35 Calming Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (with Free Printable)

Are you in need of prayers to relieve stress and anxiety in your life? We all have times in our lives when we feel stressed and burned out. Life is filled with ups and downs, highs and lows. Even the mundane, day-to-day tasks can easily fill our time with stressed-filled activities that leave us exhausted by the end of the day.

But is this the type of life we were meant to live? Can we truly live our lives filled with peace and joy rather than chaos that leads to stress and anxiety? Let’s take a look at how we can handle the stresses of life God’s way, and pray prayers of power that relieve stress and anxiety so that we can live in true freedom!

 

What Exactly is Stress?

In order to learn how to reduce stress in our lives, we first need to understand what it is and where it comes from. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, one of the definitions of stress is “a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation”. 

In this definition we see that stress causes physical and emotional tensions that can actually negatively affect our bodies. This tension can also cause physical, mental, or emotional pressure. 

What happens when an object is under high pressure? A building that is battered by strong winds from a major storm could collapse under that large amount of pressure. When we are under pressure due to stressful events and circumstances in our lives, it is only a matter of time before we collapse in exhaustion and frustration. 

Thankfully, we don’t have to live this way. We can reduce stress in our lives and use God’s Word and the power of prayer to relieve stress and anxiety in our lives.

What Causes Stress?

What are some of the things that cause stress in our lives? We can experience circumstantial stress when major life-altering events take place in our lives. 

Some of the most common examples of this type of stress occur during events like…

~The death of a loved one

~Chronic illness or sudden injury

~Marital strife or divorce

~Job loss

~Moving

Many of the stresses in our lives can also stem from these five areas:

~Stress in our bodies

~Stress in our finances

~Stress in families

~Stress at work

~Stress at school

We can also experience stress from negative situations related to our extended and nuclear families, and from the day-to-day tasks of just living life (even something as small as road traffic can cause a lot of stress when we are in a hurry!) These daily pressures can compile and add up over time, and without addressing these stresses, we can easily feel overwhelmed.

Can we do to Reduce Stress?

In many ways, stress is an inevitable part of life. We cannot control many of the events that take place on a daily basis. Although we will undoubtedly experience stressful situations, there are things we can do to reduce and relieve stress in our lives with God’s help! 

Here are some practical things we can do to relieve stress:

Do Less– One easy way to reduce stress in our lives is to do less. Sometimes we feel like we are not being “productive” if our entire days are not filled to the brim with activities and events. We as humans need margins in our lives, and less truly is more. Don’t feel guilty when you sit down on the couch after a busy day. Enjoy taking a few moments to enjoy peace and quiet!

Exercise– Exercise is known as a great way to relieve stress. You don’t have to spend hours doing push ups, but taking a walk or moving your body in some way through exercise is a wonderful way to release pressure that may be building up in your body. 

Eat Healthy– Eating healthy foods will help you feel better and give your body the proper energy it needs to keep going. Take care of the body God has given to you (it’s the only one you have!) 

Make room for hobbies– Make sure to include time in your schedule for some hobbies that you really enjoy! We can reduce stress in our lives when we take time to actually enjoy our lives. What gifts and talents has God given you that make you come alive? What activity re-energizes you and leaves you feeling good about yourself? Make time for those activities, and you can drastically reduce stress in your life!

Get outside– If you are able, get outside as much as you can. We often feel closer to God when we are surrounded by the beauty of his creation! This can significantly decrease stress in our lives, and remind us that God is in control!

Read– Spend time reading God’s Word, and read other books that you enjoy. Reading is a great activity that can take our minds off of the stressful situations in our lives and set our minds on things that will inspire us and uplift our souls.

Pray– Don’t underestimate the power of prayer! Prayer is simply having a conversation with God. When we talk to friends and family about the things in our lives that trouble us, we often feel better. We can also take our cares and concerns to God in prayer, and we will feel the heavy burden of stress lifted from our shoulders!

