Recent tragic plane crashes in the news have spiked anxiety about air travel. Even without such triggers, flight anxiety is a common struggle. The enclosed space, feeling out of control, and the potential for turbulence can all contribute to fear. If you find yourself grappling with these feelings, you aren't alone. Many people experience varying degrees of discomfort when flying. Prayer can connect you with the peace that only God can give—much more powerful than any anxiety you're feeling. Here are seven prayers for flight anxiety and related well-being practices you can do while you pray these powerful prayers.
1. A Prayer for Acknowledging Anxiety:
It's important to acknowledge your anxiety to God without shame. God understands your feelings and wants to share your burden. Denying or suppressing the anxiety you feel will only make it stronger. Be honest and open with God about how you feel. It can 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 can trust Him to deliver you from fear. That doesn't necessarily mean God will remove the fear entirely, but God promises to be with you and give you the strength to face it. You can trust God to fight anxiety for you. While you pray this prayer, practice deep breathing: Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for a count of four, 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 thought of being so high in the air, enclosed in a metal tube, makes my heart race. I feel vulnerable and out of control. I know that fear is a natural human emotion, but I don't want it to control me. So, I'm bringing this fear to you now, asking for your comfort and peace. Help me to notice your presence with me, even in the middle of my fear. Remind me that you are always with me, and that all I need to do is seek you to find you when I need you. Thank you, God. Amen."
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2. A Prayer for Strength and Courage:
Facing your fears requires strength and courage. The Bible encourages you in 2 Timothy 1:7: "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to overcome your anxiety. Whenever you catch yourself worrying about flying, pray for the Holy Spirit to remind you that God's power is much greater than anything you're worrying about and to give you the strength and courage you need to travel by air with confidence. Courage isn't the absence of fear but the ability to act despite fear, empowered by God's presence. Joshua 1:9 declares that you can be strong and courageous because God will always be with you: "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." Take your mind off your anxieties by doing something that reminds you of God's presence with you, such as listening to worship music or reading one of your favorite Bible verses.
Pray: "God, I feel weak and vulnerable when I think about flying. I need your strength to face this fear. Please give me the courage to trust in you and to take each moment as it comes. Help me remember that you are always with me, wherever I am—including when flying on an airplane. Let my breathing remind me that you are constantly with me, giving me everything I need anywhere I go. Thank you, God. Amen."
3. A Prayer for Trusting in God's Loving Control:
Remembering that God is in control can be a powerful antidote to flight anxiety. God is a loving Heavenly Father in ultimate control over everything and everyone, including the plane you are on, the weather, and the pilots. It's all in God's hands. This understanding can bring you a sense of calm in the middle of the chaos of your anxious thoughts. Isaiah 41:10 reassures you: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." This verse is a powerful reminder that God is not distant or uninvolved. He is actively present with us, strengthening and upholding us. While you pray this prayer, practice mindfulness. Focus on the present moment. Notice the feeling of the seat beneath you, the sounds of the cabin, and the temperature of the air. Acknowledge these sensations without judgment, returning your focus to the present whenever your mind wanders.
Pray: "God, I recognize that you are in loving control over all creation. You are the one who holds all things together. I know that you are with me, even in this airplane. Help me trust in your perfect plan, even when I feel anxious and uncertain. Remind me that you are in control and that nothing can separate me from your love. Help me to release my need to control the situation and rest peacefully in your perfect control. Thank you, God. Amen."
4. A Prayer for Protection and Safety:
While acknowledging that God is ultimately in control, praying for protection and safety during your flight is also natural. Praying for protection and safety is a powerful way to declare to God that you're relying on His care and believe He will answer your prayers. Psalm 91:11 describes how God assigns holy angels to guard you in every situation: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." As you pray, visualize a safe and smooth flight with God's angels accompanying you and everyone on board. Imagine the plane taking off and landing gently. Picture yourself feeling calm and peaceful.
Pray: "God, please protect me and keep me safe as I travel. Watch over the plane, the pilots, and all the passengers traveling with us. Please guide us all safely to our destination. I trust myself to your care with confidence that you will do what's best. Thank you, God. Amen."
5. A Prayer for Peace That Goes Beyond Understanding:
Anxiety often comes from a lack of peace. So, pray for the peace that only God can provide—God's perfect peace that transcends your human understanding. God's peace doesn't depend on your circumstances but on God's presence with you. That's good news because God is always with you. You can notice God's presence with you by intentionally reaching out to God for help, paying attention, and connecting with him.
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages you: "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." This Bible passage suggests that God's peace acts as a guard, protecting your heart and mind from anxiety. Isaiah 26:3 says of God: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Focus your mind away from anxiety and toward God. You can use a well-being practice known as cognitive restructuring to challenge anxious thoughts when you notice them. For example, if you think: "This plane is going to crash," counter that anxious thought with some positive facts, such as: "Air travel is statistically very safe. I am in God's hands."
Pray: "Lord, I ask for your peace so powerful it goes beyond my understanding. My mind races with worries and what-ifs, and I'm struggling to be calm. So, please quiet my anxious thoughts and fill me with your peace. Help me focus on you and your promises rather than my fears. Help me to breathe deeply and to feel your presence with me. Thank you, God. Amen."
6. A Prayer for Gratitude and Perspective:
Practicing gratitude can shift your perspective away from anxiety and toward the blessings in your life. It can help to reframe your thinking and reduce the intensity of your anxiety. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds you to: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Even in difficult circumstances, practicing gratitude can help you develop a more positive and peaceful mindset about flying and anything else that makes you anxious. Take a few minutes to journal about blessings you're grateful for, from your family and friends to your health and opportunities. Then, consider how the opportunity to experience other parts of the world through travel is a tremendous blessing.
Pray: "God, in the middle of my anxiety, I want to thank you for your goodness and your faithfulness. Thank you for the opportunity to travel and for constantly pouring all sorts of blessings into my life. Please give your perspective on what matters most, even in situations where I'm afraid. I appreciate how you've kept me safe on past trips. I trust you to continue to keep me safe as I enjoy the adventure of traveling. Thank you, God. Amen."
7. A Prayer for Surrender and Acceptance:
Ultimately, overcoming flight anxiety involves surrendering your fears to God and accepting situations like flying that are beyond your control. Jesus urges you in Matthew 6:34: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Focus on the present moment, let go of worrying, and trust that God will handle the future. Seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or therapist to help you let go of flight anxiety and trust in God's wisdom.
Pray: "God, I surrender my fear of flying to you. I acknowledge that I can't control everything, but I can trust in your love and care. Help me accept the things I can't change and focus on you, my loving Heavenly Father, who is always present and always faithful. Help me trust in your plan for my life. Thank you, God. Amen."
Flight anxiety can be challenging, but it doesn't have to stop you from enjoying trips. By turning to God in prayer and seeking God's help to cope, you can find the power you need to ultimately overcome flight anxiety. So, don't let the news of occasional crashes stop you from traveling. Choose to live in faith—not fear—and look forward to experiencing the freedom that comes from trusting in God's care for you.
Related:
6 Calming Reminders When Your Anxiety Turns to Panic
10 Powerful Prayers for Safe Travel and Protection
Photo credit: ©Eva Darron/Unsplash
Originally published Monday, 10 February 2025.