What can I pray when I am scared?

Keep it short and honest: 'God, I am afraid; please be near me and steady me.' Naming the fear before God is itself an act of trust.

Does the Bible say anything about fear?

Yes, often. 'Fear not; for I am with thee' (Isaiah 41:10), and God gives 'not the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind' (2 Timothy 1:7).

What if prayer does not make the fear go away?

Prayer is not a switch that erases fear. It brings you into the presence of One who stays with you in it. If fear is overwhelming, please also reach out for real help; see the help page below.

Prayer & Presence

A Prayer When You Are Afraid

When fear is loud, prayer does not have to be. You can pray a few plain words even with your heart pounding. You do not have to talk yourself out of the fear first. You can bring it, exactly as it is, to a God who Scripture says is near, and steady, and not afraid of your fear.

If this is you. Fear can make the night feel endless. If your chest is tight and your mind will not slow down, you are not weak and you are not alone. You can whisper for help, and that whisper counts.

Again and again in the Bible, the first thing God says to frightened people is fear not, not because there is nothing to fear, but because they are not facing it alone. Peace, in Scripture, is less the absence of trouble than the presence of God.

What Scripture says

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Isaiah 41:10

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

2 Timothy 1:7

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

A prayer you can pray right now

A prayer you can pray right nowGod, I am afraid, and I am tired of being afraid. I am handing You the thing that is scaring me. Please steady me. Be near me right now, and quiet my racing heart enough to breathe. Amen.

You do not have to carry this alone. On the Living Bread prayer wall you can ask real people to pray for you tonight. You can keep it private, share only what you want, and you do not need to make an account to be prayed for. Someone will pray.

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And if you want to know the One you are praying to

You do not have to believe anything yet. Prayer is simply turning toward God as honestly as you can, and Christians believe that in Jesus, God turned toward us first. You do not have to take our word for it. Read his own words quietly and see what you find. The Gospel of John is a gentle place to begin, and it costs you nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.

Read the Gospel of John Ask for prayer Come and see

Jesus Christ is Lord.

Frequently asked questions

What can I pray when I am scared?: Keep it short and honest: 'God, I am afraid; please be near me and steady me.' Naming the fear before God is itself an act of trust.
Does the Bible say anything about fear?: Yes, often. 'Fear not; for I am with thee' (Isaiah 41:10), and God gives 'not the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind' (2 Timothy 1:7).
What if prayer does not make the fear go away?: Prayer is not a switch that erases fear. It brings you into the presence of One who stays with you in it. If fear is overwhelming, please also reach out for real help; see the help page below.

Nearby, if you want itI need help now A prayer for hope God, help me