35 Powerful Prayers to Pray when you are Stressed

Here are 35 prayers for stress and anxiety, along with powerful Scriptures that you can use during your prayer time with God. May these prayers offer you encouragement and strength as you seek the Lord and cast your burdens upon him!

1. A Prayer to Relieve Stress in our Bodies (from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Prayer: Lord, help me to honor you with my body and every way. Help  me to take care of the precious temple you have given me, and to find ways to reduce and relieve stress within my body. I ask that you will grant me health and healing as I seek your face each day. Amen. 

2. A Prayer to Relieve Stress in our Finances (from Proverbs 3:9)

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops…

Proverbs 3:9

Prayer: Lord, help me to honor you with the firstfruits of my finances. I ask that you will bring favor to my finances, and continue to provide for me and my family. Grant us all that we need to live with your blessing and abundance. During times of financial difficulty, help me to trust that you are my Jehovah-jireh. Amen.

Related: Take a look at how you can pray the Names of God in this post here!

3. A Prayer to Relieve Stress in our Families (from Psalm 133:1)

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Psalm 133:1

Prayer: Lord, help my family to live together in unity through your grace and peace! I thank you that I can bring my cares and concerns to you regarding my family. I ask that you surround my loved ones with your favor and shield of protection. When life around us is stressful and we experience seasons of difficulty, help us to remember that we can lay our burdens upon you, for you care for us. Amen. 

4. A Prayer to Relieve Stress at Work (from 1 Corinthians 10:31)

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Prayer: Lord, whether I work at home or outside of the home, help me to perform my work as unto you, and for your glory. Help me to overcome the stresses on my job, and to love the people around me.  Help me to set an example to others with my words and actions. Thank you for caring about every aspect of my life, and please help me to work strength and diligence. Amen. 

5. A Prayer to Relieve Stress at School (from 2 Timothy 2:15)

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

Prayer: Lord, I pray for those who are diligently working on their studies in a school setting. Whether that is school at home or online, college, high school or elementary, I pray that you will reduce the stress that comes with mounting school work. Help me or my family members in school to do their very best, and to trust you to lift their burdens and carry their loads. In Jesus name, Amen. 

6. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Psalm 131:2)

But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.

Psalm 131:2

Prayer: Lord, may your Holy Spirit calm and quiet my soul. Help me to silence the stress and anxiety in my life, and help me to be content like a weaned child, gently nestled within the loving arms of your warm embrace. Teach me to find balance in my life, and to live unhurried and unshaken. Surround me with your peace and joy today as I put my trust in you. Amen.

7. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Proverbs 29:11)

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

Proverbs 29:11

Prayer: Lord, may your wisdom bring me strength and tranquility. Teach me to not give full vent to my anger when things don’t go my way. In the midst of stress and discomfort, help me to lean on your Word for wisdom, peace, and understanding. May your words soothe my soul and give me rest. Amen.

8. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Matthew 8:26)

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

Matthew 8:26

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your presence, which comforts me in my darkest moments. Just as you rebuked the wind and the waves for the disciples when they were gripped with fear, calm the waves of my heart, and grant me rest and peace. Just as the wind and the waves obey you, my fears must also submit to your authority. Speak stillness to my soul, hush my anxiety and my doubts. Fill me with the joy of your salvation, and of the beauty of your presence today. Amen.

9. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from 1 Peter 5:7)

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Prayer: Lord, thank you that I can cast my anxiety upon you. You say that when I am weary and burdened, I can come to you; for your yoke is easy, and your burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). Today, I cast all of my anxiety and fears onto you. You carried the heavy burden of my sin on the cross, and I know you will carry all of my worries. Fill me once again with your strength, and may I conquer this day with your grace. Amen.

10. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Psalm 94:19)

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Psalm 94:19

Prayer: Lord, may your consolation bring me great joy. When I feel anxious and afraid, calm my heart with the joy I find in your presence. When life is filled with stress, sorrow and disappointments, please comfort me with your unfailing love. Amen. 

11. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Proverbs 12:25)

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

Proverbs 12:25

Prayer: Lord, lately, I’ve felt heavy and weary by anxiety, stress and fear. Lift my burdens today with one word of your strength, with one word of comfort from your holy Scriptures. May your words of love and kindness lift me up and fill me with delight. May your joy and peace restore my soul. Amen.

12. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Psalm 37:7)

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:7

Prayer: Lord, help me to be patient today, and to wait for you. Teach me to be still and wait for your deliverance in my life. With you, I have nothing to fear. When the world around me seems to fall apart, help me to stand firm and strong in you. Though the evil one attempts to carry out wicked schemes against me, surround me with your protection and favor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

13. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Psalm 23:1-3)

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.

Psalm 23:1-3

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that you are my Good Shepherd. I release my anxiety to you as I lie down in green pastures. Please lead me beside the quiet waters of your presence, and refresh my soul as I abide in you today. Help me to remember that in you I lack nothing–and that with you, all things are possible. Guide me onto your path of truth, and may the illuminating light of your presence lead me. Amen.

14. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Isaiah 30:15)

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.

Isaiah 30:15

Prayer: Lord, help me to embrace your rest and salvation. Sometimes the people of Israel in the book of Isaiah lost their way and lost sight of the beauty of your presence. Sometimes, my own heart wanders and forgets to acknowledge your goodness and mercy. Help me to abandon all idols in my life and to seek your face wholeheartedly. Today, may I find strength in the quietness of your presence as I trust in you. Amen.

15. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (John 16:33)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Prayer: Lord, thank you that I can rest and rely on you to fight my battles. May all stress and anxiety subside, and fill me with your peace today. You do not promise us a trouble-free life. In fact, you told the disciples that in this world, we will have trouble (John 16:33). But help me to find encouragement and comfort in the truth that you have already overcome the world. May your name be praised forever! Amen.

16. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (Psalm 4:8)

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

Prayer: Lord, help me to lie down and sleep in peace tonight. Thank you that I am safe and secure in your arms. I give my stress, anxiety and fears to you, so that I may find rest for my weary soul. Sustain me with your calmness and tranquility, and may my heart meditate on your goodness. Amen.

17. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (Psalm 29:11)

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 29:11

Prayer: Lord, grant me strength and peace today. May I be equipped with the power of your Holy Spirit to live my life for your honor and glory. Help me not to be overcome by stress and anxiety, but to allow your presence to gird me with your shoes of peace. Amen.

18. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Galatians 5:22)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Galatians 5:22

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Holy Spirit, who guides me into all truth. Fill me with your love, so that I may extend your grace to those around me. Adorn me with your joy, that I may delight in your presence each day. Gird me with your shoes of peace, that I may be fully equipped with your armor. Give me a heart of patience and kindness, that I may shine the light of your love wherever I go. Thank you for your faithfulness and gentleness, that sustains me each day. Grant me self-control, that I may honor you with the decisions I make for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

19. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (Psalm 62:1)

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.

Psalm 62:1

Prayer: Lord, may my soul find rest in you today. Help me to lay down my burdens of stress and anxiety. May I take great delight in your salvation, and give me the wisdom to know when to slow down and to rest in your presence. Amen.

20. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Philippians 4:6)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer: Lord, help me not falter under the stress, pressure, and tension of life. Help me not to become anxious about the things around me that I cannot control–but in every situation I face, through much prayer and supplication, may I present each request and concern to you. I praise you that your perfect peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ each day. Amen.

21. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Psalm 139:23)

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

Prayer: Lord, search my heart, and shine the light of your love into each corner of my soul. Reveal to me my deepest thoughts, and show me where I am harboring stress and anxiety. Point out the areas in my heart where I have wounded and grieved your Holy Spirit. Please forgive my hidden faults, and lead me in the way of your truth, peace, and everlasting joy. Amen.

22. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (Psalm 27:1)

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being my Light and Salvation. When I feel afraid, help me to trust in you, and to remember that you are the strength and stronghold of my life. As I cast my stress, fears, and anxiety to you, lift my burdens and lighten my heavy load. Amen.

23. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Psalm 34:4)

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

Psalm 34:4-5

Prayer: Lord, sometimes the stress and worry in my life fills my heart with fear and anxiety. Help me to seek your face, and deliver me from all my fears. As I look to you for strength, cast away all shame and condemnation. Help me to remember that I am safe and secure when I put my hope in you. Amen.

24. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Isaiah 41:10)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Prayer: Lord, what a blessing it is to know that you will uphold me with your righteous right hand! Thank you for giving me strength today to face my fears. Be present with me today Lord, and help me in my times of need. May your perfect love cast out all fear and anxiety in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

25. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Psalm 23:4)

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

Prayer: Lord, sometimes in life we enter dark valleys filled with pain and suffering. Help me through those times. Hold me close to you when the stresses of life threaten to overshadow me. Thank you that the light of your love and grace shines brighter than any dark valley I will face. I praise you for your faithfulness to me. I know that you will never leave or forsake me when I need you most. Amen.

26. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Deuteronomy 31:6)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

Prayer: Lord, help me to be strong and courageous. When I feel stressed out and filled with anxiety, grant me your comfort and strength. Help me not to be afraid when the world around me feels threatening and intimidating. Thank you for being with me wherever I go. Remind me today that I can do all things through your strength (Philippians 4:13). Amen.

27. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Psalm 118:6-7)

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.

Psalm 118:6-7

Prayer: Lord, remind me today through your Holy Spirit that you are here with me. When I feel stress and anxiety from life’s circumstances surround me, help me to remember that I am secure in you.

28. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from John 14:27)

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

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have given me your peace and calmness. Thank you that I do not have to accept the stress and anxiety that comes from the world. Instead of a troubled heart filled with fear and trepidation, give me a heart of joy, peace, and tranquility. Amen.

29. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Colossians 3:15)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the peace of Christ that reigns within my heart. Fill me with a heart of gratitude and thankfulness as I reflect on your goodness in my life. I praise you that I am called to peace–it is a wonderful fruit of the Spirit. May your peace, love and joy grow and flourish within my heart today. Amen.

30. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from 2 John 1:3)

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.

2 John 1:3

Prayer: Lord, today, grant me your grace, mercy and peace. As I go about my day today, surround me with your favor and compassion. Chase away all doubt, worry and anxiety. Be with me and my family as we seek your face and grow in unity through your truth and love. Amen.

31. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Psalm 16:9-11)

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the wonderful joy I find when I dwell in your presence. Your path of life does not lead to stress, anxiety, or destruction–but to eternal life. May my heart rejoice and sing for joy as I recount your many blessings in my life. May you continue to guide me on your path of life. Amen.

32. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Psalm 28:7)

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Psalm 28:7

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being my strength and shield. I know that your hand will uphold me and help me. Fill my heart with joy, and may I praise you for your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Amen.

33. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (from Psalm 46:10)

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

Prayer: Lord, how comforting it is to know that when the stresses of the world overwhelm me, all I need to do is be still. Help me to be still before you and remember that you are God–nothing is too difficult for you, nothing is impossible with you. Today, I exalt your name and praise you for your goodness. When the storms of life rage all around me, help me to remember to be still. Amen.

34. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (Psalm 37:7)

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:7

Prayer: Lord, help me to wait patiently for you. When it seems that the enemy is succeeding in his wicked schemes, help me to remember that I have the victory in You. Satan is already defeated, and I can walk in freedom and confidence because of your sacrifice on the cross. Teach me Lord, to be still before you, and to wait for your deliverance. Amen.

35. Prayers for Stress and Anxiety (Psalm 51:12)

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 51:12

Prayer: Lord, today I ask that you will renew my soul and restore to me the joy of your salvation. When I feel stressed out and filled with anxiety, help me to cling to the promises from your Word. Thank you for sustaining me each day by your grace and mercy. Amen.

Free Printable Scriptures to Reduce Stress

Feel free to download these Scripture when you need to overcome stress and anxiety with the Word of God!

Download the free Scripture Printable HERE

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