“Can I pray with you?”
In situations of uncertainty and fear, this is one of the greatest gifts you can offer another person. However, it can be hard to know what to say without offending the person or offering what feels like an assurance you can’t give. Here are five inspirational prayers that you can use as a guideline as you pray with those in need.
1. Prayer for Peace and Courage
Dear Lord,
Today, we pray for your peace. We pray that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard the hearts and minds of ____. We also ask for courage. We remember that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. Please, grant ____ your spirit of courage. Grant them a sound mind as they make decisions. We pray for all the physicians, nurses, and health care providers involved in this situation. May they be blessed with the wisdom and grace needed to provide the best care possible.
In His name,
Amen
2. Prayer for a Family Member in Pain
Dear God,
We seek your help and intervention on behalf of ____. We pray for all the physicians, nurses, and health care providers involved in their care. Please grant the medical team wisdom to know the best course of action to relieve pain and promote healing. And if our knowledge falls short, we ask that you would close that gap, and provide wisdom and insight and guidance into this situation. We know that you are good and that you love ____. Please comfort them in this difficult time and we ask that you would ease their pain and give them hope and peace.
In His name,
Amen
3. Prayer for Guidance During a Special Procedure
Dear God,
We lift up ____ as they go through ____ procedure. Please guide the minds and hands of the medical team before, during, and after the procedure. May they be blessed with wisdom and knowledge to perform the procedure with excellence and in a way the supports the best outcome. We ask for your presence to fill the room and your peace to be surround all involved. Please comfort their loved ones as they wait. Help them to put their hope in you, and to know how to love and support ____ after the procedure. We trust in your unfailing love.
In His Name,
Amen
4. Prayer for Financial Concerns
Dear God,
You are the creator of this Earth, and all belongs to you. You have instructed us not to worry about our life, what we eat and drink or what we wear, reminding us that God provides for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, and that he loves us even more than these. And yet, it is hard not to worry when the numbers don’t add up the way we think they should. Please help us to trust your provision. Help us to seek your Kingdom first and look to you to provide for our needs. We ask specifically for your help with____. Please provide ____ with wisdom to know the path forward, faith to believe you will provided for their needs, and peace as they hope in you.
In His name,
Amen
5. Prayer for Direction
Dear God,
We come before you seeking guidance. We acknowledge that wisdom and power are yours; that you give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. You know what lies in darkness and light dwells with You. Please grant ____ your wisdom and knowledge in this situation. Please bring to light the things that should be known and guide ____ to the right next step. We ask for your peace as they wait for your leading and also the courage to take the next step when it is time for ____ to move forward.
In His name,
Amen
Conclusion
We are reminded in James 5:16 that “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” May you be blessed as you intercede on behalf of those who God loves.
Have you had a good experience with inspiration prayers? We would love to hear your examples! Please share them (without including any personal information) and any other thoughts in the comments. For further reading on this topic, please refer to these articles: How to Pray with Patients and 9 Ways to Provide Spiritual Care to Your Patients & Their Families.
