It comes out of nowhere. Your heart pounds, your chest gets tight, your hands tingle and your thoughts start screaming that something is terribly wrong. Maybe you’re in the grocery store. Maybe you’re lying in bed. Maybe you’re sitting in a meeting trying to look normal while everything inside you is sounding an alarm. If you’re searching for a prayer for panic attacks, you may be in the middle of one right now, or still shaking from the last one.
First, take a breath. You are not alone, you are not crazy, and you are not a bad Christian for feeling this way. Below are short prayers you can pray in the moment, the Bible verses behind them, and simple ways to come back to God when panic hits. Read slowly. You don’t have to get through all of it right now.
If you’re panicking right now, start here
Don’t try to read the whole page. Pray this, one line at a time, breathing slowly between each line:
Jesus, I’m scared. You are here. My body is loud, but You are bigger. I breathe in Your peace. I breathe out this fear. You’ve got me. Amen.
Then read this verse twice, slowly, out loud if you can:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Notice what God says He will do: strengthen, help, uphold. You don’t have to hold yourself together right now. He is holding you.
What the Bible says when fear takes over
The word “panic attack” isn’t in Scripture, but overwhelming fear is. David wrote psalms while running for his life. Elijah collapsed under a tree and asked God to let him die (1 Kings 19:4). The disciples were sure they were about to drown while Jesus slept in the boat (Mark 4:38). And in the garden, Jesus Himself was so distressed that His sweat was like drops of blood (Luke 22:44).
God didn’t shame any of them. He met them. He fed Elijah and let him sleep. He calmed the storm. He sent an angel to strengthen His Son. The same God meets you in your racing heart.
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”
Psalm 94:19 (NIV)
Panic tells you that you are in danger and alone. Scripture tells you that even in real danger, you are not alone.
Short prayers for panic attacks
When panic hits, long prayers can feel impossible. These are short on purpose. Pick one and pray it over and over.
1. A prayer for when panic starts
Lord, I feel it starting. My heart is racing and my mind is spinning. Before it takes over, I turn to You. You are my refuge. Hold me steady. Slow my breathing. Remind me that this feeling will pass and You will not. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
2. A prayer when you feel like you can’t breathe
God, You breathed life into me. Breathe peace into me now. With every breath in, I receive Your calm. With every breath out, I let go of this fear. I don’t have to fight this alone. You are with me in this exact moment. Amen.
Some people find it helps to pray a verse in rhythm with their breathing. Breathe in on “When I am afraid,” breathe out on “I put my trust in you.”
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Psalm 56:3 (NIV)
3. A prayer for panic attacks at night
Father, it’s dark and I woke up afraid. My body feels like something is wrong. I’m safe in Your hands. You don’t sleep and You don’t leave. Calm my heart, quiet my thoughts and help me rest again. I lie down in Your peace. Amen.
If nights are your hardest time, our prayers for when you can’t sleep are written for those lights-off hours.
4. A prayer when you’re afraid of the next panic attack
Jesus, sometimes the fear of panic is worse than the panic itself. I’m tired of waiting for the next one. I give You my tomorrow. You haven’t given me a spirit of fear. Teach me to live today with You, and trust You with whatever comes next. Amen.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
5. A prayer for panic in public
Lord, I feel trapped and everyone seems to be looking. Help me find a quiet place, or help me stay right here with You. You are with me in this store, this car, this room. No one can take Your presence from me. Steady me. Amen.
6. A prayer after a panic attack
God, that was hard. I’m exhausted and a little embarrassed. Thank You for carrying me through it. Wash away the shame. Restore my strength. Help me rest, eat, drink some water and be gentle with myself today, the way You are gentle with me. Amen.
“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
Psalm 34:4 (NIV)
Bible verses to hold onto during panic
Write one of these on a card, set it as your phone lock screen, or save it in your notes so it’s ready when you need it.
“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 (NIV)
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
For a longer list, see our Bible verses for anxiety.
Simple ways to pray through a panic attack
- Slow your breath first. You can’t think your way out of panic, but slow breathing can help your body settle. Breathe in for four counts, hold briefly, and breathe out for six.
- Name five things you can see. Grounding yourself in the room helps your mind come back to the present. As you name each one, thank God that He is in this room too.
- Pray one sentence. “Jesus, help me” is a complete prayer. Romans 8:26 says the Spirit prays for us when we don’t know what to say.
- Remember it will pass. Panic feels like it will last forever. It won’t. Remind yourself: “This feeling is temporary. God is not.”
- Reach out. Text someone you trust, or ask others to pray for you on our prayer wall.
If your mind keeps spinning long after the panic fades, our prayers for overthinking may help you quiet the loop.
Is it a lack of faith to have panic attacks?
No. Panic attacks are not a sign that you don’t trust God enough. Many faithful, prayerful people experience them. Faith doesn’t mean you’ll never feel fear. Faith means you bring your fear to the One who can hold it.
It’s also wise to get support. If panic attacks keep coming back, please talk to a doctor or a licensed counselor. And if you’re experiencing chest pain, trouble breathing or symptoms you’ve never had before, seek medical care right away, because some symptoms can overlap with other conditions. Getting help is not giving up on God. He often works through people He’s equipped to help.
Not sure what you’re dealing with? Our free anxiety test can help you put words to what you’re feeling before you talk to someone.
If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, please call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US) right now, or contact your local emergency services. You matter, and you don’t have to carry this alone.
Frequently asked questions
What is a short prayer for panic attacks?
Try this: “Jesus, I’m scared, but You are here. Calm my body, quiet my mind and hold me until this passes. Amen.” Pray it slowly, in rhythm with your breathing, and repeat it as many times as you need.
What Bible verse helps with panic attacks?
Isaiah 41:10 is a favorite because God promises to strengthen, help and uphold you. Psalm 56:3, Psalm 94:19, John 14:27 and Isaiah 26:3 are also short enough to remember and pray in the moment.
Can prayer stop a panic attack?
Prayer brings you into God’s presence, and many people find that praying slowly, together with steady breathing, helps them through a panic attack. Prayer isn’t a replacement for medical or professional care, though. If panic attacks happen often, pray and also talk to a doctor or counselor.
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Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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