According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, "Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year." Some of us suffer from one or more of these crippling anxiety disorders, while many of us may simply feel "stressed out" from everything that is happening in our lives. Either way, it is a reality we face every day and is often very difficult to overcome.
Besides having recourse to proper medical attention, prayer can also be a strong aid against stress and anxiety. Below is a powerful prayer from St. Frances Xavier Cabrini that invokes God's help in being freed from "all needless anxiety, solicitude and worry." Something our hearts all long for and desire!
Fortify me with the grace of your Holy Spirit and give your peace to my soul that I may be free from all needless anxiety, solicitude, and worry. Help me to desire always that which is pleasing and acceptable to you so that your Will may be my will.
Grant that I may rid myself of all unholy desires and that, for your love, I may remain obscure and unknown in this world, to be known only to you. Do not permit me to attribute to myself the good that you perform in me and through me, but rather, referring all honor to your Majesty, may I glory only in my infirmities, so that renouncing sincerely all vainglory which comes from the world, I may aspire to that true and lasting glory which comes from you. Amen.
