Bible Verses About Prayer During Hard Times You Need Now

This post anchors your soul in Bible verses about prayer during hard times when prayer feels impossible, with Scriptures to pray and personalize.

You can't find the words, or maybe life feels too complicated, too heavy, or too far gone, and you think, why even bother with a prayer? You may believe it would not matter anyway.

Life can feel so overwhelming. You feel pulled in so many directions and exhausted that you can't find the words.

You are not alone in that feeling.

But what you might be missing is that God never asked you to have it all figured out before you come to Him.

As I write this, I feel like my tank is empty (I am exhausted). My dad, who is 91 years old, had not one, but three heart attacks in one week, kidney function is failing, among other health issues. He is currently in rehabilitation an hour away. I have been driving almost daily to be with him. We are now in week five, plus trying to keep up with life. I am so thankful for K-Love radio to play encouraging music and minister to me as I drive.

I feel as if my brain and body are in survival mode. This may be how you are feeling right now. Life is hard, and you are in survival mode.

Although life feels heavy and hard right now, in times of trouble, Jesus is always my safe place. Right now I find most of my prayers to be really short. Here are some of my prayers lately.

Help me, Lord.

I need you, Lord.

Give us peace.

Fill up this room with your angels and presence.

Whatever the short, quick prayer may be, it is from my heart.

But there have been difficult times when I have gone to the Lord and sobbed from the deepest part of my soul and have had the longest prayers. Before the end of the day, you and I both may be going to the Lord like this.

Whatever the prayer, the essential ingredient is faith.

The Lord wants you to go to Him and talk to him from your heart. It is a personal relationship.

It seems when life is hard and you are tired, Satan tries to move in. One of the lies the enemy does not want you to know is that God does not require a polished prayer.

You can go to the Lord anytime throughout your day, just as you are. What a gift.

What I have learned is that life is full of difficult moments, and it is then that the power of God transforms and changes us.

The Bible is the Word of God that is alive and active. It has been given to us to help guide us through this life, filled with powerful verses with real people who were also walking through trials of various kinds.

Lord God, I come to you as I am, exhausted and depleted. Life is hard, and I don't understand. I am choosing to trust You and to walk by faith. Help me to feel the power of the Holy Spirit move in me as I read Your Word. Speak to my heart and give me the peace that only comes from You. Thank you, Jesus, for being my rock that never moves. For loving me and helping guide me through these uncertain times. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Together, let's look at the following Bible verses about prayer during hard times.

I thought this would be helpful as reminders for both you and me.

As you read these, I encourage you to lean into them, soak in them, and stand on the promises of God.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV), Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV), And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Matthew 11:28-30

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), “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.

Romans 8:26

Romans 8:26 (NIV), 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.

Philippians 4:6-7

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV), 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.

Psalms 34:17-18

Psalms 34:17-18 (NIV), 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.

Matthew 7:7-8

Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV), “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Psalms 50:15

Psalms 50:15 (NIV), and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

James 5:13-15

James 5:13-15 (NIV), Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV), Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

1 Peter 5:7

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV), Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Psalms 34:17-18

Psalms 34:17-18 (NIV), 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.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV), For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Psalms 55:22

Psalms 55:22 (NIV), Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Mark 9:24

Mark 9:24 (NLT), The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Isaiah 41:10

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV), So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 46:1

Psalm 46:1 (NIV), God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Proverbs 18:10

Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV), The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.

2 Corinthians 4:17

2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV), For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory

Romans 5:3-5

Romans 5:3-5 (ESV), Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

James 1:2-4

James 1:2-4 (NIV), Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Romans 8:18

Romans 8:18 (NKJV), For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

John 16:33

John 16:33 (NIV), “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.”

When praying feels impossible, these Bible verses about prayer during hard times may be helpful.

Personalize these verses and make them your own. You can also personalize all the verses above. An example of this would be…

Lord, Your Word says you are close to the brokenhearted. I am brokenhearted. Thank you for being with me and for being my refuge and strength. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Praying Scripture helps root yourself in Biblical truth. It is not fancy; it is simply faith in action.

Psalm 86:1-7

Psalms 86:1-7 (NLT), Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.

Psalm 23:1-6

Psalm 23:1-6 (ESV), The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 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. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 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 91

Psalm 91:1-2 (NLT), Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

This Psalm is one of my favorites that I personalize when I pray. I encourage you to read it. As you read it, stand on the Lord's promises. You can click on the link, Psalm 91 and it will take you to the entire chapter.

When you invite the Lord into your situation, the Lord is not off in the distance watching you. He is right there WITH YOU. Washing over you, comforting you, holding you, and carrying you.

It is important to remember that the Lord is a gentleman and will not force Himself on you. He waits patiently for you to ask Him and seek Him with your whole heart. God is faithful. So, today, right now, make God your refuge!

I am reminded daily with neon lights that I know who brings the day, but I do not know what the day will bring.

Go to the One who brings the day and feel the love of God pour over you.

Romans 15:13 (NIV), May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 5:10 (NIV), And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

2 Corinthians 1:3 (NKJV), Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort

What did you learn from these Bible verses about prayer during hard times?

A question I always ask myself: What did I learn?

I encourage you to ask yourself this question as well. I would love to hear in the comment section below, what the Holy Spirit showed you as you read these Bible verses.

My answer to this question.

The Lord never promised this life would be easy. There will be hard times. But when I invite Him in, have faith and trust Him, the Lord will meet me right where I am. If I don't have the words, the Holy Spirit will help me and guide me. God will strengthen me and be with me. All the Lord wants is my heart and to go to Him. With Him, I will not be alone and will have peace in my chaos, love, and hope. I am reminded that all I need is Jesus. Every day and in every situation.

If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you can come as you are right now and invite Him into your heart.

There is hope, and His name is Jesus. It does not matter what your life looks like right now. Come messy and just how you are. He created you and LOVES YOU!

A Salvation prayer for you.

As you pray from your heart, make it your own.

Heavenly Father, I come to you as I am, and I want you to be my Lord and Savior. I believe you died on the cross for my sins and shed your blood for me. Please, Lord, forgive me of my sins. I want to live my life for you, and I want to be a reflection of You. I believe you were crucified, rose from the grave, ascended to heaven, and left the Holy Spirit to live with me. Thank you for preparing a place for me to have eternal life. Help me trust you when I fall short. Lord, help guide my steps in my new life with You. Thank you for loving me and forgiving me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

If you just prayed and invited Jesus to live in your heart, we are celebrating with you!

You are not alone on this new life journey.

Please visit my GROW YOUR FAITH page where you will find free resources. A 21-page devotional for your next steps, ways to get connected with an online community, and more.

Also, it would be an honor and privilege to celebrate with you and pray for you. Please visit my ROOTED IN PRAYER page where you can fill out a simple form and let us know of your decision to have a new life in Christ.

Welcome to the family!

Music is powerful.

Music can speak to you in many ways. If you have never listened to K-Love radio, I encourage you to try it. You will find the music to be positive and encouraging. There are also many resources available online if you visit their website, K-Love.com. We have K-Love radio playing in our home 24 hours a day, and it always points us back to Jesus.

Here are a few songs to encourage you.

Strong by Anne Wilson

Still Waters (Psalm 23) by Leanna Crawford

Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns