Your Name, Lord, Amen.
20. Our Father,
who resides in Heaven. I would like to invite you to live in my heart. As you take residence within me, I ask that you move out what is causing me to be anxious, fearful, worried, and stressed.
Furthermore, I ask that you deliver me from the past pain and trauma I once experienced. And fill me with your incredible presence, which is full of joy according to Psalms 16:11.
Psalms 16:11, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”
In Jesus' name. Amen.
21. Dear God,
I am currently feeling scared and confused. I am asking you to give me your wisdom and direction.
Guide me in the right way to go. Life is so confusing and I'm afraid of making the wrong choices.
So I lay my fear at your feet and trust in your love and guidance. You tell us that you will direct the paths of those that commit all unto you and trust in you. I give you the problems and stress that is in my life. With your strength I will completely trust in you. Amen.
22. Lord Jesus,
I come boldly to your throne with a heart of thanksgiving. I know that according to scripture, every good and perfect gift comes from Heaven.
James 1:17 says, “Every good thing given, and every perfect gift is from above (Heaven); it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].”
So, I ask you to help me, Lord, to always be thankful when I am the most overwhelmed. And I ask that you do a work in my heart to remove all weariness and anxiety and replace it with your fulfilling and refreshing grace. Thank you, Lord, for being good to me and answering the cries of my heart. Amen.
23. Dear Lord,
I can cast all my anxieties, frustrations, and relentless forms of troubles on you, because you deeply care for me, according to 1st Peter 5:7.
1st Peter 5:7 “Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].
I simply can't handle my troubles alone. I tried, but they weighed me down and stressed me out. But I know your shoulders are big and broad enough to handle life's cares and troubles. Thank you for your willingness to help me. So now I am going to rest in your faithfulness, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
24. Father,
I have been overwhelmed lately and experiencing many sleepless nights. However, according to your word in scripture, you give sleep to your beloved people.
Psalms 127:2 “It is vain for you to rise early, To retire late, To eat the bread of anxious labors— For He gives [blessings] to His beloved even in his sleep.”
So, I place my faith in your word to give me sleep and work out the circumstances that are causing me the most anxiety. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
25. Holy Spirit,
I pray you would fill me with your presence and root out every effect of anxiety I may be dealing with. I admit I don't understand why things have been so overwhelming in my life lately. However, I put my trust in you.
I trust that you love me and desire me to walk in victory and not be defeated by negativity in my mind. I worship and honor you as the one who can keep me from falling mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
And the one who is working everything out for my good, according to Romans 8:28.
Romans 8:28, “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
Thank you for answering my prayers. Amen.
26. Dear Lord,
scripture says you can do exceeding abundantly above all I may ask or think.
Ephesians 3:20 “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
Scripture also says in 1st Corinthians 2:9 that, “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
So, as a God of Love (who both shares it and receives our love), I ask you today to release those things into my life and remove people, places, and things that are not good for me. I seek you because I want your best and to no longer be bogged down and held back by the anxieties that aren't benefiting me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
27. Heavenly Father,
my heart has been flooded with fears, anxieties, uneasiness, and tension. These things have kept me heavy and burdened. However, I know from the words of your Holy Scriptures that you give us your grace so that we can live in liberty and freedom from these feelings.
2nd Corinthians 3:17 says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom].”
I pray that you would fill every empty space within me with your spirit, so I am no longer bound by the woes that burden me. Thank you for hearing my prayers as I walk in a newfound hope and expectation. Amen.
28. Dear God,
I'm stressed and worried, and having trouble staying calm. I need sleep and rest. I need to be revived and restored to a place of peace and tranquility. I will remember the words in Psalm 4:8,
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
I will take comfort in these words and trust in you, amen.
29. Lord Jesus,
come into my heart and ease me of the stress that I feel within. I have been so up and down lately, and I am not acting like myself. In addition, I often take my problems out on innocent people. Please, forgive me, Lord? I pray that your word is fulfilled in me according to 1st Peter 5:10.
1st Peter 5:10, “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].”
Make me what I ought to be so I can live complete, confirmed, strengthened, established, and settled. In your Holy name, I pray, Amen.
30. Oh Lord,
I thank you that nothing can separate me from your love. Though I have been weary, upset, and sometimes fearful, knowing that you love me has grounded me. It has encouraged me and given me hope for the future. Scripture says in Romans 8:38-39,
Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Thank you for allowing me to be comforted by your love, without a doubt, when my soul needs it the most. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
31. Father,
I have been worried about so many things that have been out of my control as of late. Seems like the world is passing me by faster than I can respond. It has frustrated me and often made situations feel hopeless.
It has also made me feel like a failure as an employee, parent, spouse, and even a Christian. But I put my trust in you today and in your word.
Psalms 94:19 says, “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight me.”
Psalms 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart.”
And as I take delight in You, Lord, I find comfort in scripture that you will give me the desires of my heart and answers to my prayers.
Finally, I can testify to Psalms 34:4 that “I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.” Thank you for replacing my anxieties and replacing them with your joy. In your matchless name, I pray, Amen.
Final Thoughts on Prayers for Anxiety Relief
When you're feeling stressed and anxious, look for a quiet and peaceful place to pray. Find ways to get yourself grounded. This might be inside at home when you have some time to yourself. Or it might be outside in a secluded area in nature. Find a place that makes you feel comfortable when praying.
If you're looking for more Bible verses about relieving stress and anxiety, Happier Human lists several you can take comfort in. Copy these verses and prayers onto your phone or on a piece of paper. Have them ready to read and pray whenever stress or anxiety begins to take a toll. Take time to relax, breathe deep, and bring your cares before God!
Finally, if you want a simple way to reduce your stress and anxiety, then try writing these 35 mindfulness journaling prompts to live more in the present moment.
