Prayers for Anxiety
Anxiety can feel overwhelming—the racing thoughts, the tightness in your chest, the constant worry about things you cannot control. If you're struggling with anxiety, know that you are not alone, and there is no shame in what you're experiencing. God understands your anxiety, and He invites you to cast all your cares upon Him.
These prayers for anxiety are offered to help calm your heart and refocus your mind on God's faithfulness. They are not a replacement for professional help if you need it—faith and mental health care work together. But prayer can be a powerful tool in finding peace.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:6-7
Prayer for Relief from Anxiety
Take a deep breath. Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, I come to You with an anxious heart.
My mind is racing with worries. My body is tense with fear. I am overwhelmed by thoughts of what might go wrong, what could happen, what I cannot control. I feel trapped in a cycle of anxiety that I cannot escape on my own.
I bring all of this to You now. I cast my anxieties upon You, because You care for me. I release my need to control everything. I surrender my fears into Your hands.
Fill me with Your peace—the peace that surpasses all understanding. Quiet the storm in my mind. Calm the racing of my heart. Help me to breathe deeply and rest in Your presence.
Remind me of Your faithfulness. You have been with me through every trial. You have never abandoned me. You hold my future in Your hands, and Your plans for me are good.
Help me to live in the present moment, not borrowing trouble from tomorrow. Each day has enough worry of its own. Give me grace for today—only today.
Mary, comforter of the afflicted, pray for me. St. Dymphna, patron of those with anxiety, intercede for me.
Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
End with the Sign of the Cross
Prayer During a Panic Attack
Use this prayer when anxiety becomes acute. Read it slowly, breathe between sentences.
Jesus, I need You right now.
I can't breathe. I feel like I'm losing control. Everything feels terrifying.
But You are with me. [Breathe.] You will never leave me. [Breathe.] I am safe in Your hands. [Breathe.]
This feeling will pass. It always does. My body is reacting to fear, but I am not in danger. [Breathe.] You are my refuge. [Breathe.] You are my strength. [Breathe.]
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." [Breathe.] "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me." [Breathe.]
Jesus, calm this storm within me, as You calmed the storm on the sea. [Breathe.] "Peace, be still." [Breathe.] Peace, be still. [Breathe.]
Amen.
Serenity Prayer
This beloved prayer is particularly helpful for anxiety about things outside our control.
God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
Trusting that You will make all things right
if I surrender to Your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
Evening Prayer for Anxious Thoughts
When worry keeps you awake at night:
Lord, my mind won't stop racing. Anxious thoughts crowd out peace. Sleep seems impossible.
I give You every worry that is keeping me awake. [Name them silently.] I release them into Your hands. They are too heavy for me to carry into the night.
You neither slumber nor sleep, Lord. You are watching over me and everyone I love. I do not need to stay awake worrying—You have it covered. You will still be working while I sleep.
Grant me the peace to sleep. Let my body rest. Let my mind be still. Guard my dreams. And tomorrow, give me fresh grace for whatever comes.
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8)
Amen.
Short Prayers for Anxious Moments
Breath Prayer
[Inhale:] "Jesus..." [Exhale:] "...I trust in You."
Repeat slowly until calm returns.
Surrender Prayer
Lord, I cannot control this. But You can. I give it to You. Amen.
Fear to Faith
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You." (Psalm 56:3) Lord, right now I am afraid. Help me trust. Amen.
Present Moment Prayer
Lord, bring me back to this moment. Not tomorrow's worries. Not yesterday's regrets. Just now. Just You. Amen.
A Note on Anxiety and Faith
If you struggle with chronic anxiety or panic attacks, please know that seeking professional help is not a lack of faith. God often works through counselors, therapists, and medication. Taking care of your mental health is taking care of the temple of the Holy Spirit.
These prayers are meant to complement, not replace, appropriate care. Use them alongside whatever treatment helps you. God meets us where we are.