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7 Reassuring Prayers for Relief during Times of Crisis

Melissa Henderson

Praying for relief during times of crisis is an opportunity for us to draw closer to God. Illness, sadness, pandemic worries, job loss, and caring for loved ones are just a few life experiences that bring us to our knees in prayer. We pray for relief from heartache and hardship. We pray for relief from stressful situations. Prayers are spoken out loud. Prayers are whispered or shared in our thoughts. Psalm 18:6: In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” Call out to God. Pray for relief. He will cover you with the comfort only He can provide. Read these prayers for relief and find peace.

What Is a Prayer for Relief?

A prayer for relief may be spoken in a group or individually. In this prayer, we ask for relief from a situation in life, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. Remembering God’s will is always best. We pray and know His answer may be yes, no, or not now. We give thanks for being able to pray to God and know He hears our prayers (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

A Prayer for Pain Relief

Father, my body is filled with aches and pains. A medical condition causes discomfort that sometimes stays with me all day and through the night. There are activities that I can’t participate in anymore. I sit on the sidelines and watch others do things I enjoyed in the past. Tears have taken the place of laughter. There are other people who are suffering from pain. Please give us relief from this pain and help us to be thankful for everything we are able to do. I am thankful for the wisdom you give to medical professionals so they can help people in pain. I ask that you please put your loving arms over the bodies of everyone who is suffering and provide the relief only You can give. Your mercies are new every day (Lamentations 3:22-23). Thank You, Father. Amen. 

For another prayer on pain relief, check out this article here.

A Prayer for Anxiety and Stress Relief

Lord, you know my heart, my soul, my every thought. I have struggled with anxiety at times for years. A panic attack can arise at any moment. Medical diagnosis of anxiety came after numerous doctor visits with no results. With anxiety comes stress. Worrying about the “what if’s?” in life brings on more anxiety and stress. Thank You for guiding me through the process of finding the right doctor. Thank You for giving medical professionals compassion and knowledge to help people with anxiety. I am sorry for the times I don’t lean on You first, times when I think I can handle things myself (Philippians 4:6). You are always there, waiting for me to call out to You and ask for help. I pray I will always go to You first, dear Father, and feel the comfort and peace knowing You are with me (Psalm 3:3) Amen.

For another prayer on anxiety relief, check out this article here.

A Prayer for Relief of a Friend or Family Member

Father, my heart breaks for a dear friend who is experiencing more pain and heartache than they can bear. The journey is hard and filled with sorrow. Every day is filled with unknowns and “what will happen?” as decisions need to be made and plans followed through. Friends and family continue to lift up this person. I want to help and know that prayer is vital. Help me to notice tangible ways I can help my friend. Remind me not to wait for them to ask for my help. Please help me to offer assistance when the timing is right and for me not to offend my friend in any way (Galatians 6:2). I pray for You to give wisdom, discernment, and revelation to this person. Help them to feel Your love and peace. There is comfort found in resting with You, Dear Father. I pray the person will seek You, dear Father, and find peace. I will continue to lift them up in prayer and know that You are always listening. Thank You, Father. Amen.

A Prayer for Relief during Times of Crisis

Lord, the world is in an uproar. News reports on radio, television, and social media grow grimmer each day. Along with the global crisis, there are families in crisis, too. From losing jobs and income to medical diagnoses that shock and scare, we find ourselves at a loss for words and direction at times. You already know these things. Father, please guide us. Guide us to be alert for ways to lift each other up and to offer help when the timing is right. Remind us that this earth is not our forever home (John 14:27). Remind us to listen for Your direction and Your revelation in our daily living (Deuteronomy 31:8). Father, I pray that in each moment, our thoughts will go to You. I pray we will glean hope that is found in Your Word (John 16:33). Thank You for the peace and comfort found in You. Amen. 

A Prayer for Relief and Strength

Father, some days seem like there is more worry than I can bear. I pray and ask for help. Friends and family offer prayers. Tears fall down my face and my heart is breaking. I continue to worry. Forgive me, Lord. Forgive me for handing my worries to You and, then taking them back. I know the answer is found in You and You alone. Please provide relief and strength to continue this journey. As my mind worries, my body shows the effects of stress. Sleepless nights and days filled with anxiety. I pray to You and ask for help. I can’t do this on my own. I need You. You are my shield and my comforter (Ephesians 6:10-15). I pray I will be strong and mighty and fight these battles with the power You give me. Thank you for friends, family and strangers who continue to pray for me and for others who need relief and strength in the daily battles. Thank You for providing relief and strength in each moment. Amen.

A Prayer for Relief and Healing

Lord, I come to You and ask for relief and healing in my body and soul. Pain has kept me awake at night for too long. Pain in my body and pain in my spirit. I thought I could handle this on my own. I cannot. Though my body may be weak, my strength is found in You. I know You have a plan for me. I ask You to heal my body, but I know if this is not Your will, I will try my best to understand. Through this pain, I pray I will learn the lessons You want to show me. May others learn from my journey and be comforted by You. Remind me of your promise to wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4). Thank You, Father, Amen.

Going to God in prayer can bring comfort and peace. He is always listening. Whether the prayers are written, spoken, or thought, God hears our prayers. Sharing time with Him by reading the Bible and sharing fellowship with other believers, we are given the opportunity to grow closer to Him in each moment. Pray continuously.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Anastasiia Stiahailo

Melissa HendersonAward-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals, and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. 

Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. 

Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com

This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

The Lord’s Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers

Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
Prayer for Anxiety
Prayer for Strength


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