Prayers for Strength
There are seasons when our own strength simply runs out—when the diagnosis, the loss, the worry, or the sheer length of the road leaves us empty. A prayer for strength is not a request to feel powerful; it's an honest admission that we need help, and a turning toward the God who gives it. The prayers below are written for exactly those moments. Some are short enough to whisper in a parking lot before you walk back in; others are fuller, for the long nights.
Pray them word for word, or let them give shape to your own. You don't have to carry today alone, and you were never meant to. You'll also find a short collection of Bible verses for strength below—verses to memorize, to pray back to God, or to carry with you into a hard day.
A Short Prayer for Strength
Lord, I am running on empty. Be my strength where I have none. Steady my hands, quiet my fear, and help me take the next small step. I trust You to carry what I cannot. Amen.
A Prayer for Strength in Hard Times
Father, this season is heavier than I expected, and I am tired deep in my bones. Renew me from the inside out. When I want to give up, hold me up. Give me courage for today and hope for tomorrow, and remind me that Your power works best in my weakness. Amen.
A Prayer for Inner Strength and Courage
God, make me brave—not fearless, just willing to keep going while afraid. Strengthen my heart, settle my mind, and let me feel You walking beside me into the very thing I dread. Whatever comes, be my courage. Amen.
A Longer Prayer for Strength to Keep Going
Almighty God, I come to You tired in a way that rest alone has not been able to fix. The road has been longer than I expected, and my own strength has nearly run out. You are the One who gives power to the weak and increases the strength of those who have none, so I turn to You now. Hold me up when my own legs feel unsteady, and steady my heart when discouragement presses in. Remind me that I do not have to be strong on my own, because Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Help me to lay down the heavy things I was never meant to carry alone. Where I have been striving in my own power, teach me to lean on Yours instead. Give me strength not only for the great trials but for the small daily ones, the ordinary battles no one else sees. When I am tempted to give up, plant my feet again and help me take one more step. Let me find courage not in my circumstances but in Your unchanging presence beside me. Renew my hope the way You renew the dawn, faithfully and without fail. And when this season finally passes, let me look back and see that it was You who carried me through. I trust You to be my strength today and every day. Amen.
A Prayer Built on Isaiah 41:10
Lord, You have promised, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." I hold tightly to those words today. When fear whispers that I cannot go on, I will remember that You uphold me. Strengthen me, help me, and steady me with Your own hand. I will not be afraid, because You are with me. Amen.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.— Isaiah 40:31
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.— Philippians 4:13
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.— Psalm 28:7
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.— Joshua 1:9
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness… for when I am weak, then am I strong.— 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.— Deuteronomy 31:6
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.— Psalm 46:1
The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.— Habakkuk 3:19
The joy of the Lord is your strength.— Nehemiah 8:10
Prayers for specific situations
Frequently asked questions
What is a good short prayer for strength?
A short prayer is best: 'Lord, be my strength where I have none. Steady me, quiet my fear, and help me take the next step. Amen.' Keep it short enough to pray in the exact moment you need it.
What does the Bible say about God giving us strength?
Scripture promises that God strengthens the weary. Isaiah 40:31 says those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, and Philippians 4:13 says we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Strength is something God supplies, not something we manufacture.
What is a good prayer for strength for a man?
Pray honestly to what the man is actually facing — a failing marriage, a job loss, the pressure of providing, a health scare. A direct prayer: 'Lord, give me the courage to keep going today. Where I have been weak, be my strength. Help me lead well and trust You with what I cannot control. Amen.' Strength in Scripture is less about power and more about endurance, which is what most men are actually asking for.
What are Bible verses for strength?
The Bible verses for strength that Christians return to most often include Isaiah 40:31 ('they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength'), Philippians 4:13 ('I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me'), Psalm 46:1 ('God is our refuge and strength'), Joshua 1:9 ('be strong and of a good courage'), and 2 Corinthians 12:9 ('my strength is made perfect in weakness'). Pray them slowly, one at a time, when today feels heavier than you can carry.
Which Bible verse gives strength during hard times?
Isaiah 41:10 is often the first verse people reach for in hard times: 'Fear thou not; for I am with thee… I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.' Paired with 2 Corinthians 12:9-10—'when I am weak, then am I strong'—it reframes strength not as something we produce, but as something God gives when we are honest about our need.
Is there a prayer for strength for addiction recovery or pregnancy?
Yes — alongside the general prayers on this page, we have dedicated prayers for strength to overcome addiction, for strength during pregnancy, and for strength at work, each written for that specific situation.