9 Raw, Honest Prayers For When Faith Gets Hard

Prayer is a powerful and essential part of our Christian faith. Sometimes it comes easily and naturally, yet other times, it feels almost impossible. When life isn’t going the way we expected and feelings of fear and doubt creep in, we can feel resistant to talking to God or even view it as pointless.

Life is full of ups and downs and comes with many difficult emotions. We’re told to turn to prayer in everything, but sometimes that’s much easier said than done. How do we come to God in prayer when faith feels hard?

Pray Continually

Prayer is our direct line of communication with God, and just as in any relationship, some conversations are easier than others. We can’t hide how we’re feeling from God, and He wants us to come to Him in all our messy, difficult emotions.

When the Waiting Never Seems to End

“God, I’m tired, and I’m desperate for answers. The uncertainty is excruciating… please, sustain me and give me the strength to continue waiting on You.”

God’s timing is always perfect, even when it looks so much different than ours. We can only see part of the picture, but God can see the whole thing. He is faithful and knows what He’s doing.

Isaiah 40:30-31, ESV “Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

When Healing Feels Impossible

“Lord, help me to remember the strength and power that You hold, knowing, in Your name, anything is possible. Help me to keep the faith, trust that You can heal, and remember, no matter what, that You are working all things for good.”

Whether it’s physical healing or healing within a relationship, God is the God of miracles. He can make a way when we don’t see one.

Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

When You’ve Been Wronged

“This doesn’t feel fair. I’m hurt and upset right now. Please comfort me. Soften my heart, Lord. Take away any feelings of bitterness and resentment within me. Help me to forgive and work toward resolution with humility and grace.”

It is hard to let things go when someone has sinned against us. Our humanity and pride get in the way. This is where we need the Lord’s help to forgive.

Colossians 3:12-14, ESV “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

When You’re Drowning in Grief

“My heart is broken, and I don’t know how to move forward. Simply existing feels exhausting. Please, show me, Father, that You are here with me in this moment that feels dark and hopeless. Hold me, as I don’t think I have the strength to stand.”

Sadly, tragedy is a part of our reality, this side of Heaven. When something terrible happens, and you’re left to try to pick up the pieces, grief hits hard and can feel all-consuming. God is there with you in that season of darkness.

Psalm 34:18, ESV “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

When God Feels Far Away

“Lord, where are you? Why can’t I feel Your presence? It seems as if You are far away and want nothing to do with me. Please, reveal Yourself to me. Help me to feel Your spirit within me and realize You’re right here with me”

In some seasons in life, God can feel further away. It might seem like He is silent or distant. The Bible reminds us that God never leaves us. He is by our side, and we can cry out to Him. If you feel like God isn’t there or doesn’t care, the best thing you can do is spend time drawing near to Him through reading your Bible and prayer.

Psalm 139:7-10, ESV “Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to Heaven, You are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.”

When Life Overwhelms You

“Life is just too much lately, Lord. I feel like I can’t get my footing, constantly moving from one thing to another. Please bring a restored sense of hope to this weary and exhausted heart of mine.”

Our day-to-day life can easily overwhelm and exhaust us, as we use every last drop of energy we have to accomplish our never-ending to-do lists and calendar obligations. God is our sustainer, our source of life. It is in Him we can find rest and restoration.

Psalm 61:2, ESV “From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

When Fear Takes Control

“This fear is crippling. It’s all I can think about. The “what ifs” haunt me, and I can’t seem to find peace. God, please quiet these fears. Help me shut out the thoughts of what could happen and focus on what is true.”

Our fears are real, but so is our God. He is the author of peace, and nothing in this life comes as a surprise to Him. Whatever it is we’re afraid of, we can bring it to God and trade it for his peace.

Isaiah 41:10, ESV “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

When You Messed Up and Want to Hide From God

“I’m so ashamed of what I’ve done, it makes me want to run from You. Lord, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me and pour out Your mercy on me. I don’t deserve Your forgiveness, but I need it. Help me to come to You in repentance, instead of hiding in my shame.”

Our guilt can keep us from turning to God out of shame. We might be afraid, knowing we messed up and fell short of the way He calls us to live. The good news is, God is rich in mercy. If your heart is sincere in repentance, God is faithful to forgive.

Proverbs 28:13, ESV “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”

When You’re Angry at God

“Why is this happening, God? I thought You were good and that You were in control? Right now, it doesn’t feel like it. I’m upset and so confused how this could be part of Your plan.”

“I know the truth, but I’m struggling to believe it. Help me to let go of these feelings of anger toward You, and please restore my trust in You.”

When something happens that shakes your faith and makes you wonder how God could still be good in this situation. When your heart is hard towards God, you must keep talking to Him and come to Him, even when you don’t feel like it. God can handle your questions and difficult emotions.

Hebrews 4:15-16, ESV “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Steadfast Love

God’s love for us doesn’t change based on our circumstances or emotions. He cares for us as his children and wants us to communicate with Him about whatever we are feeling. When prayer is difficult, it is often when it’s needed most. Being in the presence of God is just what our hearts need when our faith feels weak.