Psalms for Anxiety: 8 Psalms for Worry, Fear and Peace

When worry keeps us awake and fear tightens the heart, the psalms teach us to hand our anxiety over to God: “Cast thy care upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.” Below are eight psalms for anxiety, each with its key verses in the Catholic Douay-Rheims Bible, a short explanation, and a link to the full psalm, followed by practical ways to pray them and a prayer for peace.

1. Psalm 46: be still

Be still and see that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth.

Stop striving and fearing, and rest in the fact that God is God. Read the full Psalm 46.

2. Psalm 55: cast your care on the Lord

Cast thy care upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall not suffer the just to waver for ever.

St. Peter echoes this verse: “Casting all your care upon him, for he hath care of you” (1 Peter 5:7). Give God the weight you cannot carry.

3. Psalm 94: comfort for many sorrows

According to the multitude of my sorrows in my heart, thy comforts have given joy to my soul.

When anxious thoughts multiply, God’s consolations bring joy (Psalm 93 in the Douay-Rheims).

4. Psalm 34: delivered from all my fears

I sought the Lord, and he heard me; and he delivered me from all my troubles.

Seeking the Lord in prayer is the first step out of fear. Read the full Psalm 34.

5. Psalm 23: I will fear no evil

For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they have comforted me.

The Good Shepherd walks with us through every dark valley. Read the full Psalm 23.

6. Psalm 27: whom shall I fear?

The psalm of David before he was anointed. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?

Light and salvation drive out fear. Read the full Psalm 27.

7. Psalm 42: why are you downcast, my soul?

Why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou trouble me? Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance,
And my God. My soul is troubled within myself: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan and Hermoniim, from the little hill.

The psalmist talks back to his own discouragement: “Hope in God.” Read the full Psalm 42.

8. Psalm 4: sleep in peace

In peace in the selfsame I will sleep, and I will rest:
For thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope.

For anxious nights: hand the day to God and rest in him. Read the full Psalm 4.

How to pray the psalms when you are anxious

Breathe and slow down. Read one verse, pause, and read it again.
Name your worry to God, as the psalmists do, without pretending.
Repeat a short verse through the day, such as “Be still and see that I am God” or “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
Pray at night with Psalm 4 or 91 before sleep, and leave tomorrow in God’s hands. See Catholic night prayers.
Get help when you need it. Prayer and professional care go together; if anxiety overwhelms you, talk to a doctor, counselor or priest.

A prayer for peace of mind

Written for this page:

Lord, I cast my cares upon you, for you care for me.
Quiet my racing thoughts and calm my anxious heart.
When I am afraid, be my light and my salvation;
let me be still and know that you are God,
and give me your peace, which the world cannot give. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

What psalm is good for anxiety?

Psalm 46 (“Be still”), Psalm 55 (“Cast thy care upon the Lord”), Psalm 23 and Psalm 27 are among the most comforting psalms for anxiety and fear.

What does the Bible say about worry?

Jesus teaches us not to be anxious but to trust our heavenly Father (Matthew 6:25–34), and St. Peter says to cast all our care upon God “for he hath care of you” (1 Peter 5:7).

More prayers for anxiety and peace

Texts and sources

Scripture: Psalms 45 (46), 54 (55), 93 (94), 33 (34), 22 (23), 26 (27), 41 (42), 4; 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 6:25–34, Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner), public domain.
The prayer was written for this page.