How to pray
Prayers for anxiety: short prayers for worry, fear and sleepless nights
· 4 min read
Short Christian prayers for anxiety and worry, for night, before a hard day and for a friend, with Bible verses on anxiety and where to get help.
A prayer for anxiety brings what you’re worried about to God, asks for His peace, and leaves it with Him. It can be one honest sentence. Scripture invites anxious people to pray: “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, ESV). Below are short prayers for worry, fear and sleepless nights, with Bible verses to pray.
What is a good prayer for anxiety?
A good prayer for anxiety is honest and specific. Tell God what you’re afraid of, ask Him for what you need, thank Him for one thing that’s true, and ask for His peace. Paul’s words are the pattern: “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, ESV).
A prayer for anxiety and worry
“Father, my mind won’t slow down. I’m worried about [name it], and I can’t fix it. I give it to You. You know what I need before I ask. Thank You that You are near and You care for me. Guard my heart and mind with Your peace, and help me trust You with what I can’t control. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
A prayer for anxiety at night
“Lord, it’s late and I can’t stop thinking. I lay down every worry here with You: [name them]. You don’t sleep, so I can. ‘In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety’ (Psalm 4:8, ESV). Quiet my body and my thoughts, and give me rest. Amen.”
A prayer before a hard day
Use this before a test, an interview, a doctor’s appointment or a hard conversation:
“God, I’m nervous about today. Be with me in it. Give me a clear mind and steady hands. Whatever happens, I’m Yours. ‘When I am afraid, I put my trust in you’ (Psalm 56:3, ESV). Help me do my part and leave the rest with You. Amen.”
A prayer for a friend with anxiety
“Father, You know how anxious [name] has been. Meet them in it. Give them sleep, clear thoughts and people who care for them. Let them feel Your peace that passes understanding. Show me how to love them well this week. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
For more on praying for others, see how to pray for others and praying for friends.
Bible verses for anxiety
Pray these back to God, putting your own worry into them:
- “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, ESV)
- “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, ESV)
- “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” (Psalm 94:19, ESV)
- “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3, ESV)
- “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27, ESV)
- “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34, ESV)
For more, see how to pray Scripture.
When to get help for anxiety
Prayer and getting help belong together. If anxiety is with you most days, or it’s affecting your sleep, work, eating or relationships, talk to a doctor or a counselor, and tell your pastor or a friend you trust. God often cares for us through other people.
If you’re in crisis or thinking about hurting yourself, in the US call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time. If you’re in danger, call 911.
Write your worries down as prayers
Writing a worry down can help you leave it with God instead of carrying it around. In The Pray App, tap Journal and write under today’s prompt. One of the prompts is “Tell Jesus what you’re worried about, and leave it with him.” A sentence is enough, and it saves as you type.
Write what you’re worried about as a prayer. Only you can read your journal.
For a worry you’ll keep praying about, make a prayer card and choose how often it comes up. When God answers, tap Answered and write how, so you can look back on how He met you. See keep a prayer journal and unanswered prayer.
The Pray App is free on the App Store, with no ads.
Questions people ask
What is a short prayer for anxiety?
Father, my mind won't slow down. I give You what I'm worried about. You know what I need. Guard my heart and mind with Your peace, and help me rest in You. In Jesus' name, amen.
What does the Bible say about anxiety?
Paul wrote, "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, ESV).
Is anxiety a sin?
Feeling anxious is part of living in a broken world, and Scripture meets anxious people with invitation, not shame. Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, ESV).
Should I pray or get help for anxiety?
Both. Pray, and talk to a doctor, counselor or pastor if anxiety is constant or affects your sleep, work or relationships. If you're in crisis in the US, call or text 988.
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