Recent tragic plane crashes within the news have spiked anxiety about air travel. Even without such triggers, flight anxiety is a standard struggle. The enclosed space, feeling uncontrolled, and the potential for turbulence can all contribute to fear. If you end up grappling with these feelings, you are not alone. Many people experience various degrees of discomfort when flying. Prayer can connect you with the peace that only God can provide—rather more powerful than any anxiety you feel. Here are seven prayers for flight anxiety and related well-being practices you possibly can do whilst you pray these powerful prayers.
1. A Prayer for Acknowledging Anxiety:
It’s vital to acknowledge your anxiety to God without shame. God understands your feelings and needs to share your burden. Denying or suppressing the anxiety you are feeling will only make it stronger. Be honest and open with God about how you are feeling. It may be helpful to reflect on Psalm 34:4: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
This verse reminds you that God pays close attention to your cries for help, and you possibly can trust Him to deliver you from fear. That doesn’t necessarily mean God will remove the fear entirely, but God guarantees to be with you and offer you the strength to face it. You can trust God to fight anxiety for you. While you pray this prayer, practice deep respiration: Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, and exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six. Repeat several times.
Pray: “Lord, I confess that I’m afraid of flying. The recent news has made my anxiety worse, and I feel overwhelmed by fear. The considered being so high within the air, enclosed in a metal tube, makes my heart race. I feel vulnerable and uncontrolled. I do know that fear is a natural human emotion, but I don’t need it to manage me. So, I’m bringing this fear to you now, asking to your comfort and peace. Help me to note your presence with me, even in the course of my fear. Remind me that you just are at all times with me, and that every one I would like to do is seek you to seek out you when I would like you. Thank you, God. Amen.”
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