Prayers for the Anxious Heart

There are times in my life when I feel I need God less — when things are easy and going according to plan, when trusting Him is not so hard. There are other times when I feel I need Him for the next breath — when anxious thoughts flood my mind, when I can’t get past the fear.

About a month ago, I woke up feeling anxious and afraid. Every thought that popped into my head was one of fear and worry. I worked on schoolwork and listened to podcasts all morning, trying to shake it. But I couldn’t.

I finally sat on my bed and asked the Lord, “Help me, please. I don’t know what else to do.” I grabbed a little notebook that was given to me years ago. Every page has a different verse on it. I started praying through them one at a time. By the time I reached the last page, I had tears in my eyes. I felt God’s peace and His presence cover me in a way I had never felt before.

There’s nothing mystical or magical about praying God’s word. His word is powerful without me saying a thing. It’s living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12. It doesn’t return void, but it accomplishes the very thing for which He sent it. Isaiah 55:11. His word is powerful to change hearts, to comfort, to convict, and to remind us of His promises. I think there’s power in knowing it, hearing it, and believing it.

My circumstances may not have changed in that moment, but God changed me. “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19.

God gave us the gift of His word that we might know Him and turn to Him in our darkest moments. For with Him is all the strength, comfort, and peace we’ll ever need.

I’m sure there will be more anxious days, but I don’t have to face them alone. I have the word of God and the Holy Spirit to comfort me in those times. When I pray God’s word, I’m reminded of that. I’m reminded of His goodness and faithfulness from generation to generation.

All of that to say, I’ve compiled some of those verses into prayers, Prayers for the Anxious Heart:

When I Call on Him

In the morning, O Lord, I pray that You hear me. I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3. I know that if I ask anything according to Your will, You hear me. 1 John 5:14. I pray that before I call, You answer and while I am still speaking, I pray that You hear. Isaiah 65:24.

When I’m Weary

I’m weary and burdened, oh God. Give me rest. Let me not take on the yoke of this world but the yoke that Christ offers. For His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30. I pray that You would give me rest, for my hope comes from You. Psalm 62:5.

You are the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. You do not grow tired or weary, and Your understanding no one can fathom. You give strength to the weary and You increase the power of the weak. I put my hope in You; renew my strength, O God. Make me soar on wings like an eagle; let me run and not grow weary, let me walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31.

When I’m Afraid

I pray that I wouldn’t be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, I present my requests to You. And I pray that Your peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7. I pray that my heart won’t be troubled; help me not to be afraid. John 14:27.

Lord, I know that You are my refuge and my strength, my ever-present help in trouble. So help me not to fear, though the earth give way and mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46:1-2. Be my refuge and my fortress, for You are my God in whom I trust. Psalm 91:2. Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, Your unfailing love for me will not be shaken, nor will Your covenant of peace be removed, for You have compassion on me. Isaiah 54:10.

I will not fear, for You are with me; I will not be dismayed, for You are my God. I know You will strengthen me and help me; You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10. For You did not give me a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7.

I cast my anxiety on You, for You care for me. Make me self-controlled and alert, for I know the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:7-8. Help me to be strong and courageous, not terrified or discouraged. For I know You are with me wherever I go. Joshua 1:9.

When I Need His Love

I pray that I would have power together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep Your love is for me. Ephesians 3:18. I know that nothing can separate me from the love of Christ, not trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword. Romans 8:35. Because of Your great love, I pray that I am not consumed, for Your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23.

When I Need His Presence

Lord, I know that You are with me always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20. Never will You leave me; never will You forsake me. Hebrews 13:5. Be near to me, O God, as I call on You. Psalm 145:18. I praise You, O God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts me in all of my troubles, so that I can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort I have received from You. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

When I Need Protection

I pray that You will command Your angels concerning me, to guard me in all my ways; I pray they’ll lift me up in their hands, so that I won’t strike my foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12. When I pass through the waters, I know You are with me; and when I pass through the rivers, let them not sweep over me. When I walk through the fire, let me not be burned; nor let the flames set me ablaze, for You are with me. Isaiah 43:2.

Father, I ask that You would fight for me as I remain still. Exodus 14:14. Grant that any enemies who rise up against me will be defeated before me. I pray that if they come at me from one direction, they will flee from me in seven. Deuteronomy 28:7. I pray that no weapon forged against me will prevail and that I will refute every tongue that accuses me. Isaiah 54:17.

When I Need Faith

Help me to trust in You with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. In all my ways, help me to acknowledge You, and I pray You will make my paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6. I know that You work all things together for good because I love You and have been called according to Your purpose. Romans 8:28. Father, I know that with You all things are possible. Matthew 19:26.

It is for freedom that You have set me free; help me to stand firm and not be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1. I have been crucified with Christ, and no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in Your Son, the Son of God, who loves me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20. I am more than a conqueror through You who love me. Romans 8:37.