A friend of mine has been going through a rough time recently, trying to “find himself,” among other things, and he has asked me to pray for him. Actually he’s asked me to pray for him several times within a few week time span. I thought this would be worthy of sharing on the blog because of the significance of what this stands for.
Praying is one of the most intimate acts you can perform. It is direct communication with God. It’s intimate, private, and direct. There have been many moments of my life that I’ve stopped and prayed during, and most of them have defined the person I’ve become. If you reflect on your life, you’ve probably noticed the same thing. We tend to pray when our emotions are at their peak intensity. This can be caused by agony or ecstasy, but the times in life that we pray are typically at a peak of an emotion.
I point this out because the last two times I was asked to pray for a friend I did so, but not with the agony that I know he was going through. He and I had engaged in deep conversation in several areas, most of which came back to the current hardship he was in. Everything related to this somehow. But when I prayed for him, I treated it like a “to-do” list. I prayed “MY” prayer, “MY” way, mentioned him, and moved on.
I will never argue that a prayer for another person is considered bad. I’m not ashamed of myself for praying a bad prayer. However, when I thought twice about this I was really convicted. The highest and lowest points of my entire life elicited prayers from me, but even though I knew in the back of my mind the same thing was happening with my friend, I treated it as a nonchalant chore.
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You’ve probably been there too, right?
We are conditioned as humans to think our needs are more important than others. Call it survival or what you would like, but that’s our tendency. It’s difficult to empathize with someone as they go through a defining hardship when we’ve never experienced it. Today I challenge myself and you to do better.
When you pray, take an extra moment to get in the mindset you would be in if you were in the same situation. Approach God as if you were at a defining moment in your life and you were asking for help. It is very likely that someone who has humbled themselves enough to ask you to pray for them are in such a situation. Here is my prayer for strength for a friend:
Gracious and loving almighty father,
Thank you for the blessings you have so freely poured out on me and my friends. We thank you that you are so generous to us and expect so little in return.
I come to you with a request today for . He has confided in me about the state of his marriage. God I appreciate the man he is and how difficult this time can be for him and his family. I pray Lord that you help fill his heart and his marriage with love and joy so it overflows. Please guide them through the decision making process and direct them in a way that honors you and is best for them. I pray father that you be with them each moment of the day, protecting them from harmful words and thoughts. Please father fix broken hearts and fill voids for them, such that they grow closer together than ever. I pray father that you help both of them to not waver in faith, but be focused on you and your glory.
In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
Prayers for friends aren’t a chore. They’re a defining moment. Treat them that way when you ask Almighty God to help.
prayersforstrength.net
We live in a world full of troubling times. We live in a world where hopes and aspirations are hardly realized. There are plenty of pressure and people facing various disappointments. As believers we also sometimes become disappointed because we are the same human, we live in the same world and we are also caught up in some of these challenges. At such times like these arises a need for prayer of encouragement and strength for myself or a friend, prayer for strength for a friend.
Let’s pray these prayers, particularly if you are presently going through any difficult time or perhaps your friend or loved one is:
- Prayer of encouragement
- Prayer of encouragement to start the day
- Prayer of encouragement and strength for myself
- Prayer for strength for a friend
Prayer of encouragement
God, so often in different situations I stand and can’t make first steps and decisions I should make. I stuck in such circumstances for a long time, so I ask your encouragement and help. Lord, please encourage me through all my life journey. Please make that I never felt fear or uncertainty. Let all my decisions will be according to your will. Don’t let me give up in any situation I face, but teach me to find the right way and right decision. Let I always feel your love and grace, your caring hand and encouraging support. Lord, encourage and guide me in all actions I take in my life. I pray you in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer of encouragement to start the day
Lord, give me a peace of mind to meet all that the next day will bring to me. Let me fully surrender to your will. God, please come and support me at any time of the day. Whatever news I receive during this day, teach me to accept them with a calm soul and firm conviction that for all your will is. In all my words and deeds, guide my thoughts and feelings. In all unforeseen circumstances, do not let me forget that everything is sent by you, my Lord. Teach me to act directly and reasonably with each member of my family, not disturbing and not upsetting anyone. Lord, give me the power to relieve the weariness of the coming day and all the events during the day. Lead my will and teach me to pray, believe, hope, tolerate, forgive and love. Lord, I need your encouragement in all I do. I pray you in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer of encouragement and strength for myself
Father of all comfort and Grace, you are the divine source of encouragement and courage, I come to you today in absolute confidence and trust in your word, I ask for strength and courage to stand in this trying time and to come out victorious.
I draw strength and comfort in my inner man by your Holy Spirit. I decree and declare that I am strengthened spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally. My faith shall not grow cold, I shall finish strong, and I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. I am not of them that quit and lose out, I will trust you all, for I know that my victory is assured in Christ. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer for strength for a friend
Father, I pray for a friend going through trying times. Lord, please strengthen and encourage his/her heart. God, show him/her that is always near and caring for him/her, not allowing to stay alone in the difficult situation. Let’s his/her faith in Christ don’t shake, show him/her that these trials are for a good purpose and one day he/she come out of difficult situation giving you all the glory and praise. I pray through Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Why we need prayer of encouragement?
