Prayers for Those Who Are Struggling

When life feels overwhelming, finding the right words to pray can be difficult. Prayers for those who are struggling can help you bring fear, uncertainty, grief, financial pressure, loneliness, illness, and other burdens honestly before God.

The Bible repeatedly speaks about God’s nearness to people who are hurting. Psalm 34:18 says that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Jesus also invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him and receive rest (Matthew 11:28).

The prayers below are original devotional prayers, written around biblical themes. They are not quotations from Scripture.

1. A Prayer for Strength During Difficult Times

Heavenly Father,

Please strengthen those who are struggling today. When their responsibilities feel too heavy and the road ahead seems uncertain, give them the courage to take one step at a time.

Help them remember that they do not have to understand everything at once. Give them wisdom for today’s decisions, patience for difficult circumstances, and strength when they feel exhausted.

When discouragement grows, renew their hope. When fear takes over, help them turn their thoughts toward You. Give them grace to continue faithfully through this difficult season.

May they find appropriate support from caring family members, friends, church communities, and others who can walk beside them.

Amen.

2. A Prayer for Someone Who Feels Overwhelmed

Dear God,

I pray for the person who feels overwhelmed by everything happening around them. You know the burdens they carry, including the ones they have not been able to explain to anyone else.

Give them peace in the middle of uncertainty. Help them separate today’s responsibilities from tomorrow’s worries and give them wisdom to focus on what they can do now.

Remind them that asking for help is not a failure. Lead trustworthy people into their lives who can listen, encourage, and offer practical support.

When their thoughts feel scattered, bring clarity. When their heart feels restless, bring calm. Help them move forward with patience and faith.

Amen.

3. A Prayer for Those Facing Financial Hardship

Father,

Please remember those who are struggling financially. Provide wisdom as they make decisions about work, expenses, responsibilities, and the needs of their families.

Give them strength when financial pressure causes anxiety or discouragement. Open appropriate opportunities for honest work and responsible provision, and guide them toward people and resources that can offer practical assistance.

Help them avoid shame and isolation. Give them courage to ask for help when they need it and wisdom to accept good counsel.

Above all, help them keep hope while working patiently toward greater stability.

Amen.

4. A Prayer for Those Facing Illness or Physical Hardship

Loving God,

I pray for those who are dealing with illness, physical limitations, pain, or uncertainty about their health.

Give them strength for each day and peace during appointments, treatments, waiting, and difficult decisions. Comfort their families and caregivers as they offer support.

Please give wisdom to the medical professionals caring for them and help those who are struggling to receive appropriate care and encouragement.

Whatever the circumstances may bring, help them feel supported rather than alone. Give them patience, courage, and hope for the days ahead.

Amen.

5. A Prayer for Someone Experiencing Grief

Heavenly Father,

Please comfort those who are grieving a loss. Grief can make ordinary days feel difficult, and memories can bring both love and sadness.

Give them permission to grieve without feeling pressured to recover according to someone else’s timeline. Surround them with compassionate people who are willing to listen and remain present.

When loneliness becomes especially difficult, provide comfort. When memories hurt, bring gentleness. When the future feels unfamiliar, give them strength for one day at a time.

Help those around them understand that sometimes the most meaningful support is simply being present.

Amen.

6. A Prayer for Those Struggling With Fear and Anxiety

Lord,

I bring before You those who are living with fear, worry, or constant uncertainty.

Help them slow down and remember that they can bring their concerns to You. Give them wisdom to recognize what is within their control and courage to release what is not.

When anxious thoughts become overwhelming, guide them toward healthy support and people they trust. Give them peace in the present moment and strength to face what comes next.

Help them not to carry every concern alone. Give them patience with themselves and hope for better days.

Amen.

7. A Prayer for Those Who Feel Lonely

God of comfort,

Please be near to those who feel lonely or forgotten. Some people carry difficult struggles quietly while appearing fine to everyone around them.

Bring caring people into their lives who will listen without judgment and offer genuine companionship. Give them courage to reach out rather than withdrawing completely.

Help friends, relatives, neighbors, and faith communities notice people who may need encouragement. Teach us to offer practical kindness instead of assuming that someone is doing well simply because they do not talk about their struggles.

May those who feel alone find meaningful connection, support, and renewed hope.

Amen.

8. A Prayer for Someone Struggling With Their Faith

Heavenly Father,

I pray for those whose faith feels difficult right now. When circumstances raise questions they cannot easily answer, give them patience and honesty.

Help them bring their doubts and concerns to You rather than believing they must hide them. Surround them with wise and compassionate people who can listen without judgment.

