As Christians, we can offer a prayer for mental health to bring our thoughts, emotions, anxieties, worries, fears, and struggles before our loving heavenly Father. We can trust that He hears us, loves us, and promises to work everything out for our best interests and His glory (Romans 8:28). Even when things don’t work out how we want them to, we can take great comfort in knowing that the Lord works all things for the ultimate good of His children.
Using the Bible as a guide for prayer is commonly known as “praying the Bible,” and there are some great practical videos on YouTube from Donald S. Whitney showed how to do it. (He has also written an excellent book on the subject.) Praying the Scriptures helps us pray in accordance with God’s will. It can help us fight distractions. It can help us enhance our prayer life, instead of praying the “same old things, in the same old way.” If you’re looking for a prayer for mental health healing, keep reading, as we’ve provided several Bible-based passages in this article that you can use as a foundation for your own prayers for mental and emotional well-being.
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Prayer for Mental Health: “Hear My Cry, O Lord” — Psalm 5:1–3
“Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” — Psalm 5:1–3
When you wake up anxious or weary, this prayer for mental health reminds you that God listens. Begin your day by speaking honestly to Him. Meditate on Him, and tell Him about what you know of Him. Tell Him that He created the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything in it. Tell Him that He parted the sea for Israel on the way out of Egypt, that He sent His Son to die, be raised from the dead, and make atonement for your sins. Tell Him that he has saved you from perishing. Morning prayer sets a tone of peace and helps replace racing thoughts with God’s presence.
Prayer for Mental Health: “When Thou Saidst, Seek Ye My Face” — Psalm 27:7–8
“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” — Psalm 27:7–8
We seek the Lord because when we behold Him in His word, we become more like Him. (2 Corinthians 3:18). We seek Him most when our hearts are troubled. Even in moments of loneliness or confusion, we can respond by turning to God and His Word.
Prayer for Mental Health: “Thou Hast Turned My Mourning into Dancing” — Psalm 30:11
“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness.” — Psalm 30:11
Trials can feel endless, but this verse can serve as a prayer for mental health because it affirms that, through our faith and trust in the Lord, we can find joy in the midst of sorrow.
Prayer for Mental Health: “My Life Is Spent with Grief” — Psalm 31:10
“For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.” — Psalm 31:10
David’s words capture the exhaustion that often comes with depression or anxiety. You will recall that David committed adultery with Bathsheba. When she became pregnant, David tried to cover it up. His plan failed, so he arranged to have Bathsheba’s husband killed. Because of these sins of adultery and murder, David faced some really brutal consequences in his life. The Lord forgave David, but there were still consequences. And so David often suffered, and he brought his emotional burdens to the Lord again and again.
Prayer for Mental Health: “The Lord Is Nigh unto Them That Are of a Broken Heart” — Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
As believers, we are not promised a prosperous, joyful life here on earth. Instead, we are promised persecution (1 John 3:13) and trials (1 Peter 1:6-7). But the Lord is near to His children, and countless Christians have reported that they have never felt so close to the Lord as when they have gone through particularly difficult trials. James 4:8 tells us to draw near to God, and He will draw near to us.
Prayer for Mental Health: “My Soul Thirsteth for God” — Psalm 42:2
“My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” — Psalm 42:2
Spiritual dryness and mental fatigue can make it difficult to sense God’s presence. Yet this verse expresses a deep yearning for Him. When you feel distant, pray: “Heavenly Father, my soul longs for You. Let me see Your image in Your Word. Let me feel You near me.”
Prayer for Mental Health: “My Help Cometh from the Lord” — Psalm 121:1–2
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” — Psalm 121:1–2
When mental struggles feel overwhelming, and you find yourself asking, “What’s the best prayer for my mental health?” remember where your strength comes from. God, the Creator of heaven and earth, is your source of help. If you start to forget how awesome He is and all of the things He has done, read through the Psalms. Dive into His Word and see His power and might.
Finding Strength in Scripture and Prayer
The Bible reminds us that trials are not to be dreaded. In 1 Peter 1:6-7, we’re told, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith…may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (ESV) In James 1:2-3, we read, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (ESV)
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or addiction, LINKS at Northbound Treatment Center in Newport Beach provides faith-based recovery programs and Christian mental health counseling. Reach out today to learn more.
Get Help Today
Help and healing are possible through our Christian rehab programs.
If you are ready to take the next step and learn more about how a Christian rehab center can aid in your recovery, feel free to reach out to us at any time.
FAQs About Prayers for Mental Health
What should I pray for when I don’t know what to say?
Jesus gave us an example of a prayer for mental health in Matthew 6:9-15. This prayer is not meant to be repeated as a mantra; rather, it is an example of how to pray. In addition, the book “Praying the Bible” by Donald Whitney is a great resource, and there are several YouTube videos in which he explains this practice in great detail. Here is a very short one.
How often should I pray for mental health?
The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. As often as your mental health struggles come to mind, pray about them! Make sure to spend time thanking the Lord for all He has done, and praising Him.
What if I feel like God isn’t listening?
At times like this, it may be best to consult with your pastor or with a trusted Christian friend. Here is an in-depth article that may help.
Can I pray for someone else’s mental health?
Absolutely. Intercessory prayer (praying for mental health for others) is something we’re actually commanded to do. If they’re not saved, pray that the Lord will give you an opportunity and boldness to share the Gospel with this person. Pray for their salvation. If they are saved, you can pray that the Lord will give you opportunities to uplift and encourage this brother or sister in Christ. Pray that He will draw them near to Him.