To encourage is to draw strength during crises. This prayer we say asking for strength during crises or just in difficult daily situations. Sometimes we pray these prayers not only for ourselves but also for our friends and loved ones who are in the crisis or passing difficult times.
John 16:33 says, “These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulations; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. Peace does not suggest absence of war or crisis, it means finding strength and stability in the midst of them.
Psalm 61:1-2 also says, “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I”. Bible made it clear that we won’t go through life without challenges. As believers, we should pray a prayer of encouragement and strength in such times. Only in trusting God and praying strength will be born in our hearts to hold on till victory will come.
When you go through times that appears as if the integrity of God’s word challenged, loved ones leave and relationships threaten to break down, the Savior is a prayer away. When we pray a prayer of encouragement and strength, He does not come with explanations. He comes with His very presence, releasing peace into your heart. James 5:13 “is any afflicted among you, let him pray.”
Do you remember hymn “What a friend we have in Jesus”? He is a friend both in the good and bad times. Don’t lose your peace, refuse to bear needless pains, call on Him in prayers, and He will encourage and strengthen you and your friend’s heart. Peace will come.
Also read: PRAYER FOR SUCCESS in Business, Job, Exams
prayray.com
Have you ever needed supernatural strength to face a situation head-on, but not known what to pray? God is waiting and wants to offer us strength in time of need. Do not be afraid to pray and ask God for His strength to fall upon you! When you are weak, weary or unready to stand, and unsure of what to ask, pray along with these words!
A Prayer for Strength
Lord, I’m weary. My energy is sagging, and my motivation is lagging. And I am so in need of you. I need your strength and your fresh touch to get back on track again. Your Word says the joy of the Lord is my strength. If that’s true, then I need your joy to replace all the bone-tired parts of my mind, body, and soul.
The pressures of life sometimes push me into a corner, rendering me helpless to move forward. A hundred voices call my name, and I feel paralyzed at times to answer, not knowing where to turn. Lord, help me not to quit, to keep running the race faithfully, and to find strength in that safe, secret place of yours, under the shadow of the Almighty.
I need your strength to say no when I’m tempted to surrender to harmful things, or when selfishness clings to my clothes and won’t let go. I need your strength to say yes, when cowardice and fear nudge me to deny the convictions of my heart. I need your strength to reach out in love to those both close to me and all around me. When don’t I need your strength, God?
You are my rock, and I run to you today, believing that you will lift up my heavy arms, that you will fuel me for the tasks you’ve given me, and that your joy will completely consume the weakness of my life and make me strong again. I don’t want to stay grounded, crippled by limitations and failed attempts. I’m tired of feeble efforts. Lord, I want to mount up with wings like an eagle and not just fly. I want to soar.
SEE ALSO: A Prayer for When You Feel All Alone
Renew my strength, Lord. Fill me with your supernatural power to overcome each obstacle in my path. With my eyes on you, Lord, with you walking beside me, working through me, I can make it. Thank you, Lord!
In Jesus’s name, Amen
A Prayer for Strength and Encouragement
Lord, like David, I need your encouragement in a time of trial and anguish. Thank you that you are always on the throne, always my God, ready to save. Thank you for being the same God to me that you were to David. Thank you for always being near and always rescuing me from my fears and hurts. Lord, help me remember that daybreak might be just ahead, that this trial will not last forever. Fill me with hope that daybreak is coming and that your love will always prevail! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
~ A Good Thing Devotional
SEE ALSO: A Prayer for When You’re Hurting: 10 Verses of Comfort for Tough Times
A Prayer for Strength to Endure
Lord, I am weary and don’t know when this “race” will end in my life. I feel like I’ve been running forever, trying to outrun this trial. Help me to stop trying to outrun my pain but rather run with endurance the race you have set before me. I know that because of you I am ultimately a victor over the trials in my life. I know that nothing in this world can separate me from your steadfast love. Please give me a measure of your love today; give me the strength to endure this trial. Thank you for your love for me that never ends! And thank you for the crown of joy that awaits me forever in your Kingdom!
~ Adrian Rogers, Love Worth Finding
What are you praying for strength for today? Join our large praying community in the comments below and experience the power, hope, and comfort of being joined in prayer!
Here are more Prayers for Strength when you need God to lift you up in hard times!
SEE ALSO: A Prayer for Stillness When Life is Rushed
Additional Prayer Resources
Here is a collection of some of our favorite Bible verses about the promises of God’s strength. May these give you hope and encouragement to persevere with a bold confidence! Find the complete list at BibleStudyTools.com’s Scripture page.
- “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” ~ Isaiah 40:29
- “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” ~ Isaiah 40:31
- “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9
- “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” ~ Psalm 46:1
- “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.” ~ Psalm 28:7-8
Rebecca Barlow Jordan is an inspirational author, speaker, and passionate follower of Jesus who loves to encourage others heart to heart. She has written 11 books and over 1700 other articles, greeting cards, and other inspirational pieces. Her daily devotional Daily in Your Presence is available for delivery through Crosswalk.com. You can find out more about Rebecca at www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com.
