A Good Prayer When Nervous

There are moments in our lives that cause us to become nervous. A person may be about to take a licensing exam that would determine whether he or she can practice his or her desired profession. A husband who is waiting outside the delivery room where his wife is giving birth to their firstborn child may also be nervous, not just about the health of his wife and baby but also about the new season that he is about to enter as he has to raise a child. Whenever we are nervous, one lesson should always come to mind; that is, to not look at ourselves but toward God for the strength, grace, and mercy we need.

Father in heaven, when I feel great nervousness, may I run toward You first and come to You in refuge. May I depend on Your grace and trust in Your holy name. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Essentials for the Times When We Are Nervous

As already mentioned, we will inevitably encounter moments in our lives in which we will feel nervous. The degree of nervousness we may feel may vary depending on the circumstance, but regardless of the degree of nervousness we feel, the response we ought to have is to run toward God. In Proverbs 18:10, it is written that the name of the LORD is a strong tower, and those who run toward it are safe. In fact, several verses in the Book of Psalms say the same thing, that God is our refuge and our strong tower to whom we can run (Psalm 61:3, Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn[b] of my salvation, my stronghold.). In fact, the words “fortress,” “shield,” and “refuge” are often used (Psalm 144:2 He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples[a] under me.). Why does the Bible keep reminding us of this? When we feel nervous, we sometimes run toward others or depend on ourselves. However, God should not be our last resort. When nervous, run toward the Lord.

It is also essential to know that when feeling nervous, the best response, as we come to God for refuge in such a distressing time, is to pray. Prayer is the most humble posture we can take because we acknowledge that we are powerless and needy. Yet, prayer is our most powerful tool because it affirms that we depend upon God. That is why 2 Peter 5:6-7 tells us that we are to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, and we are to cast all anxieties to Him because He cares for us. What a comfort it is that God wants us to cast our anxieties to Him, not out of duty but because of His care for His children. 

As you pray, lift whatever causes you to be nervous to God in prayer, and His peace, which transcends all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Peace comes when we entrust and surrender the matter to God. Of course, responding in times of nervousness entails responding in trust and humility before God and praying to Him, but that does not mean we don’t do anything. We do what we need to do, but ultimately, we entrust everything to our God.

How to Pray When Feeling Nervous

As mentioned in 2 Peter 5:6-7 and Philippians 4:6-7, you lift whatever you feel nervous about to God in prayer. You can be honest with God and describe the nervousness that you are feeling. You can tell Him what or who makes you nervous and explain your fears and worries about the circumstances. In prayer, you can also make requests to God, such as asking for the help you need and the wisdom, grace, and mercy to pull through it. Remember that as you pray, you entrust everything to the LORD.

Heavenly Father, You know the things about which I am nervous and worried. However, I don’t control them or the future. I trust You, knowing that You are sovereign over everything in the end. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

(Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.) brings us comfort whenever we are nervous. This passage tells us that everything works together for the good of those who love God. Whatever it is that we are nervous about, and whatever it is that the future holds, we are confident that nothing will destroy us. Whether our circumstances are good or bad, everything works together to conform us to the image of Christ. No tribulations or challenges can separate us from the love of Christ.