Fear is a common part of the human experience. From the uncertainty of tomorrow to the challenges we face today, fear can feel overwhelming. Yet, Scripture and prayer offer a path toward peace and trust. This prayer for fear draws on biblical truths and the wisdom of Christian liturgy to anchor us in God’s presence.

At Redeeming Babel, we believe prayer is not only a personal refuge but a practice of grounding ourselves in God’s promises. This article will guide you through a prayer for fear, featuring verses and liturgical practices to strengthen your faith and calm your heart.

A Prayer for Fear: Grounded in God’s Word

Lord, in my fear, remind me that You are my refuge and strength. Just as the psalmist declared, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You” (Psalm 56:3), help me place my trust in Your steadfast love. You have said, “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10), and I hold onto Your promise that You will never leave nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Calm my restless heart, Lord, and bring me the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). May Your perfect love drive out my fear (1 John 4:18), and may I rest in the knowledge that I am held securely in Your hands. Amen.

Praying Through Fear: Anchoring Practices

1. Reflecting on the Psalms

The Psalms are a timeless guide for bringing fear before God. Psalm 27:1 reminds us: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Use this verse as a meditation, repeating it in moments of anxiety.

Psalm 23 is another anchor: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”Praying through the psalms connects us to the raw, honest emotions of those who trusted God in their trials.

2. Practicing Liturgy for Fear

Liturgies give structure to our prayers, especially when fear leaves us feeling scattered. Consider these examples:

• The Collect for Peace (Book of Common Prayer):
  O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know You is eternal life and to serve You is perfect freedom. Defend us, Your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies, that we, surely trusting in Your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
• The Kyrie Eleison (Lord, Have Mercy):
  Pray, “Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.” This ancient refrain offers a simple, repeated cry for God’s peace in moments of fear.

3. Inspired by The Anxiety Opportunity

Curtis Chang’s book, The Anxiety Opportunity: How Worry Is the Doorway to Your Best Self, reframes fear and anxiety as invitations to draw closer to God. Chang writes, “Anxiety anticipates loss, but prayer anticipates grace.” This shift encourages us to see fear not as an enemy but as a doorway to deeper trust and transformation.

Drawing on his wisdom, we can approach fear as an opportunity to encounter God in the midst of our struggles. Let fear lead you to prayer, and let prayer lead you to God.

Closing Reflection: The Gift of Trust

As we pray through our fears, let us remember the words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

At Redeeming Babel, we believe prayer is a gift that draws us closer to God’s unshakable love. Whether through scripture, liturgy, or the wisdom of books like The Anxiety Opportunity, we hope this prayer becomes a source of peace for you.

May you find strength in God’s promises and courage to trust Him in all circumstances.