10 Bible Verses to Help You Stop Worrying and Start Praying

That thing that gets stuck in your head. Never mind that it’s likely not true. Probably won’t be a dejavu. It’s insistent and loud.

You attempt to think about something else, but the more you try to ignore it, the more it grows.

You’ll get sick. Or someone else will. You’ll miss that deadline, fail that test. The tornado will touch down. You’ll bump your head just like yesterday.

As a mom to one with high anxiety, this is familiar language. I’ve answered the frantic texts and phone calls, and this is the grounding truth I turn to:

Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 TPT

When fear makes your day dark and hope scarce, remember. Remember that you are loved. Remember that He’s listening. Remember that you don’t have to carry the weight of worry.

Worry vs. prayer

The other night at the dinner table, we debated the similarities and differences of prayer and worry. Is worry a form of prayer or the opposite of praying? The key difference, I concluded, is where we cast our eyes—on the problem or the Answer?

Worry is a magnifying lens. It pushes the crisis to the forefront of our minds and without thought we move closer. That’s why worrying makes the problem looks larger.

Worry is a magnifying lens quote by Twyla Franz

Prayer changes our focus. We start paying more attention to God, and next to His vast magnificence, the problem begins to shrink. Fear is no longer able to control our thoughts.

How to pray Scripture

Sometimes at bedtime, I turn the framed verses on my daughter’s wall into prayers. It’s essentially personalizing the words as you stand on the promise and trust the Promise-Keeper. God’s Word is alive. It never diminishes in power. Never stops being true.

That’s why we pray Bible verses—because it helps us remember the promises. Because truth is bigger than worry.

Let’s give it a try with 1 Peter 5:7.

Jesus, thank you that I can pour out all my worries and stress. You hear me. Thank you. Thank you for taking them from me. I don’t want to carry them anymore, and I’m giving them to You. Help me to believe that You tenderly care for me. Always.

When Scripture truths root deep in our hearts, fruit grows, and others can see the evidence. We can struggle with anxiety but be learning to walk in peace and truth. Bear battle scars and be learning that healing is found in His name.

As we walk it out, letting both our honesty and the ways God is teaching us to look more like Him show, we invite others to also press into the work God wants to do in their own lives.

Pray Bible verses to help you stop worrying

Where is worry creeping into your thoughts today? For you—and for the people the ripples of your life touch—try praying Scripture when you’d otherwise give in to worry.

Here are 10 powerful Scripture verses you can pray to calm your anxiety:

For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 TPT

So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love.
Romans 8:38 TPT

Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make.
Proverbs 3:5 TPT

Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:6-7 TPT

Listen to my testimony: I cried to God in my distress and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears!
Psalms 34:4 TPT

Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight.
Psalms 94:19 TPT

Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.”
Matthew 6:34 TPT

I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!
John 14:27 TPT

Those who entwine their hearts with Yahweh will experience divine strength. They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles, run their race without growing weary, and walk through life without giving up.”
Isaiah 40:31 TPT

Do not yield to fear, for I am always near.

Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God.

I will infuse you with my strength

and help you in every situation.

I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 TPT

Let’s pray.

Jesus, You know what a bully worry can be. How it drags us down, overtakes our thoughts. But Jesus, You’re bigger than all the things I’m worrying about. Teach me to trust You and I stand on Your Word. Help me invite others into the ways I’m learning to turn to You first.

Just a friend over here in your corner,