Prayers for Comfort and Strength When You Need it Most

Use this collection of uplifting prayers when you need reminded of God's promises to provide comfort, strength, and hope. 

Prayer can be an incredibly powerful tool in these moments, offering a sense of calm and reassurance when we need it most. Whether you're grappling with grief, stress, or anxiety, turning to prayer can help you find a soothing balm for your troubled soul. In the midst of our struggles, prayer not only brings us closer to God but also reminds us that we are not alone.

We have an amazing promise that we can lean on when we need to feel that God hears us and sees our pain in the midst of difficult times. In the tears, in the loss, in the hurt, we have a loving God who wants us to come find rest and comfort in Him. Matthew 5:4 tells us "blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

We can find strength and peace in the midst of any situation when we believe that God's grace and sovereignty are greater than any disappointment. We may not understand why God allows tragedy to strike us, but we can rest in his infinite wisdom and tender mercies.

May these prayers for comfort meet you in your time of need. This difficult time will not last forever. God is with you and He wants to be your great Comforter.  

Popular Prayers for Comfort

Here are some popular prayers that people often turn to for comfort, drawing from various Christian traditions and scriptures:

The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13):

The Lord's Prayer is one of the most well-known and frequently recited prayers in Christianity. It provides guided words for seeking God's provision and beautiful reminders of God's promised protection. The comforting aspect of this prayer lies in its affirmation of will being done in our lives, despite the heartache we feel.

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is a beloved scripture written by King David who understood what it meant to lean on God during trying times. The psalmist declares, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," emphasizing God's constant presence and guidance. This psalm reassures believers of God's peace that is available to all believers.

"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."

The Serenity Prayer

Widely used in various support groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous, the Serenity Prayer asks for God's peace, courage, and wisdom. This is a powerful daily meditation prayer to use!

"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." 

The Prayer of St. Francis

The Prayer of St. Francis, also known as the Peace Prayer, is a beautiful invocation for peace and comfort. This prayer focuses on asking God to help us be a light in the world and to be the comfort the world needs. It can be incredibly powerful to shift our focus to needing comfort to being a comfort for others.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

A Prayer for Comfort (by St. Augustine)

This prayer resonates deeply because it covers the spectrum of human experience—wakefulness, sickness, weariness, suffering, and joy. Augustine's words remind us that God’s love and care are present in every situation, offering solace and hope. It's a powerful reminder that in our most vulnerable moments, we can seek God's protective embrace and find comfort in His enduring presence.

"Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest your weary ones. Bless your dying ones. Soothe your suffering ones. Pity your afflicted ones. Shield your joyous ones. And all for your love's sake. Amen."

A Prayer for Comfort When You're Hurting

Dear God, Some days feel too hard. We’re hurting. Struggling. Fighting fear and worry at every turn. Thank you in the midst of it all, you haven’t left us to fend for ourselves. Forgive us for doubting you are there. Forgive us for thinking you’ve forgotten. Forgive us for believing we somehow know the better way.

You are fully trustworthy. You are All-Powerful. You are Able. You are Lord over every situation no matter how difficult it may seem. You are Healer and will never waste the grief we carry today. You will use all things for good in some way. Anything is possible with you. Nothing is too difficult for you.

We pray for those who grieve today. We ask for your comfort to surround those who weep. We pray for the peace of your presence to cover our minds and thoughts, as you remind us, the enemy can never steal us out of your hands. He never has the final say over our lives. We are kept safe in your presence forever, whether in life or in death.

We thank you that your ways are higher than our ways and your thoughts are bigger than our thoughts. 

We lay it all down at your feet, every burden, every care. Believing that is the safest place for it to be.

We love you, Lord, we need your fresh grace. In the Powerful Name of Jesus, Amen. - Debbie McDaniel

A Prayer for Comfort in God's Presence

Jesus, As I’ve heard my friend’s latest news, it simply feels as if the water is too high and the flames are too intense. Please help ________ not to give into fear that can come from focusing on the circumstances swirling around him but to remember the promise that you are with him. While I know that you are always with him, please give him a tangible reminder of your presence today and that you will faithfully comfort the hurting. Perhaps a verse posted in an unexpected place or a prayer offered by a co-worker or a kind gesture from a stranger. I entrust him to you knowing that you will be with him on this journey and your presence is greater than anything he will face. Because of your love for him, please give him your comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding and guide him forward into your love. Amen. - Lisa Samra

