prayer for worry

scene on beach with sun in distance and pebbles in focus close up

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines worry simply as "to think about problems or fears". So worry has to do with the pre-occupation of our thoughts on something, and here we can often rehearse in our minds the worst possible outcome. As life is always throwing up new challenges and difficulties the list of things to worry about can be almost endless - a new job interview, health issues, anxiety over finances and money (or the lack of it!), the birth of a baby, moving house....

The bible encourages us to shift our focus. We are to release these worries and anxieties to God, and instead of consuming our energies in worry we are to consume them with prayer. For as we pray, we begin to trust more and more areas of our lives to God, and God's peace comes into those spaces that were once occupied by fear (see Philippians 4:6-7).

Gathered together on this page are three prayers to help overcome habitual worrying. The first prayer is for those who feel they are constantly fearful and stressed, and is a prayer for restoration and peace of mind. The next prayer asks for God’s strength in overcoming anxiety, and the final prayer receives God’s gift of inner peace. There are also some inspiring quotes from the bible on His promise of rest and wellbeing.

what's on this page?

• prayer for constant worry and stress

• prayer for worry and anxiety

• film on receiving God's peace

• quotes about worry and God's peace from the bible

"lead me to calmer seas"

prayer for inner peace

The following film is a short meditation on receiving God's peace. It is accompanied by tranquil images of birds flying around a lakeside and restful music:-

Prayer for constant worry and stress

O Lord, I am wound up inside.
I feel I can not continue to meet the demands placed upon me.
I am close to burn out and I fear I may buckle under the weight of these worries.
I am tired of carrying this stress around, I so need to find some peace.

So I come to you.
To rest in your Father heart,
Shelter in your Almighty hand,
And cling to your promise of peace.

I trust that you can lead me to a new place,
Take the fabric of my life and weave in new colours.
I look to you.
I dwell on your words.
I open my heart.

Please restore me.

Amen.

Quote from Phil 4:6-7 on the peace of God

click here to read calming prayers

Prayer for worry and anxiety

Father God,

Sometimes I feel I can not face tomorrow, it is hard to keep going with such anxious thoughts running through my mind.
I ask for your peace to flood my being, that each moment I would surrender these worries, fears and anxieties to you.
I ask for your presence to walk with me through each part of my day, that I would not feel alone but know that I am loved.
And I ask for your strength to wake me each morning and keep me going. May I trust in you to see me through, lead me to calmer seas, balance and rest in heart, mind, body and soul.

You are all I need.

Amen.

Prayer for inner peace and strength

O Father,

Your life in me brings stillness to my turmoil.
Your life in me brings clarity to my confusion.
Your life in me brings wisdom to my worry.
Your life in me brings contentment to my striving.
You life in me brings gentleness to my anger.
Your life in me brings patience to my panic.
Your life in me brings hope to my suffering.
Your life in me brings faith to my frustration.
Your life in me brings such heavenly treasure into my heart
And enables me to navigate a peaceful path.
In you I find strength for my journey.

prayer quotes from the bible

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

(John 14:27, NIV)

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

(Matthew 11:28-30, The Message)

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"

(Matthew 6:25-27, NLT)