Give them opportunities to grow in understanding and help them recognize the good that can still be found in difficult seasons.

When they feel spiritually tired, give them grace to keep seeking You one day at a time.

Amen.

9. A Prayer for Hope During a Hard Season

Dear Lord,

Please give hope to those who cannot yet see a clear way forward.

When today’s circumstances make the future difficult to imagine, help them resist the temptation to believe that the present moment defines everything that lies ahead.

Give them strength to take practical steps, seek appropriate help, and remain open to new possibilities. Put supportive people around them and help them recognize small signs of progress.

May hope grow gradually, even when circumstances do not change immediately. Give them courage to continue and wisdom to know when to ask for help.

Amen.

10. A Prayer for Anyone Carrying a Heavy Burden

Merciful Father,

I pray for everyone carrying a burden that feels difficult to bear.

You know their circumstances, their fears, their disappointments, and the questions they may not know how to express. Please give them strength for today rather than allowing tomorrow’s concerns to overwhelm them.

Help them find wise guidance, practical support, and people who genuinely care. Give them courage to speak honestly about what they are facing.

When they feel weak, remind them that asking for support is a meaningful step. When they feel discouraged, give them renewed hope. When they are uncertain about the future, guide them toward the next faithful and practical step.

May they experience comfort, patience, and peace as they continue through this difficult season.

Amen.

What Does the Bible Say About People Who Are Struggling?

Several biblical passages speak directly to people experiencing weariness, sorrow, fear, and hardship.

Psalm 34:18 — God Is Near the Brokenhearted

Psalm 34:18 describes God as near to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. This makes the passage especially meaningful when praying for someone experiencing grief, disappointment, or emotional hardship.

Matthew 11:28 — Bring Your Burdens to Christ

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him and promises rest. This passage can guide a prayer that focuses on surrender, comfort, and spiritual rest.

Prayer Does Not Require Perfect Words

Someone who is struggling does not need an elaborate prayer. A simple prayer such as, “God, please help me through this today and give me wisdom for what I should do next,” can honestly express a person’s need.

The purpose of these original prayers is to provide words when it is difficult to find your own. You can shorten them, personalize them, or pray using only the part that speaks most directly to your circumstances.

How to Pray for Someone Who Is Struggling

If you are praying for another person, try to make the prayer specific without assuming you know everything they are experiencing.

You can pray for:

• Strength to face the current circumstances
• Wisdom for important decisions
• Peace during uncertainty
• Comfort during grief or disappointment
• Hope when the future feels unclear
• Support from trustworthy people
• Provision during financial hardship
• Healing and appropriate care during illness
• Courage to ask for help
• Faith during seasons of spiritual difficulty

Prayer can also be accompanied by practical kindness. A thoughtful message, listening without judgment, helping with an everyday task, or encouraging someone to seek appropriate professional or community support can make prayer part of a broader response to someone’s needs.

A Short Prayer for Those Who Are Struggling

Lord, please be near to those who are struggling today. Give them strength when they feel weak, peace when they feel anxious, wisdom when they feel uncertain, and comfort when they are hurting. Lead them toward people who can support them and give them courage to take the next step. May they find renewed hope as they continue through this difficult season. Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good prayer for someone who is struggling?

A good prayer can simply ask God to give the person strength, wisdom, comfort, peace, hope, and appropriate support. It does not need to be long or complicated.

What Bible verse is good for someone going through a difficult time?

Psalm 34:18 is particularly relevant because it speaks about God’s nearness to the brokenhearted and those who are crushed in spirit. Matthew 11:28 is also relevant to people who feel weary and burdened.

How can I pray for a friend who is having a hard time?

Mention your friend’s specific need if you know it, then pray for strength, wisdom, peace, comfort, and practical support. You can also ask what they would like you to pray about rather than making assumptions.

Can I use these prayers in my own words?

Yes. These prayers are original devotional wording created for this article, so you can adapt them to reflect your circumstances. They should not be presented as direct Bible quotations or traditional prayers.

What should I do besides praying for someone who is struggling?

Prayer can be accompanied by compassionate, practical support. Listen to the person, check in with them, help with appropriate everyday needs, and encourage them to seek qualified professional or community assistance when their situation calls for it.

Final Encouragement

Struggling does not mean that a person has to carry every burden alone. Prayer can create a quiet space to bring fears, grief, uncertainty, and hopes before God while also encouraging us to seek wise and practical support.

If you are praying for someone else, you do not need perfect words. A sincere request for strength, wisdom, comfort, peace, and hope can be a meaningful expression of care.