Christian Meditation for Anxiety: 3 Examples

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. It can be caused by many things, such as stress, uncertainty, or fear. Anxiety can interfere with a person’s daily activities and relationships. Many things can be done to help manage anxiety, such as talking to a therapist and practicing relaxation techniques, such as Christian meditation for anxiety.

Meditation is a practice where an individual trains the mind or attention to achieve a state of relaxation. Meditation has been practiced in many religions and cultures throughout history. There are many different types of meditation, but most involve focusing on the breath, a mantra, or visualization.

Christian meditation for anxiety is a practice where an individual uses Scripture, prayer, and/or other spiritual practices to focus the mind and achieve a state of relaxation. There are many ways to practice Christian meditation, but some common practices include reading scripture, praying for guidance, and reflecting on one’s thoughts and feelings. Christian meditation can be a helpful way to connect with God, relax the mind, and reduce stress.

Christian Meditation for Anxiety

Let’s walk through a few different meditations together, using words from Deuteronomy.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV

Exercise #1: Breath Prayer.

A breath prayer is simply breathing in and out slowly and repeating a phrase. It will help slow your brain and your heart in the case of anxiety. Start by choosing a phrase and using it as a breath prayer.

Breath in: Be strong

Breath out: God is with me

OR

Breath in: Don’t be afraid

Breath out: He will never leave

OR

Breath in: God goes with me

Breath out: Be courageous

Exercise #2: Write it out.

Writing is an excellent way of taking the anxiety thoughts outside of your head. Take the above verse from Deuteronomy and write it out. Or write out a similar passage used only three verses later.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. – Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV

This phrase is restated in the book of Joshua several times. Rewrite the phrase for yourself, multiple times or use different translations.

Exercise #3: Pray the passage.

Meditation does not need to be a silent and lonely practice. The verse can draw you into a conversation with God. Tell Him what you are afraid of, what gives you anxiety, and ask for His help to see how He is with you. Ponder what it might look like to be courageous and tell God if you have felt forsaken by Him.

Next steps

Fear and anxiety are common human experiences, as even the pages of the Bible reveal. God can be present with you in your fear and worry. These simple exercises can help you when your thoughts begin spiraling out of control.

It can be helpful to have a partner, friend, or counselor help us practice these meditations and exercises. Have a person you can tell these practices about and when you feel anxiety spiraling call or text them. Then they can help you start meditation to soothe your body and your soul.