Prayer for anxiety

Lord, the anxiety is back. My chest tightens, my breath shortens, my mind races to the worst case. I come to you before it takes over.

You said not to be anxious about anything, but to bring our requests to you, with thanksgiving. So I bring mine: (say what is causing the anxiety). This is my request. I place it in your hands.

And, as you asked, I give thanks in the middle of it. Thank you for being here. Thank you for the times the worst case did not happen. Thank you for this moment of stopping.

Guard my heart and my mind with your peace — the one that surpasses understanding, that makes no sense given the circumstances, but settles in anyway. Bring my breathing back to normal. Bring my thoughts back to today.

I cast my anxiety on you, because you care for me. I say it again: you care for me. Amen.

If anxiety is frequent and intense, also see a mental health professional. Prayer and treatment go together.