Are you in a season of suffering? Whether it is the physical suffering of your body, mental suffering from a circumstance, or a situation in your life, the suffering you’re experiencing can be dark, painful, and real. Because it is often difficult to see any purpose behind the pain, the natural reaction to suffering can be frustration, confusion, or even anger. During these times of struggle, you can learn to lean on God and find comfort in your Father, who promises to stand with you through all the hills and valleys of life. Here are 8 prayers to help you lean into God during these hardships and keep your faith amid this suffering.
1. So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude He had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. – 1 Peter 4:1 NLT
Christ Jesus, thank You for suffering on the cross for me. Please give me the strength and the courage to get through this season of suffering in my own life. I pray You continue to remind me this is not my home, and the suffering I face now is nothing compared to the joy I will feel with You in paradise. Amen.
2. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! – 2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT
Lord, it does not feel like my present troubles are anywhere near small, nor are they going away quickly. However, I know my life on earth is small compared to the life I look forward to with You in heaven. I ask You to continue to stand beside me through my present troubles and give me the perseverance I need to overcome them. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. – Romans 5:3 NLT
God, I pray that You give me the power to rejoice in the midst of my problems and trials. I pray that You will remind me of Your promise to be with me through all of life’s ups and downs, and that I can be strengthened to endure all of life’s hardships and continue walking with You through any amount of suffering. In Jesus’ powerful name, amen.
4. I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for His body, the church. – Colossians 1:24 NLT
Lord, it is challenging for me to find meaning and gladness when I suffer. I ask You to help me continue to grow in You so I may find joy amid my suffering. Help me to know You can use my suffering to grow me and encourage others. In Your name, I pray, amen.
5. God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. – James 1:12 NLT
Jesus, please help me and guide me to endure testing and temptation in my life with patience. Although my trials are difficult, please help me to renew my trust and love for You so that I can get through this season of suffering. Amen.
6. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him. – Philippians 1:29 NLT
Father, it is hard to see suffering as a privilege. However, I pray You help me be able to look at my suffering with this new perspective. Lord, help me see how my suffering can glorify You to others by how I walk through it with Your peace. I ask that You continue strengthening my trust in You as I go through this situation. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.
7. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. – Psalms 34:19 NLT
God, Your Word tells us that we will face troubles as believers and followers of You. You never promise us an easy life, Lord, but You do promise us a life full of inseparable love and unending grace from You. When life is tough, and I have many troubles, You will be with me and continue to remind me of Your goodness. Thank You for rescuing me time and time again, and please help me have the patience to wait for Your perfect response. Amen.
8. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later. – Romans 8:18 NLT
Lord, I pray that You will allow me to see my current situation through Your eyes, not mine, because You see the big picture. My struggles and suffering seem larger than life right now, but please help me to remember that You are greater than anything this earth can throw at me. I pray for Your comfort and Your help to keep my eyes ahead and not on my current situation. In Your name, I pray, amen.
