Q: “What is your go-to Scripture when you feel lonely or down?”
A: There’s no better way to claim the truth of the Scriptures than to pray them. Sometimes it’s hard to know what to pray, especially when I’m discouraged or uncertain about an outcome. Using the Scriptures as a guide has made it easier for me to talk to God and put a stake of faith in the ground.
The following are Scriptures I’ve used in my own prayer time and examples of how to pray them. I pray it inspires you to do the same.
When I feel like God is far away:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9)
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph. 2:13)
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (James 4:8)
Lord, Joshua 1:9 says You are with me wherever I go. So right now, even though I don’t feel it, I’m choosing to believe it. As I draw near to you, I pray that You will draw near to me just as You say you will do in James 4:8. Thank You, Lord, for loving me and allowing me to be in Your presence through the blood of Christ.
When I feel discontent:
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Ps. 16:11)
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. (Ps. 90:14)
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13)
Lord, as Psalm 16:11 says, fullness of joy resides in Your presence. Help me to remember that today as I fight against discontentment. Satisfy me with Your unfailing love. Help me today to set my hope upon eternity and nothing less.
When I’m fearful of the future:
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. (Prov. 19:21)
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (Ps. 56:3)
Lord, I know I don’t need to fear what’s going on in the world because You are in control, but it’s not easy. Help me to put my trust in You, to not be afraid, and to continually keep in mind that Your purpose that prevails, just as Proverbs 19:21 says.
When I’m anxious and worried:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isa. 26:3)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6–7)
Lord, I confess that I’ve been worried and anxious. Right now, I give my worries to You. Let not my heart be troubled. Help me to believe in You as John 14:1 says. I ask that You guard my heart and mind with Your perfect peace as I trust in You. Thank You for caring. Thank You for allowing me to bring my requests before You.
When I’m tired:
For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. (Col. 1:29)
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. (Isa. 40:29)
Lord, I’m tired. I pray that Your energy would work powerfully in me and that I would not rely on my own strength. Isaiah 40:29 says You give power to the faint, so I pray You would increase my strength to love, honor, and serve You as I should.
When my faith is struggling:
For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. (Ps. 33:4)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Rom. 15:13)
No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in the faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (Rom. 4:20–21)
Lord, I ask that You would fill me with faith. I’m struggling to remain steadfast, but according to Psalm 33:4, all Your work is done in faithfulness. So help me to not waver. I ask that You would fill me with joy and peace in believing, always abounding in hope, fully convinced that You are able to keep your promises.
When I’m waiting for God to move:
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. (Ps. 37:5)
The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. (Lam. 3:25)
Lord, I trust that You’ve heard my prayers, and yet I am still waiting. I have committed my way to You as Psalm 37:5 says to do. Help me to remain steadfast and faithful as I trust You to answer my prayers in the right way and the right time. You are good to those who wait for You.
When I’m feeling down:
I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. (Ps. 40:1–3)
But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. (Ps. 3:3)
Lord, I’m really struggling. I feel so down, but You are the lifter of my soul. I ask You to lift me out of this pit, set my feet upon the rock of Your truth, and fill my heart with a new song of praise. You are a shield about me, and I look to You.
When I pray for my husband:
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Phil. 1:9–11)
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might. (Eph. 1:16–19)
Lord, I pray my husband’s love for You would abound. I ask that You give him a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You, so that he can lead us with excellence. Enlighten the eyes of his heart. Remind him of the hope You have called him to. Fill him with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, that he may know the immeasurable greatness of your power.
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