As you climb into bed, shut off the light and slip under the covers, you know sleep is far away. You spent most of your day trying to evade your anxiety. But your best efforts proved fruitless. With a sigh, you roll over and stuff your face into your pillow. Here we go again, you think to yourself. Another sleepless night.

Anxiety often feels unavoidable. It can follow you from morning to evening. It can keep you from focusing on your responsibilities at work and at home. It can drive you to avoid others as you frantically search for peace. And it can keep you awake at night, urging you to toss and turn instead of finding much-needed rest.

In these moments, it’s easy to feel powerless, like the writer of Psalm 69: “I am worn out from calling for help, and my throat is aching. I have strained my eyes, looking for your help” (Psalm 69:3, GNTD).

But when your throat aches and your eyes feel strained, you don’t have to seek peace alone. You can call out to God in prayer, asking him for hope, rest and perseverance. These four prayers will get you started: 

1. Lord, I’m exhausted. Help me find rest in you.
   You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. – Psalm 23:1-3 (GNTD)
2. Lord, I’m overwhelmed with anxiety. Help me experience your peace.
   Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.– John 14:27 (GNTD)
3. Lord, I’m worried and afraid. Help me find hope.
   May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.– Romans 15:13 (GNTD)
4. Lord, I’m feeling alone. Help me feel your presence.
   You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever.– Psalm 16:11 (GNTD)