How to Pray Through Hard Times (With Scriptures)

Finding peace, strength, and hope when life feels overwhelming.

When Life Feels Overwhelming

We all go through seasons that shake our hearts—the loss that lingers, the diagnosis that changes everything, the waiting that never seems to end. In these moments, prayer can feel difficult. Sometimes, you don’t even know what to say to God.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to have the perfect words. God already knows your heart. Prayer isn’t about saying the right thing—it’s about coming close to the One who holds you steady when everything else feels uncertain.

Even in the fiercest storm, prayer becomes the shelter where we find peace.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

Why Prayer Matters in Difficult Seasons

When life hurts, prayer invites us to exchange fear for faith and chaos for calm. It reminds us that God’s presence is not dependent on our circumstances.

Prayer connects your struggle to His strength. It’s where tears turn to trust and worry turns to worship.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Through prayer, we anchor our souls in God’s unchanging promises—even when we don’t yet see the outcome.

5 Scriptures to Pray Through Hard Times

If you’re walking through a difficult season, these verses can guide your prayers and steady your heart.

1. Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

When your heart feels heavy, let this verse remind you that you’re not alone. God is near.

2. Isaiah 41:10 — “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.”

God promises His presence, strength, and help—right in the middle of your storm.

3. Romans 8:28 — “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”

Even when life feels unfair, God is still weaving your story into something good.

4. 2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Your weakness is not a failure—it’s the place where God’s power shines most clearly.

5. Philippians 4:7 — “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When worry tries to take over, let His peace stand guard over your heart.

A Guided Devotional: Praying Through the Storm

When the storms of life come, it’s easy to feel like the waves are too strong. Yet even in the darkest clouds, God is working.

You may not understand why this storm is happening, but you can still choose to trust who is in control.

Sometimes, faith looks like whispering, “Lord, help me,” when you have no other words. Other times, it looks like quietly sitting in His presence, letting His peace settle your heart.

Take a few moments to pause right now. Breathe. Let these words become your prayer:

“Father, You know the storm I’m walking through. You see my fears, my doubts, and my tears. I don’t have all the answers, but I trust that You do. Calm my anxious thoughts and remind me of Your promises. Be my anchor when I feel lost, my peace when I am afraid, and my hope when I cannot see the way forward. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

How to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Say

Sometimes we avoid prayer because we think it has to sound polished or eloquent. But God isn’t looking for performance—He’s looking for presence.

If you’re not sure how to start, try these simple steps:

Be honest. Tell God exactly how you feel. He already knows.
Be still. Pause to listen for His peace, not just His answers.
Be rooted in Scripture. Pray God’s promises back to Him.
Be consistent. Even short, daily prayers keep you anchored in His truth.

Remember: prayer isn’t a formula—it’s a relationship.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” — Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Reflection Prompts for Difficult Seasons

Use these prompts to help you process what you’re feeling and invite God into your storm:

What is one area of your life that feels heavy right now?
How have you seen God’s faithfulness in past seasons of struggle?
What promise from Scripture brings you peace today?
In what ways do you sense God strengthening your faith through this trial?

Write your answers in a journal or your Prayers Through the Storm guide. Reflecting and writing can often reveal how God is working behind the scenes.

Biblical Examples of Praying Through Hard Times

Throughout Scripture, we see men and women who clung to God through deep suffering—and found hope on the other side.

Hannah prayed through the pain of barrenness (1 Samuel 1).
David cried out to God in the wilderness (Psalm 13).
Jesus wept and prayed in Gethsemane before the cross (Luke 22:41–44).

Their prayers didn’t always change their circumstances right away—but they changed them. And they can change us, too.

A Prayer for Hard Times

“Lord, thank You for never leaving me in my pain. When I feel overwhelmed, remind me that You are my refuge and strength. Father, When I am weary, be my rest. When I am afraid, be my peace. Help me to trust Your timing, Your wisdom, and Your love. Anchor my heart in Your Word, and let my faith grow deeper even through the storm. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Find Hope in the Middle of the Storm

You don’t have to walk through this season alone. God is already there—holding you, comforting you, and guiding you through.If you’re ready to go deeper, I created a devotional resource just for you:

Final Encouragement

No matter how fierce your storm feels, peace and hope are still possible. God hasn’t forgotten you—He’s walking right beside you.

Let His Word be your anchor, His love your shelter, and His promises your light through the rain.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” — Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

Prayers Through the Storm: A Devotional Prayer Guide for Life’s Hardest Moments

Are you walking through a season of uncertainty, grief, or spiritual struggle?

Prayers Through the Storm is a gentle, Scripture-rich devotional prayer guide designed to help you draw near to God in the middle of life’s fiercest battles. Whether you’re facing heartbreak, fear, unanswered prayers, or a long season of waiting—this guide offers you daily encouragement, honest reflection, and heartfelt prayers to anchor your soul in Christ.

Each section includes:

A short devotional to speak hope into your storm
A guided prayer to help you pour out your heart to God
Journal prompts for honest reflection and spiritual growth
A reflection page to record what God is showing you

With 10 themed sections, this printable devotional will walk with you through every stage of the storm—from the first shock to the breakthrough, and into the quiet clarity of life after the rain.

Let this be your safe place to meet with God, process your pain, and find fresh hope—one prayer at a time.