.png)
Whether we like it or not, there will be times in this life when things are incredibly hard for us. In the fall of 2016, I experienced such a time. My nephew, the baby boy who I spent my first winter break from college helping take care of, unexpectedly died. To say I was devastated would be an understatement.
However, as devastated as I was about my nephew’s death I was equally as devastated when I thought of what my brother must be going through. During this time, I created 10 prayer cards to help my brother when he could not pray. On one side of the card is a Bible verse and the other side of the card contains a prayer based on the Bible verse. In addition to covering the 10 prayers I encouraged him to pray, this article will also offer advice on how do you pray in difficult times.
How Do You Pray in Difficult Times?
Praying in difficult times can be a powerful source of comfort, strength, and guidance. We previously covered tips on how to pray when you don't know what to pray. Below are some practical steps to help you navigate prayer during challenging moments:
1. Find a quiet space: Create a calm and peaceful environment where you can focus without distractions. This could be a designated area in your home, a quiet corner in nature, or a serene place of worship.
2. Center yourself: The Bible encourages us to be still and know He is God (Psalm 46:1). In the process of stilling your soul, take a few deep breaths and consciously let go of any tension or anxiety. Clear your mind and bring your attention to the present moment. Allow yourself to become fully present before beginning your prayer.
3. Express your emotions: The Lord Christ Jesus already knows how you feel. Therefore, be honest and authentic with your feelings. Share your worries, fears, and frustrations with the God. Pour out your heart and allow yourself to be vulnerable in your prayers.
4. Seek guidance and strength: Ask for guidance, wisdom, and strength to navigate the difficult situation you are facing. Request clarity and insight in making decisions or finding solutions and trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you.
5. Gratitude and surrender: Even in challenging times, there are often blessings or lessons to be found. Express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life and the lessons you are learning through adversity. Surrender your worries and burdens to the God, trusting in a higher plan.
6. Speak God's Word Over Your Life: Speaking God's Word over your life is a powerful tip for praying in difficult times. By declaring and affirming scripture, you shift your focus from negativity to God's promises. Speaking His Word builds faith, brings encouragement, and aligns your mind with His truth. It anchors your prayers in His authority, reminding you of His presence, love, and guidance. Incorporate this practice to find hope, strength, and transformation in challenging moments.
7. Meditation and reflect: Spend a few moments in silence after your prayer, allowing the messages and insights to settle within you. Engage in quiet reflection or meditation to further deepen your connection with the divine and cultivate inner peace.
8. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you: Pay attention to any intuitive nudges or signs that may arise after prayer. Take inspired action towards solutions or changes that align with your intentions and the guidance you received.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to pray in difficult times. The key is to approach prayer with sincerity, openness, and a willingness to connect with God. Trust that through prayer, you can find solace, strength, and the guidance needed to navigate the challenges you face.
10 Prayers for For Difficult Times
Pin It
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. - EVS
Pray It- Lord Jesus, help me to stand steadfast under this trial, for I know when it is over I will receive the crown of life, which You have promised to me.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. - NLT
Pray It- Jesus, even when it is hard right now, I am making the decision to trust you with all of my heart. Help me not to lean on my own understanding. Help me to acknowledge You, even during this time. Help me to acknowledge your _________, ___________, _________ because I know as I acknowledge you in all my ways, you will make my path straight.
Psalm 56:8
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. - NLT
Pray It- Jesus, when no one else knows my sorrow, I know you know. When no one else sees the tears I have shed, I know, you have not only seen my tears but recorded each one in Your book. Thank You for remembering me in this time.
Psalm 61:1-2
Hear my cry, O God; Listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. - EVS
Pray It- Lord Jesus, I am asking for you to hear my cry and prayers to you. From the ends of the earth, I call to You, Lord. I call, as my heart grows faint, I feel overwhelmed right now. Jesus, I need You to lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 46:1-2
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. - NLT
Pray It- Lord Jesus you are my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble. Therefore, I will not fear though it feels as my world has been shaken. Thank you for giving me the strength to get through this time.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - EVS
Pray It- Lord God, help me not to fear because I know You are with me. Help me to find the strength that You promised me. Thank You, for I know You are right here with me, helping me each step of the way and upholding me with your righteous hand.
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. - NIV
Pray It- Heavenly Father, thank you for being with me during this time. Thank you for delighting in me, despite me. I thank you for your love that is able to quiet my heart and soul. Thank you for rejoicing over me with singing.
Romans 8:28
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. - NIV
Pray It- Jesus Christ, thank You. Right now I am weak, too weak to even pray. But I know that it is in moments like right now that your spirit is interceding on my behalf
Psalm 62:8
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. - NIV
Pray It- Heavenly Father, it’s hard for me to put what I feel into words right now but you know my heart Lord, so I will sit here and pour my heart out to you even if only in tears. You are my refuge and I trust you, even now.
Jude 1:24
Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into His glorious presence without a single fault. - NLT
Pray It- Thank you God for bringing me into your glorious presence with great joy. I know that even when life is hard you will not let me fall away, you are right here with me and you will never leave me. For that, I am grateful.
Final Thoughts on Prayers for Difficult Times
If you know someone who would benefit from receiving the above Bible verses and prayers cards for a gift of any amount including free (just enter $0.00 at checkout). 
Download from Gumroad Now!Prayer in difficult times is a transformative practice that connects us with God, offering solace, strength, and guidance. Through heartfelt conversations with God, we find comfort in knowing that we are never alone in our struggles. The verses from the Bible remind us to cast our anxieties on Christ Jesus, for only God alone can provide perfect peace. They encourage us to seek rest for our souls and approach prayer with gratitude, trusting in God even during the most challenging moments. In the depths of hardship, it is in God that we find unwavering support and the assurance that His presence will sustain us.
If you are struggling to trust God, having difficult experiencing God's unfailing love, despite praying the above prayers, you may benefit from speaking with a Christian life coach, therapy or pastoral counselor. To find a Christian provider near you, you can search our mental heath directory here: Local Christian Counselors
Finally, if you recently lost a loved one, please remember that your grief is meant to be shared. I highly recommend you attend a griefshare group.
Before you leave, we would appreciate it if you helped us spread the word by sharing, tweeting, pinning, etc. this post.
Share
Pin
Tweet
Share
Email
ShareAbout the Author:
Corine Williams, Ph.D. is Clinical Psychologist that is currently seeing clients in the States of Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. You can find out more about her practice by visiting www.therapyforchristians.com/corinewilliams. In addition to providing individual therapy, Dr. Williams is also passionate about writing books and designing merchandise that educate, uplift, and normalize mental health subject in the Christian community. You can find out more about her at www.booksbycorine.com or by visiting her amazon profile here: https://www.amazon.com/Corine-Hyman/e/B00AWZ5FL2
Help us increase mental health awareness in the Christian community by donating through our paypal link here: www.paypal.com/therapyforchristians, joining our mailing list by clicking below, or join our provider list here: Provider listing Disclaimer: the information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are looking for a Christian counselor near you, please check out our directory located here: Christians Therapist Near Me
