15 Powerful Psalms for Protection

When times are tough, personally or globally, where can we turn? Especially when things seem out of our control, and we don’t know whether we’ll be safe—or even maybe if we’ll see tomorrow—it’s good to know there is only One who has control over everything.

Luckily, that One, God, did not leave us alone. We can find His words to us in the Bible. One of the best places to turn when we seek protection is to the Psalms. What's especially beautiful about the Psalms is that it is written in a way that can be prayed and recited.

When I find myself in the midst of life's battles, feeling overwhelmed or under attack, I often turn to the Book of Psalms. There's something profoundly comforting about those ancient words, as if they were written just for us in our times of need. The Psalms have a unique way of resonating deeply into our heart and souls, providing strength and peace when we face spiritual warfare.

We all face battles, both seen and unseen. Sometimes, these struggles can make us feel isolated or powerless. But I’ve discovered that praying the Scriptures, especially the Psalms, back to God can be a powerful weapon in our spiritual arsenal. It’s like having a direct line to the divine, using the very words He’s given us to seek His protection and guidance.

One of my go-to Psalms for protection is Psalm 91. Whenever fear starts to creep in, I recite its verses aloud: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" These words remind us that we are never alone. We have a refuge, a fortress, and a God who is deeply committed to our safety.

And it's not just about the act of reciting these words; it's about trusting and resting in God's love for us. When we pray these Psalms of protection with faith, we are engaging in spiritual warfare, standing firm against the forces that seek to harm us. We are wielding the very words of God as our shield and defense.

Psalm 23 is another favorite, offering the assurance that "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." This Psalm reminds us that no matter how dark or threatening the situation, God's presence provides unparalleled comfort and protection.

The act of praying these Psalms transforms our prayers into declarations of faith and trust. When we speak these scriptures back to God, we are not only seeking His help but also affirming our belief in His promises. This practice strengthens our faith and draws us closer to Him, reminding us of His constant presence in our lives.

Join me as we explore these powerful prayers, learning to use the words of the Psalms like a shield of faith. Together, we can confront our challenges with the assurance that God's protection is always with us.

Here are 15 of my favorite Psalms for protection to encourage you not just in the current battle you are facing but for eternity:

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Psalm 46:1-2

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"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear."

Sometimes it may feel like God is distant, but this psalm makes clear that God is always present.

Psalm 55:16-17

"As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice."

No matter how often we cry out to the Lord, even morning, noon, and night, He is still there.

Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,

no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

We’ve discussed God as a shield and as a fortress—a rampart is part of a fortress—but this image of covering us with his feathers, like a mother hen with her chicks, reminds us of God’s tender love. Psalm 91 is perhaps the most well-known psalm for protection. It speaks of God's sheltering presence and promises safety under His wings. Verses like "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge" offer a vivid image of God's protective care.

Psalm 90

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”

A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death— they are like the new grass of the morning:

In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered.

We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation.

You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan.

Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

If only we knew the power of your anger! Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Relent, LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.

May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.

Praying Psalm 90 for protection is powerful because it grounds us in the reality of God's eternal presence, highlights our need for His mercy and favor, and reinforces our trust in His protective care. As we pray these words, we align ourselves with the timeless truth of God's sovereignty and love, finding peace and security in His unchanging nature.

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Psalm 23

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The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,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 your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Sheep are rather unintelligent creatures, and they don’t exactly have teeth or claws to defend themselves. Thus, in ancient Israel, sheep’s survival was dependent on the goodness and care of the shepherd to find food and water and be protected from danger.

David, when writing this psalm, was no doubt thinking of his own time as a shepherd. Unlike David, who may have made mistakes, God is the perfect shepherd, perfectly caring for our needs.

Psalm 40:1-3

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him."

In this psalm, the psalmist had to wait for the Lord; deliverance did not come immediately. However, the image of the Lord rescuing the psalmist from mire—uncertain, uneven footing—and placing him on the solid footing of a rock gives us insight into what it looks like when we turn from relying on the world or our own power to relying on God and His Word.

The psalmist also claims, “Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him” (Psalm 40:3). He recognizes that through his struggle, the glory of God is shown to others.

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Psalm 18:2-3

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"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies."

Here, it is notable that though in the context of the verse, the enemies are human, this can just as well refer to the enemies of the soul, be they sin or forces of evil. The Lord is like a rock, strong, steady, and unyielding.

