Bible verses to pray when you’re anxious

Anxiety rarely arrives at a convenient moment. It turns up at 3am, or in the car park before a meeting, or halfway through a perfectly ordinary afternoon. In those moments it can be hard to find any words at all.

One of the oldest ways to pray is to borrow words. Read a verse slowly, then pray it back to God in your own words. Here are nine to keep close, each with a short prayer you can use as it is.

These verses are from the World English Bible, which is free for anyone to use. If anxiety is overwhelming you or getting in the way of daily life, please also talk to your doctor or someone you trust. Prayer and good care belong together.

When everything feels too much

In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition 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 thoughts in Christ Jesus.

— Philippians 4:6–7 (WEB)

Paul doesn’t tell us to stop feeling anxious by trying harder. He tells us what to do with the worry: hand it over, specifically, and with thanks.

Father, here is everything I am carrying. [Name each worry.] Thank you that you are listening. Guard my heart and my thoughts tonight. Amen.

When you can’t stop going over it

casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.

— 1 Peter 5:7 (WEB)

In the multitude of my thoughts within me, your comforts delight my soul.

— Psalm 94:19 (WEB)

When you are afraid of what’s coming

Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

— Isaiah 41:10 (WEB)

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

— Psalm 56:3 (WEB)

Psalm 56:3 is short enough to pray on a single breath. Many people say it over and over when panic rises.

When tomorrow is the problem

Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.

— Matthew 6:34 (WEB)

Lord, I can’t carry tomorrow tonight. Give me what I need for today, and meet me there in the morning. Amen.

When you are worn out

Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.

— Matthew 11:28 (WEB)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

— Psalm 46:1 (WEB)

When you need peace

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

— John 14:27 (WEB)

Praying these for someone else

These verses aren’t only for you. If a friend is anxious about a diagnosis, a child is dreading exams, or someone you love is struggling to sleep, pray one of these over them by name.

Then let them know. A short message such as “I prayed Psalm 56:3 for you this morning” can steady someone more than advice ever will. In Prayershake, when you pray for someone they get a gentle note that they were held today, so they know they aren’t carrying it alone.