By Melissa McLaughlin

Ever had one of those days? Whether you are taking your first few steps to follow Christ or you have traveled myriad miles in your walk with Him, there are days when it feels we simply cannot take one more step. Days when it seems impossible to put one foot in front of the other. These are the days we need prayers of hope. Days we need others to lift us in prayer.

When sorrow looms like a heavy gray cloud, blocking my vision of God, I try to seek God’s Word, the Bible, to pierce through the darkness with the Light of Jesus Christ. This anchors my flailing thoughts and prayers to The Word, Jesus, who can calm the fiercest storms.

Adding to my own prayers, what a gift when others reach out to pray with me! When my faith and hope are but a flicker, through the prayers of others, a fresh wind of Jesus’ Spirit breathes through my lungs. Like a lifeline thrown to my weary soul, raising me up from oceans deep where I can barely tread water. For where two or three are gathered, Jesus is in our midst. Matthew 18:20

If you are having one of those bleak days, here are three prayers of hope to encourage and revive your soul. Many have carried me in their prayers over the years and helped sustain my fading heart. May God use these words of mine to carry you in prayer today. Please join me in prayer.

1. Prayer of Hope in the Storms

Scripture – Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,  they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God,  the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. ~Isaiah 43:1-3

Prayer – Heavenly Father, you made me, you know me and you love me like no other. You have called me by name and I am yours. Help me sense your Presence amidst the stormy waters and blazing fires. Help me rest in your everlasting arms of love, remembering that when everything falls, your love and truth will stand forever. For you are God and there is no other. You are my Redeemer, my Savior, my Rock and the Restorer of my soul. May the peace that Jesus won for me on the cross, cover my heart, soul, mind and body. In His Name. Amen.

2. Prayer of Hope When All Seems Lost

Scripture – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. ~Romans 15:13

Prayer – Almighty God, you are the source of life and the source of eternal life through Jesus Christ. You spoke, and out of nothing, all things came to be. Give me a fresh vision of you, your power and your powerful love today. Stir my memory of Jesus on the cross, when all seemed lost, yet your eternal hope was waiting to be revealed just three days later. Help me place my hope, joy and trust in you and your power to save, heal and bring new life from things that appear dead and gone. Breathe new life into my soul, mind and spirit, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that I may sense your hand at work, even when my eyes can’t see. For you are the Living God, the Mighty One and your heart is for me. Guard my heart and mind with your peace that passes all understanding as I still myself in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

3. Prayer of Hope for Refuge and Help from God

Scripture – Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. ~Psalm 61:1-5

Prayer – Oh God, how I need you. You are the God who sees. You are the God who knows and the God who loves. Hear my cry, Abba Father. Help me be still and know in the depths of my soul, that you are God. Send a mighty wave of your Holy Spirit to lift my thoughts toward Christ, for you are the Rock of my salvation. Renew my heart with memories of the many ways you have protected me and sustained me in the past. Let me sense your Presence in this very moment. May I be enveloped in your peace. Comfort me, hold me close under your wings of love and shelter me with your mercy and grace. Help me see through the fog and dust of this life, to the glorious heavenly home you have prepared for all who believe in Jesus as their Savior. Be my hope. Be my joy. Be my peace. Be my treasure. Be my all in all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Some days, there are no words left in us to pray. This is when we need to pray for one another with prayers of hope. May these prayers strengthen you, as the prayers of others have strengthened me. Do you have a memory or prayer of hope to share?

Additional Resources:

Powerful Prayer Tool – Praising Over Pleading By Melissa McLaughlin

He Restores My Soul ~ Psalm 23 By Melissa McLaughlin

The Joy of Brokenhearted Praise By Melissa McLaughlin

Want to learn more about the power of scripture-based prayers? Check out my book, available on Amazon: In Dark of Night When Words Fail, Voice of Jesus Pray For Me