A Consoling Prayer

Comfort and consolation are sought whenever one is going through some difficulty in life. If we have a hurting friend, we try to comfort and console that person. Likewise, if we find ourselves hurting or experiencing some difficulty, we want comfort and consolation for ourselves. However, we should remember that we primarily seek comfort from God—the God of all consolation and the Father of mercies Who reassures us in times of affliction (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Father in heaven, I thank You because whenever I am going through afflictions, You are merciful toward me and the One Who heartens me. You are always near, and you never leave me. You are faithful and always sustain me with Your grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

What Is a Consoling Prayer?

A consoling prayer is just like a comforting prayer; you pray for someone going through difficulties with a prayer that would hopefully minister, encourage, and console them. That is the aim, and when you pray a consoling prayer, you don’t have to be pressured to think of great, flowery words. The best and always the safest way to pray a consoling prayer is to go back to the Scriptures for inspiration.

Since a good consoling prayer is grounded in the Scriptures, you could say that the best prayer is to recite the very scriptures themselves that apply to the person who needs consolation. This is soothing, comforting, and encouraging because when you cite scriptures in your prayer, you are using God’s power and reminding the person going through difficulties and challenges of Who his or her God is.

This is a common theme found in the book of Psalms. We can always find David crying out to God; no matter what struggle, difficulty, or challenge he has, he always goes back to praising and worshiping God for Who He is. One example is from Psalm 13:5-6. In that passage, we read that David felt God had forgotten him. But then, he goes back to Who God is – a God Who deals bountifully with him – and says that he trusts in His steadfast love. Another example is from Psalm 40:1-3. David was in a desperate situation and was waiting on God. David proclaimed that God is the One Who sets his feet on a rock, makes his steps secure, and puts a new song in his mouth.

How Do I Pray a Consoling Prayer to Someone?

As mentioned before, when we remember Who God is, that is one of the greatest consolations we can receive. Therefore, using scriptures that encourage and console a person affirms the power and love of God for them. An example of this is Psalm 34:18, which tells us that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. You can pray that scripture to console someone in this manner:

Father in heaven, I pray for my dear brother [name], who is enduring pain. I know that You know him and are near him right now. You don’t just leave him in his anguish but save his crushed spirit. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Another example is to go back to the Scriptures to focus on returning to the Gospel. For this kind of prayer, you must consider how the Gospel provides an eternal solution to someone’s suffering. That way, you can console the person with the truth of the Gospel. Below is an example of this prayer:

Heavenly Father, my friend is worried and hurt that people have misunderstood her. We thank You because since she is in Christ, what others think of her does not matter. Her value is not determined by the opinion of others but by Your opinion of her. You see her as your daughter, for she is hidden in Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

As you pray a consoling prayer for someone, remember to do it out of love. In 1 Corinthians 16:14, it says we should let all that we do be done in love. Even if your prayers cite every comforting scripture about Who God is, it is pointless if not done through loving-kindness. Just as we have shared our thoughts with Christ for comfort whenever we went through affliction ourselves, we are to also comfort others with our compassion.