A Prayer to Pray When Facing Challenging Times in Your Life

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Lord,

Help me to trust in you with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding but in all my ways submit to you. Make my paths straight and guide me down the right path. I know in this life there will be times of suffering and hardship, but help me take heart because I know you have overcome the world.

Give me the courage to face the challenges that come. Help me to persevere and not give up. Give me the strength to face these storms. Pour out your peace over me and keep me in your perfect peace.

I want to always look to you when trials come. Instead of blaming you or looking elsewhere for the answers, I want to look to you and trust completely in you. This is hard to do, but I ask you to help me surrender everything to you…my emotions, my thoughts, my actions, and control.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your help through this extremely difficult time. I know you’ve got this, and you’ve got me! I praise you, and I put all of my faith and trust in you. Thank you, God, for hearing and answering my prayer.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

What is a very powerful prayer for difficult situations?

The Serenity Prayer is widely known and recited by people looking for solace, strength, and guidance in difficult times. Though nobody knows exactly who coined it originally, it’s so simple and comforting that it became the flagship prayer of twelve-step programs for people recovering from addiction. Here is the traditional version of the Serenity Prayer:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

Short, sweet, and powerful! This prayer lets us acknowledge our limitations and empowers us to take action where we can make a difference. It reminds us to seek inner peace, courage, and clarity when we navigate difficult situations. And perhaps best of all, the Serenity Prayer helps us practice letting go of what can’t be changed so that we can focus on the hope of better things to come. No wonder so many people use it! If you think this sounds like a prayer you want to keep in your back pocket, you can write it down on a notecard or memorize it so you can reach for it in hard moments.

What do you pray for someone going through a hard time?

If you know someone who's going through a hard time, it might be comforting to them for someone to pray for or with them. But isn't it kind of awkward to ask someone to pray with you? And if they say yes, what should your prayer say? Here’s a guide for how to pray with someone who’s struggling.

Try approaching them when you won’t be overheard or interrupted in case the other person feels self-conscious about what they’re going though. Then say something like:

I've noticed that you've been going through a tough time lately, and I just wanted to let you know that I'm here for you. I care about you, and I've been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Wait for their response, and if they seem open to it, continue.

I was wondering if it would be okay with you if I prayed for you right now. I believe in the power of prayer, and I'd like to offer you some encouragement and support.

Wait for their response, and if they agree, make sure you’re in a quiet spot. If you’re not sure what exactly to pray, you can try something like this:

Dear God,

We come before you today lifting up [Name] in prayer. You know the struggles and challenges they are facing, and we ask for your comfort and strength to surround them during this difficult time.

Help them feel your presence and love, and remind them they are not alone.

We pray for wisdom and guidance for [Name]. Give them clarity of mind and peace of heart as they navigate what they’re going through.

Fill them with hope, encouragement, and a renewed sense of purpose.

We thank you for the opportunity to lift up [Name] in prayer, and we trust in your unfailing love and faithfulness to see them through this difficult time.

In your name, we pray,

Amen.

After the prayer, let them know you are there for them whenever they need someone to talk to or lean on. And if this person seems uncomfortable or doesn’t agree to praying with you, respect that boundary. Not everyone is ready to be that vulnerable with you,

What is the prayer verse for hard times?

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

     He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

     He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

    for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

    I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

    your rod and your staff,

    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

    my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

    all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

    forever.

Psalm 23 (ESV)

Psalm 23 is one of the most comforting passages in the Bible, and it’s often used as a source of solace and strength for people facing difficulties. Written by King David, this prayer reminds us of God's steadfast love, guidance, and protection, even when we feel lost in life. Praying through Psalm 23 can bring you comfort, reassurance, and a sense of hope that you are not alone in your struggles because God is your shepherd. He is with us every step of the way.

If you’re struggling to make it through the day or just need to talk to someone about how to surrender your worries to God, reach out to a Hope Coach today. We’re always here to listen without judgment, and we’d love to be a source of support and encouragement for you. You are loved.