Many of us grapple with anxiety on a near daily basis and often find ourselves longing for ways to calm our minds and interrupt the downward emotional spiral that leads towards depression and dark thoughts. Finding ways to cultivate mental peace can be crucial for our overall well-being. For those exploring the intersection of spirituality and daily life, prayer can offer a meaningful practice to address and process these anxieties.
But prayer can be intimidating. Sometimes we lack the words to communicate what we’re feeling. The value of Christian is that, for thousands of years, faithful people have been facing similar issues and asking questions similar to those we wrestle with today. We can lean on the words they shared long ago to help guide or focus and center our thoughts in the here and now.
Below is a collection of prayers shared throughout Christian history. Perhaps one might stir in you a sense of perspective or provide the words you feel, but can’t quite voice.
It's important to acknowledge that while prayer can be a powerful tool for many, it is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you or someone you know is struggling with severe anxiety or other mental health issues, seeking help from a professional is both appropriate and encouraged.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit."
— Romans 15:13
O God, seeing as there is in Christ Jesus an infinite fullness of all that we can want or desire, May we all receive from him, grace upon grace; grace to pardon our sins, and subdue our iniquities; to justify our persons and to sanctify our souls; and to complete that holy change, that renewal of our hearts, Which will enable us to be transformed into the blessed image in which you created us. O make us all acceptable to be partakers of the inheritance of your saints in light. Amen.
– John Wesley
O Lord God,
grant your peace to us,
for you have supplied us with all things—
the peace of rest,
the peace of the Sabbath which has no evening;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- Augustine of Hippo
O God, you are the bottomless well of peace,
the heavenly sea of love,
the fountain of blessings,
and the giver of affection,
and you send peace to those who receive it.
Open to us this day the sea of your love,
and water us with the flowing streams of your grace.
Make us children of quietness, and heirs of peace.
Enkindle the fire of your love in us;
plant holy reverence for you in us;
strengthen our weakness by your power;
bind us closely to you and to each other
in one firm bond of unity; for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
- Attributed to Clement of Rome, c. 96
May God the Father bless us;
may Christ take care of us;
the Holy Ghost enlighten us all the days of our life.
The Lord be our defender and keeper of body and soul,
both now and for ever, to the ages of ages.
- Æthelwold
O God, Who art the unsearchable abyss of peace, the ineffable sea of love, the fountain of blessings, and the bestower of affection, Who sendest peace to those that receive it; open to us this day the sea of Thy love, and water us with the plenteous streams from the riches of Thy grace. Make us children of quietness, and heirs of peace. Enkindle in us the fire of Thy love; sow in us Thy fear; strengthen our weakness by Thy power; bind us closely to Thee and to each other in one firm bond of unity; for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
—Syrian Clementine Liturgy.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, who hast nourished me from my youth up, who gives food to all flesh. Fill our hearts with joy and gladness, that we, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work in Christ Jesus our Lord, through whom to Thee be glory, honor, might, majesty, and dominion, forever and ever. Amen.
—The Clementine Liturgy.
Loving Lord and heavenly Father, I offer up today all that I am, all that I have, all that I do, and all that I suffer, to be Yours today and Yours forever. Give me grace, Lord, to do all that I know of Your holy will. Purify my heart, sanctify my thinking, correct my desires. Teach me, in all of today’s work and trouble and joy, to respond with honest praise, simple trust, and instant obedience, that my life may be in truth a living sacrifice, by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, my Master and my all. Amen.
– Elisabeth Elliot (1926–2015)
O good shepherd, seek me out, and bring me home to your fold again.
Deal favorably with me according to your good pleasure,
until I may dwell in your house all the days of my life,
and praise you for ever and ever with those who are there.
- Jerome
Deep peace of the running wave to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,
Deep peace of the shining stars to you,
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you, for ever.
-Source unknown - early Scottish
Let nothing disturb you,
let nothing frighten you,
all things will pass away.
God never changes;
patience obtains all things,
whoever has God lacks nothing.
God alone suffices. Amen.
– Teresa of Avila
Prayer can be a comforting and grounding practice that helps us articulate our anxieties and find a sense of peace. By integrating these prayers into your daily routine, you might discover a deeper connection to your spirituality and an enhanced sense of mental well-being. Remember, exploring spiritual practices like prayer can be a valuable part of your mental health journey, but it’s also important to reach out to professionals for support when needed. May these prayers inspire you to seek out and engage with a faith community that resonates with your spiritual quest and offers you the comfort and peace you seek.
Rev. Ryan Dunn is a Minister of Online Engagement for United Methodist Communications and the chief editor for Rethink Church.