A Prayer for When Time Doesn't Heal a Broken Heart

Lord, my heart is so heavy this morning. My sorrow is so great. In the midst of all this pain I am feeling, I am so thankful that you are God and I am not. I am thankful that you are all-powerful, that I do not have to hold it all together or be strong for everyone in my life. You are my strength. You are strong for my loved-ones when I can’t be. I am thankful you are all-knowing – that you know the outcome to this misery I am facing. That I don’t have to figure out what the next week or month or year looks like, because you have it all held together. And you promise my feet won’t slip. Help me, Lord! Strengthen me for today. Give me daily bread, that I can be sustained through this heartache. Thank you God that you are close when I am hurting. Thank you God for the comfort, grace and joy that only you can give. Hold me up today. In your name I pray, Amen. - Cortney Whiting

A Prayer for Those Hurting from Loss

Our hearts are grieving with those who are hurting, for those who have lost loved ones, for those who have suffered such great tragedy at the hands of evil. We ask that you would be their Comforter, that you would cover them with your grace and mercy, surrounding them in peace during this dark time.

We thank you that you alone are our Refuge, our Strong Tower, our Defender, and our Peace. We thank you that no matter what we face, you are still on the throne, you are still in control, and that no evil can ever stand against you. It will be defeated, it will not win. For you alone have won the final victory, and the enemy’s days are numbered.

Thank you God that you are surely with us…thank you that you care…thank you that your Presence is close…and that you weep with those who weep.  We need you. We know and believe beyond any doubt, that your power and love will never fail. In Jesus' Almighty Name above all Names, Amen. - Gregory Coles

A Prayer for a Friend Who Is Hurting

Dear God, our hearts are burdened for our friends who are hurting right now. We ask that you would be their comforter, that you would cover them with your infinite grace and mercy, surrounding them in peace during this dark season. We pray for fresh grace, for renewed strength, for your goodness and mercy over their lives today.

We thank you that you alone are our refuge and strong tower. We thank you that no matter what we face, you are still on the throne, you are still in control, and nothing can ever stand against you. Thank you that you hold the victory in this world, and you have promised in your Word that you will be with us through any hardship we may face.

We know that only in you do we have the hope to face dark and uncertain times, for our future is held secure through the gift of Christ. We ask for you to extend your hope and compassion to our loved ones right now. In these days when they’re struggling, or seem to have lost their way at times, would you please remind them that you are still here. With them. Close. That you are bigger than this storm they’re facing, and you promise to hold them secure.

Thank you God that you are with us always, that your presence is mighty, and you hear our prayers on behalf of those we love. We ask that you would show yourself strong on their behalf. Remind them that nothing is too difficult for you, and you are leading them through this difficult time, covering them in your care. We know and believe beyond any doubt, that your power and love will never fail.

You are always trustworthy. You are all-powerful. You are fully able. You are Lord over every situation no matter how difficult it may seem. You are our healer and will never waste the pain we carry today. You promise to use all things for good in some way, because you are a God of miracles and nothing is too difficult for you.

All these burdens we carry for our friend today, we lay at your feet, Lord. We give them to you, and we thank you that you hear our prayers and are at work on their behalf even now. Thank you that you fight for us, even when we can’t see all that you’re doing, even when we can’t fully understand your ways. We know that nothing can ever separate us from your great love and care, and our loved ones are safe in your hands. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Debbie McDaniel

A Prayer for the Grieving

Father God, I pray for this grieving one. I pray that you would comfort them with the comfort you give. I pray that you would send supportive people into their life, so they know that they don’t have to carry this burden alone. But mostly, I pray that they sense your presence. Help them to meditate on what is true. Help them to know that you are God and you care deeply for them. So much, that you are saving each little tear they shed. I pray this in Jesus’ precious and holy name. Amen. - Anne Peterson

For a Heavy Heart

Dear Father, I come before you today with a heavy heart. Sadness overwhelms me. I feel surrounded by a dense fog that I fear will never lift. Like David, "my tears have been my food day and night" (Psalm 42:3).

For however long this season of sorrow lasts, I pray that you would show me more of your love and grace. Help me not to run from whatever you want to do in my heart. Help me to trust that you are at work and to rest in your faithfulness. I want to say along with David, "I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul" (Psalm 31:7).

Father, grant me gospel joy; help me to rejoice in Christ even as I grieve. Envelope me with the peace and comfort only you can provide. As the days move into months, may this burden lessen. As the months move to years, use me to encourage and bless someone else who must walk a similar path. Help me to point them to you as the God of all comfort.

