Daily Christian Journey

Prayers for Strength in Hard Times

By Sarah Wilson

Some seasons ask more of us than we feel we have. A diagnosis, a job loss, a strained relationship, a long stretch of simply being tired: hard times come in many shapes, and they tend to make us feel small. If you are in one now, you do not have to be strong on your own. The Bible's consistent message is that God's strength meets us at the point of our weakness.

That is not a cliche. The apostle Paul, who knew imprisonment, shipwreck, and illness, wrote that he had learned to find strength in the very places where he felt weakest. The Psalms are full of people running to God as a rock, a fortress, and a refuge, not because they were brave but because they were out of options. Prayer in hard times does not need to be eloquent. "Help" is a complete prayer.

Use the verses below as handholds. Pick one for the day and carry it with you: write it on a card, set it as your phone screen, say it when your heart starts racing. Notice that many of these promises are about presence rather than rescue. God does not always remove the difficulty at once, but he promises to be with us in it and to bring us through.

If your circumstances are unsafe, or if you are struggling with your mental health, please also reach out to a trusted friend, pastor, doctor, or counselor. Letting others carry part of the load is part of how strength actually works. Quotations on this page are from the King James Version, and the articles at the bottom offer further encouragement for the road.

A short prayer

Father, I am tired and I need you. Where I feel weak, be my strength. Where I cannot see the way, be my light. Give me courage for today and the grace to take it one hour at a time, knowing that you are with me. Amen.

Bible verses for this topic

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1 (KJV)

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:9 (KJV)

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Psalm 28:7 (KJV)

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

Romans 5:3-4 (KJV)

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psalm 18:2 (KJV)

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (KJV)

…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), which is in the public domain.

More topic guides

Related articles from our archive