Becky lives in Texas with her husband and two sons. She is passionate about supporting people in drawing nearer to Christ using Scripture, prayer, and journaling.
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Feeling tired & discouraged? Like you’re losing your faith? Pray these prayers for hope during hard times for encouragement and peace.
Whether you are new in your faith or you have been on a long journey with Christ, we all face hardships that leave us feeling hopeless and defeated. When your life feels as though it is spinning out of control. When you face loss, defeat, suffering, or when a dreadful situation doesn’t change, it can feel like there is no hope at the end of the tunnel.
For many people, these feelings of hopelessness can grow into isolation, depression, disappointment, or a sense that God has forgotten about them or has overlooked them. If you have ever felt alone, or as though you have no hope, you are not alone in how you feel.
Not only are you not alone, but I have even better news for you. You do have a hope which extends far beyond your earthly troubles. It is a hope that not only assures your eternity, but a hope that you can hold onto through every high and low that you’ll experience in life. That hope is Christ.
It is a confident belief that no matter what you go through in life, Christ is with you and you will be with Him for all eternity. This kind of hope not only helps us to measure our short earthly life in accordance with the hope that lies ahead of us. It helps us frame our experiences in the light of that hope. It reminds us of what our mission on earth is (to make Him known and to become more like Him), and often He uses those hardships to form our character.
When our eyes are fixed on Christ and the hope that He has stored for us, we can experience His joy and peace even when we are going through hard times. If you’re needing some hope today, Romans 12:12 says “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and be constant in prayer.” I pray that these prayers will increase your hope and joy in the Lord.
Prayers for Hope
1. A Prayer for Hope In Hard Times
Gracious God,
You have been with me through so many seasons of life. Thank You that You are not only there during times of joy and celebration, but that You are even closer during times of hardship and hopelessness. Your Word says that You are close to the broken-hearted and that You save those who are crushed in spirit. When I think of the hardships that I am facing, I feel absolutely crushed in spirit. It feels as though there is no hope, or way out.
I’m looking for a door, but sometimes I forget that You are the door. You are the One my eyes should be fixed upon more than my hardship. But I am struggling, Lord. It’s not easy. You said we would experience tough times. But You also said that You would be with me and shape me through them. Please help me to renew my hope in You. Remind me that You are near, and help me to see how You are working with me through this difficult time.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. A Prayer for Hope in Loss
Heavenly Father,
The pain of searing loss fills every thought of mine. It feels unreal to lose someone who you always thought would be there when you needed them. But I know more than ever, I need You. I need You to be with me during this time of loss. Please be near me in this confusing and hopeless time. When it feels as though things will never get better, remind me of the hope I have in Christ. Help me to draw closer to You as I process losing this person who I cared for deeply.
I know that You are infinitely wise. Help me to trust in Your wisdom. I know that You are sovereign. Help me to trust in Your plan. I pray that You would allow this tragedy to bring others close to You, and to show Yourself as a gracious God. When I feel overcome with dread or overwhelmed by grief, I pray that You would be my comfort through the day and my light through the night.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
3. A Prayer for Encouragement
Lord in Heaven,
I feel weighed down by the troubles in my life. When I think things are starting to look up, I experience another disappointment. My spirit feels weary, and I just don’t know what to do anymore. I know that You hear me when I pray to You. Please fill me with encouragement today. Where I have lost hope, I pray that You will refresh my trust in You and renew my faith. I know no matter what I go through. You remain in control. Please remind me of this truth when I feel discouraged and dejected.
Please help me to surround myself with people who will lead me closer to You. Bring people into my life who build up, instead of tear down, and who will remind me of Your truth when I am feeling low. I don’t only want to depend on others to remind me of this hope. Please help me to grow in my time with You and to learn of, and take hold of this hope for myself. I pray that I will be built up as I dig into Your word and allow it to shape my character and my worldview.
In Jesus’ matchless name, amen.
4. A Prayer for Breakthrough
Father,
All throughout scripture we can read of Your constant faithfulness, devotion and grace towards people. I’m so thankful that I have experienced Your kindness in so many ways, but most importantly in the work of Christ and the forgiveness that He has extended to me. Because of the cross, I can now come to You as a child comes to their father. Before I even say a word; Lord, You already know it. You know what troubles me most today.
My prayer is that You would work in the hardships that I am currently facing. I know that my idea of a breakthrough may not be the same as what You, in Your wisdom, see as a breakthrough. I pray that You would help me to lay down my expectations and surrender to Your will for me. My desire is to find rest and peace, please help me to see how You are giving me that even amid this time. If it is Your will for this situation to come to an end, I pray that You will open a new door, or lead me in wisdom in what to do next. More than that, I pray that Your name will be glorified in and out of this hardship.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. A Prayer for Hope
Lord,
It is hard to feel hope when it feels as though darkness is winning out. I know that my feelings aren’t trustworthy, and that a hope placed on circumstances is an unsteady, unpredictable hope that can easily be snatched away as change takes place. Please forgive me for any hope that I have placed in my circumstances or in other people. Forgive me for misplacing my hope so often, and feeling angry towards You when that hope has been stripped away.
Help me to learn what true hope looks like in Christ. I no longer want to be dependent on ever-changing circumstances. I want my hope to be firmly built on the Rock that never changes.
You are my hope, Lord. Remind me of this truth whenever I lose sight of You. Fill me with Your hope that is sufficient in every trial and tribulation. When I feel discouraged, may Your Word refresh my soul. When I feel anxiety, may Your peace keep my thoughts at bay. And when I feel all hope is lost, may Your Spirit fill me with Your unwavering hope.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
6. A Prayer To Hope In God
Dear God,
Thank You for the hope that is found in Christ. It is so easy to imitate the world in its hopes and desires. The world places its hope in money, fame, health, status, circumstances, and people. But none of those things ever satisfy us. They were never meant to. Money runs out, fame diminishes, status brings pressure, health deteriorates and people disappoint.
You alone are the same yesterday, today and forever. You alone are our hope in a broken and hurting world. Your word outlasts it all. Please remind me of this truth whenever I am tempted to place my hope somewhere else. May my hope in You grow deep roots. May my hope be built on the solid ground that is Christ. Even when money runs out, health deteriorates or people disappoint, I pray that my hope in You will stand firm. I pray that my hope in You will carry me through every circumstance, and become a light to those around me.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Carrie L. Franklin
Monday 3rd of July 2023
Dear Prayer Pocket, How are you? My name is Carrie L. Franklin, and you may have prayed for me before. I had received a calling to become a top doctor to Africa. I would like to request an ongoing prayer commitment for general prayer without anything binding or any spiritual warfare "co-signs". Thank you very much for your consideration of this. Sincerely, Carrie L. Franklin