Holy Bible: Faith VersePrayer for strength: 7 prayers for when you feel weak
By Sophie · October 24, 2026 · 4 min read
Some days ask more of us than we have. Work, family, illness or grief can leave you with nothing left. A prayer for strength is an honest admission of that, and a request for help from the One who does not run out.
Below are seven prayers for strength you can pray as written or make your own, each paired with a verse.
Where strength comes from
The Bible is honest about weakness. The psalmist admits that body and heart can fail:
“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
Isaiah promises strength to those who have none left, and to those who wait on God:
“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.”
Strength in Scripture is something received more than something produced. Asking for it is the first step.
1. A prayer for strength in hard times
Lord, I am facing something too heavy for me. I cannot see the way through, and I am afraid of what is ahead. Be my strength today. Carry what I cannot carry and give me what I need for this one day. Amen.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
2. A prayer when you are exhausted
Father, I am tired in body and in spirit. I keep going on empty. Renew my strength the way You promised. Show me where to rest, and help me lean on You instead of my own effort. Amen.
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
3. A prayer for strength in grief
Lord, my heart is broken and some days I do not know how to get up. Be close to me in this loss. Give me strength for the small things: to eat, to sleep, to speak with those who love me. Hold me until joy returns. Amen.
“Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
4. A prayer for courage
God, I have a hard step to take: a decision, a conversation, a change. My courage is small. Remind me that You go with me wherever I go, and give me the strength to do what is right. Amen.
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
5. A prayer for strength during illness
Lord, my body is weak and the days are long. Give me strength for each treatment and patience with my recovery. When I cannot pray much, let these few words be enough. I trust You with my life. Amen.
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”
6. A prayer for strength for someone else
Father, someone I love is struggling and I cannot fix it. Give them strength today. Be their refuge, their rest and their help. Show me how to support them without trying to take Your place. Amen.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
7. A short prayer for strength
For moments when there is no time for more:
Lord, I am weak, You are strong. Be my strength right now. Amen.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
When strength does not come right away
- Pray again tomorrow. Strength in the Bible is often given day by day, enough for the day.
- Let others help. Accepting help is one of the ways God answers a prayer for strength.
- Rest without guilt. Elijah, worn out, was given sleep and food before anything else (1 Kings 19).
- Keep one verse close. Read it in the morning and come back to it when the day gets heavy.
For more Scripture on this theme, see Bible verses about strength, or read our prayers for healing.
Holy Bible offers a prayer and a verse for every day, and can read prayers aloud when you are too tired to read.
Questions
What is a short prayer for strength?
Lord, I am weak, You are strong. Be my strength right now. A prayer for strength can be one sentence, prayed as often as you need it.
What does the Bible say about strength?
Isaiah 40:29 says God gives power to the faint, Psalm 46:1 calls God our refuge and strength, and Philippians 4:13 says we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
How do I pray for strength for someone else?
Name the person and what they are facing, ask God to be their strength and refuge, and ask how you can help them in practical ways.