He is like a fortress, something much larger than those who take refuge within. He is a shield against the fiery arrows of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16), and a “horn” in Hebrew poetry symbolizes strength. God is our strength.

Psalm 18:16-19

"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me."

Note here why the Lord rescued the psalmist: “because he delighted in me.” The Lord delights in us and rescues us through His great love. Not only is He powerful, but He is loving. Just as a parent protects the child they love, so our Father God protects us because he loves us!

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Psalm 116:3-9

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"The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘Lord, save me!’ The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living."

Sometimes when we’re afraid, it’s helpful to remember all the times the Lord has saved us in the past. In this psalms for protection, the psalmist reminds himself, “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”

Psalm 121:1-8

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Not only can it be helpful to remember when the Lord has protected us in the past, but also to remember who He is. He is the maker of heaven and earth, an infinite being with no need of sleep. If He loves us, what have we to fear?

Psalm 138:3, Psalm 138:7

"When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me…Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me."

When we call, He answers. Even when trouble surrounds us and there seems to be no way out, He is capable of keeping us safe. When Daniel was in the lions’ den (Daniel 6) and when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were tossed into the blazing furnace (Daniel 3), the Lord preserved their lives.

The Lord is capable of great and mighty miracles, and we should not be afraid to pray boldly (James 1:6).

3 Short Psalms for God's Protection

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When we have trouble putting our petitions into words, the psalms can help us.

1. Psalm 16:1

"Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge."

2. Psalm 25:20-21

"Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you."

3. Psalm 31:1-5

"In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God."

In these psalms, and many more like them, the psalmist asks for God’s protection not because of his own goodness or merit, but “for the sake of your name” (Psalm 31:3) and “in [His] righteousness” (Psalm 31:1). The Lord protects us not because we deserve it, but because of who He is—a good, powerful, and loving God.

When we pray for protection, we must put our trust in God, not in our situation. No matter how dark things may seem, we must remember that God is indeed in control and has a plan greater than we could fathom.

Physical and Spiritual Protection

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When we think of “protection,” most of us probably think of protection from physical harm. There are plenty of verses in the Bible about God offering physical protection.

However, this is not always the case. It is not always God’s will to shield us from all bodily harm. Eleven out of the twelve disciples, after all, met gruesome ends as martyrs.

Though God does offer physical protection (for example Paul and Luke’s survival of the shipwreck in Acts 27), and it is not wrong to ask for this, there are other kinds of protection that are even more important.

When we put our faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, we receive God’s salvation, and the protection of our souls. We belong to Him. Though the Lord cares about our physical wellbeing (see Matthew 6:26-30), He is even more concerned with our eternal souls.

Thus, when we ask for God’s protection, we may be asking for protection from the schemes of the enemy, for protection of our hearts and minds, and for strength to persevere in the faith.

As we read the psalms, it’s important to realize that we can pray not only for physical protection, but for spiritual protection as well.

What the Bible Says about the Power of Scripture

The Scriptures are special among writings, having been inspired by God. Often, it can be difficult to express what we’re feeling or thinking to God. However, the psalms are there to guide us. This doesn’t mean we have to follow the psalms exactly, but it can be comforting to know that others have felt the same way for thousands of years, and they can help us pray and put our thoughts and concerns into words.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

God’s Word is alive. The Holy Spirit uses it to teach us, shape us, and speak to us. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture is “God-breathed” (NIV) or “breathed out by God” (ESV).

When we are seeking God, the best place to go is straight to His Word. I hope these Psalms have blessed you as they have me!

Examples of Protection God Provides

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When we think of “protection,” most of us probably think of protection from physical harm. There are plenty of verses in the Bible about God offering physical protection.

However, this is not always the case. It is not always God’s will to shield us from all bodily harm. Eleven out of the twelve disciples, after all, met gruesome ends as martyrs.

Thus, when we ask for God’s protection, we may be asking for protection from the schemes of the enemy, for protection of our hearts and minds, and for strength to persevere in the faith.

As we read the psalms, it’s important to realize that we can pray not only for physical protection, but for spiritual protection as well.

Alyssa Roat studied writing, theology, and the Bible at Taylor University. She has worked as a literary agent at C.Y.L.E., the publicity manager at Mountain Brook Ink, and as a freelance editor with Sherpa Editing Services. She is the co-author of Dear Hero and has 200+ bylines in publications ranging from The Christian Communicator to Keys for Kids.