Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that happens to many women after they give birth. About fifteen percent of women suffer from postpartum depression. While this might seem like a relatively low number, it equates to one in seven women struggling after they give birth to their baby. Rather than being able to enjoy bringing a new baby into the world, they are suffering from extreme depression.
Most of the time, postpartum depression is caused by a drop in hormone levels; however, some women continue to have symptoms even after their hormone levels return to normal. If you are struggling with postpartum depression, it is crucial to reach out to your doctor and get the help you need. There is treatment for postpartum depression in the form of medical doctors and therapists. In addition to reaching out to medical professionals, it is also important to turn to God.
The prayers below are designed for women who are going through postpartum depression. While there will be days you will feel too depressed to get out of bed, God wants you to know that you are never alone. Turn to Him in prayer each day and reflect on His Word. By reflecting on His Word, you will become aware of His goodness. The comfort of His presence will surround you, and you will be filled with joy.
It might feel impossible to believe right now, but know there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are brighter days ahead because of the Lord. Leave space for your tears and feelings, but never doubt the Lord’s love and the future He has for you. There are beautiful blessings just around the corner. Choose to have faith and believe in the Lord’s promises.
1. The Lord Is Good (Psalm 34:8)
1. The Lord Is Good (Psalm 34:8)
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8).
Psalm 34:8 teaches that the Lord is good and that we are blessed if we take refuge in Him. When we are going through postpartum depression, we need to find comfort in His goodness. He is our refuge and strength. Instead of trying to figure everything out on our own, we need to find peace in Him. The peace that comes from the Lord is abounding.
The Apostle Paul tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
The more we read about the Lord and go to Him in prayer, we will taste and see that the Lord is good. If we are not currently active in Bible reading and prayer, we need to start taking up these spiritual disciplines. They will help us know God better and draw us closer to Him. Even on our darkest days, we need to turn to Him. He can bring comfort to our heavy hearts.
“Dear Lord, You are good. I’m taking refuge in You today. Please surround me with your love, peace, and comfort. I’m not strong enough on my own to face each day. I need You and I’m calling out to You today. Amen.”
2. The Lord Is With You (Psalm 34:18)
2. The Lord Is With You (Psalm 34:18)
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Within Psalm 34:18, we see that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Women who are struggling with postpartum depression fit both of these. Therefore, don’t be afraid to turn to Jesus.
He is close to you. Even if you might not feel Him, know He is with you. Your heart might be crushed right now, but the Lord will bring healing. Trust Him and turn to Him today. He will bring lasting peace and relief to your heart.
“Dear Jesus, thank You for always being close to me. My heart is broken, and my soul is crushed. Please bring me relief and saving grace today. I know You can do all things, and I trust You. Amen.”
Photo credit: @tatyana_tomsickova
3. The Spirit Will Intercede When You Don’t Know What to Pray For (Romans 8:26-27)
3. The Spirit Will Intercede When You Don’t Know What to Pray For (Romans 8:26-27)
“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. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27).
Knowing the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don’t know what to pray for is a beautiful blessing. The Apostle Paul tells us that the Spirit helps us in our weakness. Although we don’t know what to pray for, the Spirit will intercede for us with wordless groans. The Father knows the mind of the Spirit; He will receive the intercession the Spirit is making for us. In other words, the Spirit takes our feelings to the Father, who will answer our prayers.
You might not know what to pray for when you are overcome with depression, but know that the Holy Spirit will bring your feelings to the Father. Allow the Spirit to help you and bring you peace. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t have the energy or motivation to pray. Rest in the knowledge that the Spirit is already interceding for you and bringing your needs to the Father.
“Dear Holy Spirit, I praise You for interceding for me when I don’t know what to say. Please continue to help me and bring my feelings to the Father. There will be many days I will be too depressed or tired to pray, and I’m taking solace in You. Thank You for bringing my prayers to the Father. Amen.”
4. Jesus Will Give You Rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
4. Jesus Will Give You Rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Through Matthew 11:28-30, we see Jesus bringing our hearts comfort. The Lord tells us to come to Him. When we are weary and burdened, we need to bring our worries, concerns, and struggles to the Lord, and He will give us rest. Jesus is gentle and humble in heart, and we will find rest for our souls. The Lord’s yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
Whenever the depression gets too severe, we need to rest in the promises of this passage. The promise we are given is that we can go to the Lord, and He will give us rest. Our weary and burdened souls do not need to travel any longer. We can find rest in the Lord and His peace.
“Dear Jesus, please give me the rest You speak of in Matthew 11:28-30. My soul is weary and burdened. I give all of my pain over to You, and I trust You to give me rest. Thank You for always being with me and giving me these beautiful promises. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.”
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Atipati Netiniyom / EyeEm
5. God Gives Us Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
5. God Gives Us Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
The Apostle Paul tells us that God is the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles. The comfort we receive from God, we can extend to others. In this way, our pain and suffering are never for nothing. The comfort we receive from God during our days of pain is the same comfort we can give to those who are struggling.
With this in mind, we need to find comfort in God. God is the God of all compassion and comfort. We can turn to Him without fear and ask Him for His comfort, compassion, and peace. God is good, and He will bring comfort to our souls. We don’t need to continue living in a state where we struggle daily. Instead, we can find comfort in God and seek help.
“Dear God, You are the God of all compassion and comfort. I turn to You today, asking for these things. I’m feeling anything but comfortable. Please bless me with Your comfort and compassion. Help me to also extend the comfort You give to me to others. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.”
Originally published February 07, 2025.
