Need some prayer for encouragement? If you’ve lived on earth for any amount of time, I can guarantee that you have felt discouraged at some point in your life.
You may have grown up in a home that wasn’t very affirming, or you may feel discouraged by how something in your life has turned out.
We all have a deep desire and need for encouragement.
This is most clearly seen when we are children.
The difference between an encouraged child and a discouraged child is very clear. This doesn’t change when we get older.
When someone feels encouraged, it not only helps them build confidence, but it can also help with the effort that they put towards a task or life in general.
God’s word is filled with encouragement towards His people.
It can be easy to lose sight of hope, and feel as if your situation will never see the light of day.
But wherever you find yourself today, know that He is with you. That is hope in itself.
Why is Encouragement Important?
The Bible not only encourages the believer, but it also speaks of the importance of encouraging one another.
Though we can find encouragement through God’s word on our own, it is also important to note that the encouragement of others also plays a role in our lives.
In 1 Thessalonians Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, and among the different instructions he gives them, he mentions this.
“Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
The church was already doing this, and it was such a good thing that Paul instructed them to continue in this way.
When we are alone, or feel alone, we can feel our most discouraged.
There is no one there to pull us out of it, and isolation can only worsen that state.
If you are feeling discouraged, reach out to someone. Share what you are going through.
If your church has small groups, get connected to one and open yourself up to friendships with those in the group.
There is beauty in a community who encourages, challenges and keeps you accountable.
It is important to feel encouraged because it nurtures the heart of the one who is on the receiving end of the encouragement.
When you only receive criticism, or have no one there to lift you up or cheer you on, you can become dispirited and hopeless.
Encouragement is important because it helps us endure despite hardships.
It gives us hope, joy and a sense of meaning. Just as we desire to be encouraged, it is important for us to be encouraging to those around us.
How To Pray For Encouragement
One of the best ways to feel encouraged is to pray to God for encouragement. There are many different ways that you can pray for encouragement.
● You can pray for God to encourage you through His word, as you read and study it.
● You can ask God to place people in your life who will be an encouragement to you, and who desire to see you grow.
● You can pray that the Holy Spirit will remind you of God’s truth in times of discouragement and dejection.
● You can ask others to join you in prayer as you share your experience with them. They may not only pray for you, but share encouraging words with you because you have opened up to them.
● You ask God to remind you of who you are in Him. No matter how low you feel. The truth of how Christ sees you triumphs any feeling that we may experience.
Examples of Prayer For Encouragement
You can make these prayers part of your daily life.
You can pray out loud, or write your prayers out.
You can even use sticky notes or create a wallpaper on your phone with a short encouraging prayer that you can glance at throughout your day.
If you’re looking for some prayers for encouragement to get your start, here are a few example prayers that you can use.
A Prayer That God Holds You
Isaiah 41:10
“So 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.”
“Lord, there are times when I feel completely lost and dejected. In those times, remind me that I am in Your hands.
When it feels as though the tunnel of darkness will never end, remind me that I am in Your grasp.
Though I may not always feel as though I can move forward, I know that I can rely on You.
Please give me the strength that I need for today.
When I feel weary, carry me through the day.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.”
A Prayer For God To Remember You
Psalm 106:4
“Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people,
come to my aid when you save them…”
“Father, when I feel deep down in the pit, please don’t forget me.
Though I feel surrounded by darkness, sometimes, remind me that I have the Light with me, because You are with me.
Please reach Your arm out to me and help me, Lord.
When I am feeling discouraged, let Your word bring me life.
When there seems to be no way out, remind me that You are the way.
When lies and discouraging words fill my mind, remind me that You are the truth.
Help me to cling to Your truth.
May it shape my mind and encourage my spirit.
In Jesus’ matchless name, I pray, amen.”
A Prayer That He Will Lift Your Head
Psalm 3:3
“But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”
“Dear God, thank You for the new life that I get to experience in You.
I confess, at times I forget that You have overcome the world, and have made me more than a conqueror.
It’s easy to get discouraged and downcast.
Sometimes my feelings of discouragement overshadow the good things in my life.
Please help me not to fixate on the things that discourage me.
Lift my head, Lord, and give me eyes to see You more clearly.
Please strengthen my spirit through Your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.”
The Lord desires to encourage us.
Whenever you feel discouraged, remember that you can reach out to Him in sincere prayer, asking Him to strengthen and encourage you.
If you need prayer for encouragement, God will answer!