A Good Prayer for Fear

There are many different moments in life where we feel fear. For a student, it may be that he or she is afraid of what might be in store when they go to college. If someone is working, perhaps a problem occurred at work that could cause something troublesome and therefore evoke fear in a person. A man may perhaps be about to lay down his intentions to court a woman and fear rejection. The scenarios are endless. Likewise, there are many different things they can be afraid of. However, in such times, the Bible is clear on one thing: We are to take heart and not be afraid.

Heavenly Father, when I fear, I pray that You will steady my heart and bring peace. Christ has already given me His peace in which my heart can choose not to be troubled by my circumstances. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

What Does the Bible Say About Fear?

Fear inherently is not a sin. For example, a mother’s child suddenly collapses after something terrible happens. It is understandable that the mother would fear for her child’s well-being. In fact, it would be weird for the mother to be emotionless or even happy about it. However, if we let the fear consume us so much that it hinders us from trusting in God, that fear becomes a sin. When we resort to depending on ourselves out of fear, think and feel only fearfully, and let it drive our life instead of running to God, it becomes a sin because we are showing we do not have faith in our God.

As written in (Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.), we can choose not to fear any evil whenever we see ourselves walking amid the valley of the shadow of death. It is because God is with us. Wherever we go, whatever the circumstances may be, His mercy and goodness indeed follow us there. In (2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.), the passage also teaches us that God never gives us the spirit of fear but that of power, love, and self-control. In times of fear, we can choose not to be consumed by it. Instead, we can manage our emotions as we exercise self-control by God’s grace.

In (John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.), Jesus also tells us He has given us His peace. Jesus knew that we would face challenges and tribulations in our earthly lives. Therefore, He gave us His peace. What He gave us is not the same peace that the world offers, which people think is the absence of problems. The kind of peace Jesus gives provides us with comfort and peace itself, even in the midst of a storm. That is why we can summon our courage and never let our hearts be troubled or afraid.

How Can I Pray When I Feel Fear?

There are several ways you can pray to God whenever you feel fear. Some of them include being honest to God in prayer about your fears, confessing and remembering Scriptures, and running to God in prayers.

First, it is okay to be honest with God. God is our heavenly Father. We can tell Him about the things we fear. It is a delight to God when we come to Him regarding our fears, talk to Him about them, and trust Him amidst our fears. Consider, for example, Psalm 56:3-4. David tells God that he trusts Him in times of fear. That also leads us to the second point: confessing and remembering scriptures. We can remember and confess several scriptures to declare and, in so doing, counter our fear. The passage in (Psalm 56:3-4 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.) is already a good example. Using that, we remember that God is someone whom we can trust in times of fear. Lastly, we depend on or run to God in our prayers. In Philippians 4:6-7, it is written that we are not to be anxious. Rather, we are to present our prayer requests to God as His peace that transcends all understanding shall guard our hearts and minds. What is it that you are fearful of? What are your hopes and prayer requests? Lift them all to God.

Father in heaven, You know the fears that I have. It is great that I can run to no one but You alone. I cannot handle this one. I know that You are faithful and that Your love is steadfast even in such times. Calm my fearful heart, Father. Give me the grace and the strength to face tomorrow, and remind me that You are sovereign over everything. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Remember the truth that you are in Christ, and as such, God is with you. That should already give you peace and confidence no matter what storms you are braving in your current season. Our God, who is with us, is the One who is sovereign over the universe. What, then, shall we be afraid of? In Mark 4:35-41, that was the heart behind the question of Jesus to the apostles. Since Jesus was with them, what reason was there to fear? In times of fear, we may also reflect upon this question.