How to Pray for Encouragement and Strength During Trials

Prayers for encouragement, strength, and comfort during trials.

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The Enemy has creative ways of discouraging us during difficult times. Sometimes, discouragement rears its head by stealing our hope. Other times, it changes our perspective, and we begin to see life as unfair and our circumstances as unjust. Or we find ourselves stuck in our emotions and pain.

God knows your pain and has compassion for what we endure as sojourners on the earth. In his lovingkindness, He gives us encouragement to strengthen us on the journey.

Below are verses from the Bible that will help you gain God’s perspective and be uplifted by His words. I’ve also included prayers for encouragement to guide your efforts as you choose to accept His truths.

To easily jump to each prayer, use the links below.

John 16:33
1 Peter 4:12
2 Timothy 3:12-13
James 1:2-4
Romans 8:18
James 1:12
1 Peter 1:6
Romans 8:28
James 1:5
1 Corinthians 10:13
Psalm 55:22
Romans 12:12

12 Prayers for Encouragement and Strength During Trials

1. John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

PRAY: Praise You, God, for overcoming the world! Allow this to penetrate my heart and encourage my faith.

2. 1 Peter 4:12

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

PRAY: God, remind me that trials are to be expected. Help me keep my reactions under control and within Your will.

More encouragement: Join my 10-Day Challenge and learn the A.R.T. of Survival.

3. 2 Timothy 3:12-13

Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted; and evil persons and impostors will keep on going from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.

PRAY: Lord, open my eyes to see persecution as a blessing and reminder of my union with Jesus.

4. James 1:2-4

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

PRAY: Give me great strength to endure this trial in a way that is refining and transforming — for Your glory.

James reminds us to consider it all joy when we face trials. Today, ask God to give you great strength to endure your current trial in a way that is refining and transforming — for His glory. Share on X

5. Romans 8:18

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

God, encourage me with reminders that my earthly trouble is nothing compared to the glory of Your Son who will be revealed in me!

6. James 1:12

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

PRAY: Encourage me during this trial and give me the strength to persevere so that I may receive the crown of life!

7. 1 Peter 1:6

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

PRAY: During my trials and hardships, encourage me with joy in my inheritance that can never spoil or fade.

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8. Romans 8:28

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.

PRAY: Lord, give me Your wise perspective and allow me to see You working out Your good purpose in my life.

9. James 1:5

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

PRAY: God, I ask for Your wisdom and perspective during this trial. Please provide it generously and show me how to see my circumstances through Your eyes.

10. 1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

PRAY: Lord, thank you for Your faithfulness to provide a way out when I’m tempted! Please give me great faith to keep YOU on the throne of my life regardless of my circumstances.

More on prayer: How Confidently To Pray For Peace When Anxiety Is Creeping In

11. Psalm 55:22

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

PRAY: Lord, thank you for your promise to sustain me as I cast my cares on You.

12. Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

PRAY: God, it’s only by Your power that I can have joy, patience and faith in this moment. Please remind me that You’re close to those who suffer and meet me in my prayers.

I hope you’ll utter these prayers of encouragement without ceasing as you struggle through trials and hardships. God has promised His sustaining power, wisdom, and crown of life for those who turn to Him during trials.

Be encouraged today.

Learn practical steps for getting unstuck from pain and how to faithfully overcome difficult circumstances when you listen to Chip’s sermon series entitled A.R.T. of Survival.

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Written By

Chip Ingram

Founder & Teaching Pastor, Living on the Edge

Chip Ingram is the CEO and teaching pastor of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for over thirty years, Chip has a unique ability to communicate truth and challenge people to live out their faith. He is the author of many books, including The Real God, Culture Shock and The Real Heaven. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California.