How Prayer Helps Fear and Anxiety

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 40 million adults suffer from anxiety disorders. Did you know that prayer is one of the biblical answers for anxiety? The Bible says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension , will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus Phil 4:6-7 (NASB). According to this verse, prayer gives us peace from God. Whenever we have fears and anxieties, we should take these problems to the Lord. The Bible also says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” 2 Tim 1:7 (KJV). This fear does not come from the Lord so it must come from the devil. Don’t let Satan put fear in your heart, but let God guard your heart through prayer.

The Bible actually speaks of two different types of fear. The first is the fear of God, which is a good fear. God promises his “eye is upon them that fear him” Psalms 33:18 (KJV). He also says that, “the angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them. O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want Psalms 34:7-9 (NASB). This type of fear is more of a reverence, rather than a fear and trembling kind of fear. If you wish to get rid of your fears and anxieties, then develop a fear of God so you can benefit from His promises in these scriptures. The second type of fear the Bible speaks of is the fear that grips our hearts and causes panic and worry in our minds. Many times when I want God to help me with something negative like fear, I pray for the opposite attribute such as boldness and courage. I have several “boldness” verses I like to pray: Ezek. 3:6-11, 2 Tim. 1:6-7, Eph. 3:11-13, Heb. 13:5-6, Phil 1:14, Eph. 6:18-19, and Eph. 3:16.

In addition to prayer, hiding God’s Words in our hearts also combats fear and anxiety. There are many other verses in the Bible to help you fight your fears such as: Psalm 23:4, 27:1, 27:3, 46:2, 115:11, and 145:19. You might also look up verses on trust. One of my favorites on trust is, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” Prov 3:5-6 (NKJV).

I would also suggest finding a prayer partner to pray over your fears with you. United prayer is powerful prayer. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” Matt 18:20 (NKJV). You can’t have fear when Jesus is in your midst.