A Prayer for Dealing With Fear

Fear can paralyze and trap you, especially in the face of tragedy, uncertainty, and circumstances beyond your control. When you are scared, your mind races from one “What if?” scenario to another. Worry takes over, and your imagination gets the better of reason, pushing you toward panic. But this is no way for a child of God to live. When it comes to fear, there are three things for Christians to remember.

First, Jesus doesn’t dismiss your fears. One of his most frequently repeated commands was “Don’t be afraid.” Jesus recognized fear as a serious problem for his disciples then and knows it still haunts you today. But when Jesus says “Don’t be afraid,” does he realize you can’t make it go away just by trying? There’s something more at work. 

That’s the second thing to remember. Jesus knows God is in control. He knows the Creator of the Universe is more powerful than anything you’re afraid of. He knows God helps in many different ways, including helping you carry on if the worst should happen. Even if your fears are realized, God will make a way for you.

Third, remember that God is not far away. He lives right inside you, through the Holy Spirit. He wants you to trust him with your fears, to rest in his peace and protection. He has seen to your survival until now, and he will continue to be with you. You don’t have to struggle to work up faith; it’s a gift from God. Hide behind the shield of the Lord. It’s safe there.

To prepare for your prayer, read these Bible verses and allow God's promises to dispel your fears and reassure your heart.

Think about David, as he faced the giant Goliath, battled the Philistines, and eluded murderous King Saul. David knew fear firsthand. Even though he had been anointed to be king of Israel, he had to run for his life for years before the throne was his. Listen to what David wrote about that time:

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." ( Psalm 23:4, NLT)

The apostle Paul had to overcome fear as well on his dangerous missionary journeys. Not only did he face constant persecution, but he had to endure illness, robbers, and shipwrecks. How did he counter the urge to give in to anxiety? He understood God does not save us just to abandon us. He focused on the gifts God gives the born-again believer. Listen to what Paul told the young missionary, Timothy:

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT)

Finally, take to heart these words of Jesus himself. He speaks with authority because he is the Son of God. What he says is true, and you can stake your very life upon it:

"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, NLT)

Take courage from these Bible verses and pray a prayer for dealing with fear.

Prayer for When You are Afraid

Dear Lord,

My fears have trapped and consumed me. They have imprisoned me. I come to you now, Lord, knowing desperately how much I need your help. I am tired of living under the weight of my fears.

These Bible verses reassure me of your presence. You are with me. You are able to deliver me from my trouble. Please, dear Lord, give me your love and your power to replace these fears with trust. Your perfect love casts out my fear. I thank you for promising to give me the peace that only you can give. I receive your peace that passes understanding now as I ask you to still my troubled heart.

Because you are with me, I don't have to be afraid. You are my light, brightening my path. You are my salvation, rescuing me from every enemy. I don't have to live as a slave to my fears.

Thank you, dear Jesus, for setting me free from fear. Thank you, Father God, for being the strength of my life.

Amen.

More Bible Promises for Dealing With Fear

Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (NKJV)

Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? (NIV)

Isaiah 54:4
Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; For you will forget the shame of your youth, And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore. (NKJV)

Romans 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (KJV)