The Anxiety Prayer

Great Comforter,

It seems that my anxiety rises with each new day.

There are moments I can pretend and contain it, and there are moments it lashes out in a harsh word or avoidance.

I recognize it, but I can’t stop it.

I see it.

It is a huge booming voice pressing down on my head, my shoulders.

It drops me to my knees.

It thumps and swells in my chest and I can’t detach from it. It makes it hard to breathe.

It’s all been too much.

The pandemic, the sickness, the depression of friends, holding it all together, the pressure pot of politics and resentment that grows among neighbors.

It just keeps growing and there seems to be no end.

I’m on my knees.

It won’t let me rise.

I kneel in guilt.

I come beating myself up for snapping at the ones I love.

I come with my hands open, my heart racing, my head full, and I pray for relief.

I pray for release.

You know what I need. Help me ask for it.

You know who I am. Help me share that with someone who can support me.

You know why I am, and you love me anyway.

Help me see the peace that is possible.

Help me release control.

Calm my heart.

Release my shoulders.

Fill my lungs with so much hope there is no space left for anxiety.

Make me mindful of your presence.

Make me open to your grace.

Wrap me in your calming presence.

In the name of your son, who asked that the cup passes from him, the One who understands, I pray.

Amen

SEEKING HELP:

This prayer is not a replacement for seeking professional help when you are struggling with anxiety and depression. You are not alone. You don’t have to fight alone. It is appropriate to seek help for anxiety and depression. It does not mean that you trust God any less. Instead, it shows that you trust in the Doctors and medicine who are gifts from God to help you cope. You can learn more about how to do find help at the Anxiety and Depression Association of America by clicking here.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255 or chat with them here.