Verse Prayers for When Your Child is Anxious
Are your kiddos nervous about going back to school? Do they have worries about what the future holds for them? Do they get scared at night? Maybe you're like me and you have one child in particular who seems to worry more than the others.
Anxiety in children is very common and it breaks our hearts as parents. We want our kids to be carefree and innocent, but many of our kids do struggle with worry from time to time. When we don't carve out time to talk about worry with kids and to find out what's on their hearts, often times their fears will grow and this can affect our kids physically and mentally.
I remember staying up late as a little girl feeling scared about so many different things. I would hold onto my rose colored Bible and squeeze it as if it were a teddy bear. Many times I didn't share with my parents what was bothering me because I just didn't know how to articulate it.
Research shows us that many kids don't share their worries, fears, or sadness with adults unless they are asked. That's why it's important to regularly check in and ask, "Is there anything you're thinking about in your mind or feeling in your heart lately that you haven't shared with me yet?" My husband started this when our kids were very small and I have adopted this little tradition too. Sometimes their answers are silly and seemingly insignificant. Other times, however, we've had incredible breakthrough conversations where we've been able to help combat some seriously dangerous lies they've been believing.
Here are a few verses to share with your kids to help with worry. You can also print out these pocket prayers to put in their lunchboxes or post in their rooms or bathrooms. Or you could write on them and put them on your kids pillows at night.
4 Verses to Pray Over Your Worried Kids
1. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:6-7
I also really love teaching my kids the Scripture Lullabies Song of this verse. I even sing this to myself sometimes when I am worried. It's so sweet.
2. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
-Philippians 4:13
Are your kids about to do something difficult like start a new school year or share their faith with a neighbor? Remember that we don't have to do anything out of our own strength. God's power is working in us. We have the Holy Spirit and we are never alone!
3. But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters,I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
-Isaiah 43: 1-2, 4-5
We turned these verses into a short pocket prayer for your child who might need to be reminded who they are and whose they are.
Dear _________,
May you know that you are God's,
you are seen, you are loved,
and you are known!
Amen.
4. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
-Joshua 1:9
This is such a great one for kids (and adults) to memorize! It's a short, but powerful reminder that we can be brave because we are never alone. The God of the Universe isn't just with us sometimes, He has promised to stay with us wherever we go!
We hope that these pocket prayers can be a powerful tool in your home.