The challenges we are facing as a nation and in our own personal lives can feel insurmountable. Whether it’s another mass shooting, natural disaster or a difficult health diagnosis, financial struggles, relationship issues, death, or something else entirely, tough times can leave us feeling overwhelmed and helpless. In moments like these, prayer can be a powerful tool to help us find peace, comfort, and strength.
The truth is that God wants us to come to Him with our struggles and our pain. In fact, the Bible is full of examples of people who cried out to God in times of distress and found comfort and deliverance from their suffering. Why should you be any different? If we are ever to overcome, heal and find peace…. it is going to begin in our efforts to find what we need in the Lord.
If you are new to the faith or simply need some reminders about praying for yourself, here are five practical steps, supported by scripture, to guide you in praying during tough times.
Step 1: Acknowledge Your Struggle
When we’re facing difficulties, it’s easy to try to ignore or downplay our pain. However, pretending that everything is okay can prevent us from fully engaging with God and seeking His help. The first step in praying for yourself during tough times is acknowledging your struggle. This might mean admitting to yourself and to God that you’re feeling afraid, lonely, overwhelmed, or hopeless.
Scripture Reference: “I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him, I tell my trouble.” – Psalm 142:1-2
Step 2: Express Your Emotions
After acknowledging your struggle, it’s important to express your emotions honestly and openly to God. This might mean crying, yelling, or simply pouring out your heart to Him. Don’t worry about saying the “right” words or sounding eloquent. God cares about the state of your heart, not the quality of your speech.
Scripture Reference: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Step 3: Ask for Help and Guidance
After expressing your emotions, it’s time to ask God for help and guidance. This might mean asking for wisdom, peace, healing, or strength. Be specific in your requests and trust that God hears and answers your prayers in His perfect timing.
Scripture Reference: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Step 4: Seek God’s Will
When we’re in the midst of difficult times, it can be hard to see beyond our immediate circumstances. However, it’s important to remember that God has a plan and a purpose for our lives, even in the midst of pain and struggle. Praying for yourself during tough times means seeking God’s will and trusting that He is working all things for your good.
Scripture Reference: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Step 5: Trust God’s Love and Faithfulness
Finally, it’s essential to trust in God’s love and faithfulness, even when we can’t see the way forward. Praying for yourself during tough times means choosing to believe that God is with you, that He loves you, and that He will never leave or forsake you.
Scripture Reference: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
