How to Pray When You’re Battling Fear or Anxiety

We live in a world where sin exists; and that, unfortunately, means that we live in an imperfect world.  In the face of distressing circumstances, it easy for fear or anxiety to creep into our minds and hearts. Fortunately, we have a handbook to help us see our lives from God’s perspective and apply His wisdom and truth to our everyday life in order to overcome any obstacle that might be placed within our path.  

1. Go to God’s Word

There is no one or thing higher or more powerful than God.  Amazingly, He has provided us with the Bible which is our handbook, and it is essential to use it as our #1 reference when we encounter a problem.  So, what does the Bible say about fear or anxiety?  

…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

Throughout the Bible, angels consistently commanded people to fear not.  It was literally the first thing out of the mouths of the angels.  Some examples are: when Daniel received an explanation of his vision, to Hagar when she was banished to the desert with her infant son, when Mary was informed of her pregnancy, and when Joseph was instructed to marry Mary.  Not only did the angels instruct people to fear not, but God directly instructed His people to not be afraid on numerous occasions.  Fear not or do not be afraid is mentioned at least 200 times in the Bible!  Clearly, it is NOT God’s will for you to live in a state of fear or anxiety.  

2. Be Honest with God When You Feel Fear or Anxiety

O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
² You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
³ You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴ Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. – Psalm 139:1-4

Why should you tell God how you feel if He already knows?  Philippians 4:6 instructs us to pray about everything.  God created you to have a relationship with Him, and it is impossible to do that if you do not invite Him into your problems.  

3. Ask God for Help and Remind Him of His Word Regarding Fear or Anxiety

James 4:2 provides insight as to why you do not have: because you don’t ask or because you are asking for something that is not in line with God’s will.  Since we already established that it is NOT God’s will for you to live with fear and anxiety, you may ask for God’s help with great confidence.  God desires to hear and answer your prayers. 

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. ⁹ Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? ¹¹ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! – Matthew 7:7-11

After confessing your feelings or problem with fear or anxiety, remind God that His Word states that He gave you power, love, and a sound mind; NOT fear.  

Put me in remembrance; let us argue together;
    set forth your case, that you may be proved right. – Isaiah 43:26

4. Thank God and Recognize Jesus as Your Intercessor

Colossians 4:2 guides us to be steadfast in praying and to be sure to give thanks.  Inevitably, you can always find something for which to be thankful.  Maybe it’s for something God has done for you in the past, or maybe your just thankful for who God is in your life. 

After you give thanks, end your prayer with “in Jesus’ name, amen.”  Why do we end in this manner? Romans 8:35 tells us that Jesus sits at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf, and Colossians 2:18 proves we have access to God through Jesus.  The word “amen” literally means “so be it,” so you are declaring your prayer to be true.