I know that you are always with me and that your love never ceases. Help me to find refuge in you and nowhere else. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. - Christina Fox 

Prayer for a Friend's Healing

Jesus, when it came time for you to comfort your disciples you told them about the home you were preparing for them in heaven. Thank you for knowing we need the assurance that this life is not the end, and the promise that _________ will have eternity in heaven with you. For the pain and suffering he must endure now, please reassure his mind and help him to grasp onto the truth that he will be with you, and heaven will be his forever home. Please strengthen him with the knowledge that you will be the one to wipe away all his tears, and that there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. Though he can’t see it now and it is beyond our human abilities to comprehend, give him faith to continue to believe your promise to help sustain him each moment of this journey. Amen. - Lisa Samra

Prayer for God to Meet Us

Father God, we come before you and we pray that you will help us meditate on what’s true when we have uncertainties in our life. We thank you that there is nothing in our future that is unseen by you. And we thank you that you do not leave us alone, but you are our guide, our strength, and the one who will uphold us. Give peace, Lord, to those who are unsure what lies ahead. Thank you for your Son. It is in his precious name we pray. Amen. - Anne Peterson

For God's Love Through the Tears

Jesus, tears come without warning. I understand they are not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of the depth of love I have for _______. The thought that You weep with me is beautiful, for Your tears demonstrate your love for me. Thank you so much for that beautiful gift in this time of sorrow. In Jesus' name, Amen. - Stacey Monaco

A Prayer For Those Mourning Loss

Father, praise You for Your omnipotent hand of protection over our lives. Even through we come to You with downcast hearts, we know in full confidence that You are able to lift us out of our grief. You are our Healer. You know our hearts, from our aching hurts to our feelings of despair. As the frigid winter air freezes the ground, our hurting hearts tend to harden. Mourning isn’t easy, and we’d often rather go it alone, or avoid it all together. When we wish to close everyone off and isolate our hearts, empower us to bring the broken pieces of our hearts to You.

Death is difficult, but we are promised to be reunited with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in heaven. For those of us that mourn the loss of a fellow believer, we know that our pain is temporary, and that theirs has now passed away to eternal peace with Christ in heaven. Though it’s difficult to say good-bye, we know that Your presence is more than enough to restore our peace and fuel our continued perseverance of Your purpose for our lives on this earth.

Forgive us for wallowing times of despair and hopelessness. Holy Spirit, translate the groaning of our heart to the Father that sits above all in sovereignty. Relieve feelings of anger, confusion, depression, anxiety, and all other maladies of the heart and soul the coincide with grief and mourning. Help us to adjust to life without the one we mourn.

Thank You for the time we were granted with their sweet soul while their time on earth ran it’s course. For the ways they helped us grow closer to You, and challenged us to follow the course You set out for our lives. For those of us saying goodbye to mentors and teachers, seeds of doubt that we can walk as courageously without them will temp us to falter. But the remnants of their love for You will carry on in our lives in ways that we may never comprehend. Help us to retain their memory, Father. May our memories be swift, and our grief be short.

We know that every life is numbered perfectly by You, and we trust You first with the our lives, and the lives of the ones we love on this earth. Help us to let go, knowing every life belongs to You, first. Bless us with an appreciation of the mark they left in Your honor on this earth, Father. May they rest in the peace of Your arms, until we see them again. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Meg Bucher

A Prayer for Loss of a Dream

Lord, I confess I am grieving the loss of the dream I held so dear. This is hard Lord- why couldn’t you give me this desire of my heart? Yet Lord, I know You are good. Your ways are perfect. Your plan for me is perfect. Please help me remember that and keep those truths in mind as I mourn the loss of this dream. Please comfort me, Lord. Lord, I pray I would understand—even if it’s only a little bit—why my dream isn’t coming to be. Help me have hope even as I wrestle. In Your name I pray, Amen. - Ashleigh Slater

Prayer When You're Weary with Heartache

Lord, my heart is feels like a thousand knives are running through it. I am weary, spent, and just so sad. Please, help me! Hear my prayers. Hold me and my family up. Give us strength. Be present. Be persistent in your love. Carry us through this heartache. Sustain us. Bring us joy and hope. In Your Name I pray, Amen. - Lisa Appelo

Scriptures to Read When You Are Seeking Comfort

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I gie you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

"You turn my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with you." Psalm 30:11

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

"God is our refuge and strength. An ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

"In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me. From the deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry." Jonah 2:2

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:17-18

Reference: Why Does God Comfort Those Who Mourn?