What to Pray When Your Teen’s School Anxiety Gets Overwhelming

Somewhere around age 13 or 14, my kids stopped looking forward to the first day of school. The thrill of new backpacks and water bottles (and an outfit or two) just didn’t do the trick anymore. Instead of excited smiles, I started seeing stressful grimaces. And by late July, the anxiety boiled right along with the summer temperatures.

But it’s not just my kids. Teen anxiety has reached unprecedented levels. Nearly 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The academic pressures, shifting friendships, social media use, and the new school year create a perfect storm. When your teen’s anxiety about school feels overwhelming, you might not know what to say. But here’s what you can always do: pray.

When They’re Spiraling About Everything That Could Go Wrong

Although we’re pretty good at them, moms don’t own exclusive rights to those spiraling “what if” thoughts. Our kids’ minds can get stuck on that loop, too. What if I can’t get my locker open? What if I don’t do well in AP Chemistry? What if none of my friends have my lunch period? What if, what if, what if… Their thoughts spiral into catastrophic thinking, and they feel increasingly overwhelmed and anxious about school.

When you see this happening, pray:

Father, my kid’s mind is spinning with worry this school year. She’s anxious about grades, friendships, and her future. Please replace every anxious “what if” thought with the peace that only You can give. Remind her that You know every detail of this school year. All of it! When fear tries to take over, anchor her heart in Your promise from Jeremiah 29:11. You have good plans for her, plans to give her hope and a future. Let that truth settle her mind and shift her focus from the “what ifs” back to You. Amen.

When They’ve Gone Silent or Can’t Stop Talking About Their Fears

Anxiety doesn’t look the same in every teenager. Some anxious teens shut down completely. Other teens cope by talking nonstop about their worries. Both responses are your teen’s way of trying to manage anxiety that feels too big to handle. Some are trying to process their way out of the worry. Others are pulling inward, protecting themselves the only way they know how.

When you see this happening, pray:

Father, my teen’s anxiety is affecting how he talks to me. I know he’s struggling. Open his heart to speak honestly with You. And help him know I’m here, too, to listen (not fix) and to guide gently when needed. But, Jesus, you know I’m gonna need Your help to do that! So give me wisdom to know when to speak and when simply to be present beside him. Most of all, remind my child that he is fully known and completely loved by You. Amen.

When They’re Avoiding or Procrastinating Everything

When something feels too overwhelming or scary, the brain’s instinct is often to avoid it entirely. For anxious teens, procrastination becomes a way to temporarily escape the uncomfortable feelings that come with thinking about school. So you might see your teen putting off school prep, summer reading, or anything related to the upcoming year. While you might chalk it up to laziness or defiance, often, avoidance is anxiety in disguise.

When you see this happening, pray:

Lord, my teen keeps avoiding the things she needs to do. Please give her the courage to face what feels hard. Help her take just one small step instead of getting paralyzed by the big picture. Steady her mind to focus on what she can do today without being consumed by all the unknowns of tomorrow. When she feels like shutting down or giving up, remind her that You are her strength, and that through Christ, she can do all things. Amen.

When They’re Doubting Themselves

Perfectionism can feel like a shield against failure or rejection. If they can just get perfect grades, look like those influencers, or avoid making a mistake, maybe they’ll feel safe. But this way of thinking creates an exhausting cycle where their worth hinges on performance. For your teen, you may notice an obsession with grades, spending too long getting ready, or constantly seeking reassurance.

When you see this happening, pray:

Father, my teen is struggling with self-doubt and looking for worth in places that won’t last. Please help her remember that her identity is found in You alone, not in grades, popularity, or performance. When she’s tempted to base her value on others’ opinions (even mine), remind her that in Colossians 3:12, You call her chosen, dearly loved, and set apart. When perfectionism tries to replace Your peace with anxiety, help her walk in confidence, knowing she is fearfully and wonderfully made. Let her experience the freedom that comes from being unconditionally loved by You. Amen.

When They Feel Disconnected from God and Everyone Else

For anxious teens, isolation becomes a defense mechanism against situations that might trigger more worry. You might notice your teen stop opening up at dinner, skipping youth group, or spending long hours alone in his room. He might even say he feels lonely (even when he’s around people).

When you see this happening, pray:

Father, my heart breaks seeing my teen feel so alone and disconnected. Please draw him close to You right now. Let him experience Your presence in real, tangible ways through Your Word, through prayer, through music, and through the love of specific people You place in his life. I ask boldly: bring two godly friends into his life who will encourage his faith and remind him he’s not alone. And when loneliness tries to convince him that no one understands, let him hear Your voice whispering, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Surround him with Your love, and help him know he is never truly alone. Amen.

Looking for more ways to pray for your kids this school year? Try these.