Publication date: August 4, 2015, Updated: January 22,2018
This article is part of our larger Prayers 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.
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for StrengthPrayer for ProtectionMorning PrayersGood Night PrayersSerenity PrayerA Birthday PrayerSinner’s PrayerPrayer for ForgivenessPrayer for GuidanceIntercessory PrayerPrayer for PeacePrayer for FaithPrayer for Love
Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional! An easy way to find start your day with prayer, read today’s prayer and sign up to receive by email.
www.crosswalk.com
Have you ever needed supernatural strength to face a situation head-on, but not known what to pray? God is waiting and wants to offer us strength in time of need. Do not be afraid to pray and ask God for His strength to fall upon you! When you are weak, weary or unready to stand, and unsure of what to ask, pray along with these words!
A Prayer for Strength
Lord, I’m weary. My energy is sagging, and my motivation is lagging. And I am so in need of you. I need your strength and your fresh touch to get back on track again. Your Word says the joy of the Lord is my strength. If that’s true, then I need your joy to replace all the bone-tired parts of my mind, body, and soul.
The pressures of life sometimes push me into a corner, rendering me helpless to move forward. A hundred voices call my name, and I feel paralyzed at times to answer, not knowing where to turn. Lord, help me not to quit, to keep running the race faithfully, and to find strength in that safe, secret place of yours, under the shadow of the Almighty.
I need your strength to say no when I’m tempted to surrender to harmful things, or when selfishness clings to my clothes and won’t let go. I need your strength to say yes, when cowardice and fear nudge me to deny the convictions of my heart. I need your strength to reach out in love to those both close to me and all around me. When don’t I need your strength, God?
You are my rock, and I run to you today, believing that you will lift up my heavy arms, that you will fuel me for the tasks you’ve given me, and that your joy will completely consume the weakness of my life and make me strong again. I don’t want to stay grounded, crippled by limitations and failed attempts. I’m tired of feeble efforts. Lord, I want to mount up with wings like an eagle and not just fly. I want to soar.
SEE ALSO: A Prayer for When You Feel All Alone
Renew my strength, Lord. Fill me with your supernatural power to overcome each obstacle in my path. With my eyes on you, Lord, with you walking beside me, working through me, I can make it. Thank you, Lord!
In Jesus’s name, Amen
A Prayer for Strength and Encouragement
Lord, like David, I need your encouragement in a time of trial and anguish. Thank you that you are always on the throne, always my God, ready to save. Thank you for being the same God to me that you were to David. Thank you for always being near and always rescuing me from my fears and hurts. Lord, help me remember that daybreak might be just ahead, that this trial will not last forever. Fill me with hope that daybreak is coming and that your love will always prevail! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
~ A Good Thing Devotional
SEE ALSO: A Prayer for When You’re Hurting: 10 Verses of Comfort for Tough Times
A Prayer for Strength to Endure
Lord, I am weary and don’t know when this “race” will end in my life. I feel like I’ve been running forever, trying to outrun this trial. Help me to stop trying to outrun my pain but rather run with endurance the race you have set before me. I know that because of you I am ultimately a victor over the trials in my life. I know that nothing in this world can separate me from your steadfast love. Please give me a measure of your love today; give me the strength to endure this trial. Thank you for your love for me that never ends! And thank you for the crown of joy that awaits me forever in your Kingdom!
~ Adrian Rogers, Love Worth Finding
What are you praying for strength for today? Join our large praying community in the comments below and experience the power, hope, and comfort of being joined in prayer!
Here are more Prayers for Strength when you need God to lift you up in hard times!
SEE ALSO: A Prayer for Stillness When Life is Rushed
Additional Prayer Resources
Here is a collection of some of our favorite Bible verses about the promises of God’s strength. May these give you hope and encouragement to persevere with a bold confidence! Find the complete list at BibleStudyTools.com’s Scripture page.
- “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” ~ Isaiah 40:29
- “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” ~ Isaiah 40:31
- “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9
- “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” ~ Psalm 46:1
- “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.” ~ Psalm 28:7-8
Rebecca Barlow Jordan is an inspirational author, speaker, and passionate follower of Jesus who loves to encourage others heart to heart. She has written 11 books and over 1700 other articles, greeting cards, and other inspirational pieces. Her daily devotional Daily in Your Presence is available for delivery through Crosswalk.com. You can find out more about Rebecca at www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com.
Publication date: August 4, 2015, Updated: January 22,2018
This article is part of our larger Prayers 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.
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for StrengthPrayer for ProtectionMorning PrayersGood Night PrayersSerenity PrayerA Birthday PrayerSinner’s PrayerPrayer for ForgivenessPrayer for GuidanceIntercessory PrayerPrayer for PeacePrayer for FaithPrayer for Love
Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional! An easy way to find start your day with prayer, read today’s prayer and sign up to receive by email.
www.crosswalk.com
