Anxiety is an emotion we feel in response to stress. 

You'll know you are feeling anxious if you experience: 

• Fear
• An impending sense of danger 
• Restlessness
• An increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Trembling
• Sweating
• Trouble concentrating
  

Anxiety is a normal emotion we all feel from time to time. Sometimes, challenges in our work, relationships, and schooling cause it. Alternatively, many people experience anxiety when they go through a stressful life event like moving house. 

If your anxiety is short-lived and manageable, you can reduce it through meditation, exercise, sleep, mindfulness exercises, rest, and prayer. However, if your anxiety interferes with your ability to live your life as normal or you experience panic attacks, you may need to seek treatment from a mental health professional. 

When you're feeling anxious or depressed, it's easy to spiral into a pit of fear and despair. As Christians, we can stop this spiral by turning to God's word as a reminder of His design for our lives. 

For example, you could turn to:

• Psalms 55:22: "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." 
• Psalms 23:4: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me."
• Psalms 34:4: "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears."
  

You may also draw comfort from Jesus's words to his disciples in Matthew 6:25–34. Here, Jesus commands his followers not to get caught up in fears about their food, clothes, appearances, and the direction of their lives. Instead, he reminds them to focus on today, saying, "do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." 

Here, Jesus isn't just telling his disciples not to worry about everyday things. He is reminding them that God guides them through life, and if they have faith in our Father, God will deliver them to the kingdom of heaven. 

If you look to Isaiah 41:10, you'll find a similar message. 

It reads, "Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." 

If you are feeling anxious, you may find relief through prayer — as prayer helps us connect intimately with God. This connection allows us to renew our strength in our Creator, as He can give us wisdom, courage, and comfort. 

To pray for release, seek out a quiet and safe place. Then, take some deep breaths or perform an anxiety meditation to clear your mind. Once your mind is calm, pray out loud or in your head. You may choose to say your own prayer or use one written by someone else. 

If you find comfort in movement, you may choose to write out your prayer either on paper or in the air in front of you. Handwriting your prayer can be very soothing, as it forces your mind to focus on writing rather than worrying.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also choose to pray with:

• A trusted friend 
• A family member 
• A member of your church 
  

When your mind is racing, it can be challenging to find the right words for prayer. So to help, we'd like to share five simple prayers for anxiety and depression.

Short prayer for anxiety relief

"Dear God, deliver me from fear. Let me find comfort and peace from my anxious thoughts, and lead me where you will have me go. I fear, but I trust in you, my Lord. Amen." 

Prayer for anxiety and depression

"Dear God.

The weight of the world around me has crushed me. 

I'm hopeless and so afraid. 

I know that you are the God of miracles. You created this earth with your divine power and love. Let me see the good in your world again. 

Help me find hope and fill me with light.

Please Lord, Amen." 

Prayer to calm anxiety

"Heavenly Father, today I have been reflecting on the words in Isaiah 35:4. 

"Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with a vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you." 

My dear Lord. I love these words — but I struggle to live by them in difficult times. 

Where I should feel faith, I feel fear. 

Where I should see possibilities, I see new threats. 

Where I should have self-control, Satan's lies tempt me.

And when my heart should be open, it's afraid. 

I hold fear for this world, my loved ones, and myself. 

God, please help me find faith. Grant me the strength to face my fears with courage. 

Let me cast aside my fears and anxious heart.

In the name of Jesus, Amen." 

Prayer for peace of mind 

"Almighty God, I bless you with my life. I thank you for the blessings you have given me and the love you show me. 

I trust in you, Lord, and I ask you to guide my path. 

I am undergoing a new season of life — one of great excitement and great worry. 

Bless me with a quiet mind and deliver me from fear. 

Let me cultivate gratitude and give thanks every day. 

Let me stay calm and face my new season with an open mind. 

Let your angels of peace stay by my side. 

In your son Lord Jesus Christ's name, Amen." 

Prayer for strength and healing 

"Oh God, 

I read today the words of Proverbs 17:22: "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." 

Oh, how those words spoke to me. 

My body is ill, and my mind is weak. I feel overcome with fear, and I know I need strength. 

Lord, I ask that you give me the strength to heal. I must face new challenges that bring me great worry. I fear I cannot face them alone. 

Stay by my side, dear Father, and guide me with your love. 

Please, Holy Spirit, Amen." 

We must never forget the healing power of prayer. When we are feeling anxious, saying a prayer can help us:

• Calm ourselves down
• Verbalize our fears and worries
• Remember what the Bible says about God's love for us
• Realize worries we didn't know we had 
• Refocus our minds away from the worldly 
• Ask God for relief and support 
• Remember God's love for us
  

If you'd like to learn more about dealing with tough feelings as a Christian, listen to our podcast episodes 'Fight anxiety' and 'Overcome depression.' You can also listen to other Pray.com content by downloading our app from the iOS app store or Google Play.