# Prayers for anxiety

Four short prayers for an anxious mind, each drawn from Philippians 4, 1 Peter 5 and the Psalms. Say one slowly. Then say it again.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/prayers/anxiety. Scripture quotations are from the Lumin Translation. These prayers are not Scripture; each names the passages it draws on.

## Prayers

### One breath

When your chest is tight and you have only a few words.

> Lord, I give you this worry. You care for me. Hold what I cannot hold. Amen.

Draws on [1 Peter 5:7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/1-peter/5#7).

### Right now

When the worry will not stop.

> God, you know what is going on in me. I don’t need to pretend with you. Here is what I am afraid of: I name it to you now. I ask you for what I need, and I thank you for what you have already done. Guard my heart and my mind with your peace, the peace I cannot explain. Help me take the next small step. Amen.

Draws on [Philippians 4:6-7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/philippians/4#6-7) and [Psalm 139:23](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/139#23).

### At night

When your mind races in the dark.

> Lord, when my thoughts pile up, your comfort is enough. You do not sleep, so I can. I lay down tomorrow and everything I cannot fix tonight. Quiet my mind and slow my breathing. Keep me safe until morning. Amen.

Draws on [Psalm 94:19](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/94#19) and [Psalm 121:3-4](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/121#3-4) and [Psalm 4:8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/4#8).

### Before a hard day

In the morning, before the thing you dread.

> Father, today has enough trouble of its own, so I will not carry tomorrow too. Go ahead of me into this day. Give me the strength for each hour as it comes, and help me see what is true, not only what I fear. Amen.

Draws on [Matthew 6:34](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/6#34) and [Isaiah 41:10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/isaiah/41#10).

## Bible verses for anxiety

- **[Philippians 4:6-7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/philippians/4#6-7)**: “Be anxious about nothing. Rather, in every matter make your requests known to God by prayer and pleading, along with thanks. And God’s peace, which is beyond all understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” Pray about it, with thanks, and peace guards the heart.
- **[1 Peter 5:7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/1-peter/5#7)**: “Throw every worry you have onto him, because he cares about you.” Throw the worry onto God, because he cares for you.
- **[Matthew 6:34](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/6#34)**: “So do not worry about tomorrow, since tomorrow will do its own worrying. The day’s own trouble is enough for it.” Jesus: tomorrow will take care of itself.
- **[Psalm 94:19](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/94#19)**: “When my anxious thoughts are many within me, your comforts delight my soul.” When worries multiply, God’s comfort cheers the soul.
- **[Isaiah 41:10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/isaiah/41#10)**: “do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not look around in alarm, for I am your God. I will make you strong; yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up with the right hand of my righteousness.” Do not fear. I am with you, I will strengthen you.

More: [What the Bible says about anxiety](https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/anxiety).

## Questions

### Is it a sin to have anxiety?

No. Anxiety is something you feel, not a wrong you chose. The Psalms are full of people praying while afraid, and Jesus himself was in anguish in Gethsemane. Scripture invites you to bring worry to God, not to hide it. If anxiety is heavy and lasting, a doctor or counselor is a good gift too.

### Can I change the words of these prayers for anxiety?

Yes. They are a place to start, not a formula. Use your own words, add names, or pray just one line. God hears the prayer, not the wording.

### Who wrote these prayers?

Lumin wrote them from the passages named under each prayer. They are not Scripture. Every reference is checked against the Bible text each time the site is built. The verses are quoted from the Lumin Translation, so you can open each one and read it in context.