A Prayer For Struggles

As believers, we struggle at several points in our lives. There are many reasons why a believer might be struggling. It could be because of sin when a believer struggles to overcome a particular temptation. It could also be a struggle to persevere in whatever one is going through, whatever that difficulty may be.

Heavenly Father, I thank You because even in this struggle, I am not alone. You are with me. Your rod and your staff comfort me even in times of struggle. You are my shepherd Who leads, guides and helps me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

What Can We Pray When We Are Struggling?

Whenever we find ourselves struggling, we pray and ask God for grace and strength. Whenever a believer struggles, the situation is often considered entirely bad. But while sin is something we should hate as believers, if we are struggling with it, the struggle itself is not inherently wrong. It is evidence of a changed heart; that you have hope and are alive. For example, let’s say you are struggling with the sin of anger. If, before you were a follower of Christ, you became angry and hurt others because of it, and you ended up not caring about what you did, now that you are a Christian, you are bothered by it. You do everything you can to overcome the sin that is making you struggle.

Of course, we don’t overcome sin on our own. We grow, overcome sin, and become more like Jesus only by the grace of God that is at work in us (2 Corinthians 3:18)(1 Corinthians 15:10)(Philippians 2:13). Becoming a Christian does not mean that you become sinless overnight. It means that the desires of our hearts have changed. If we used to love sin, now we hate it, and our desire is to glorify God. (But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18)(But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10)(For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13)

Even if the struggle is not sin-related, struggling with it does not mean a person is weak. For example, suppose a person has some ministry responsibilities, and he is struggling with them to the point that sometimes he comes to God in tears and even has frequent thoughts of giving up. In this case, the mere fact that the person has kept up the struggle means that he is doing everything that he can to persevere. If he weren’t, he would have just left everything and moved on.

However, regardless of whether your struggle is sin-related or something attributed to a particular difficulty, one thing is for sure—you don’t try to overcome and persevere by your strength but by the grace of God. Whenever you find yourself weak in times of struggle, it is not the time to rely on yourself and wrestle your way through it. Rather, this is the time to allow God’s grace to work in you and for you to move in His grace. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, it is written that His grace is sufficient for us. It is in times of weakness that His power is made perfect. That is why it is when we are weak that we are made strong. (And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 )

Also, we don’t rely on our strengths. In Philippians 4:13, probably one of the most famous verses, it is written that we can do everything through Christ who strengthens us. So, what is it that you are struggling with? Is it a particular sin? You can overcome that, not through your actions but through Christ, Who strengthens you. Are you struggling to keep on persevering with a particular difficulty or challenge? You can persevere and continue to do God’s will through Christ, Who strengthens you. (I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13)

How Do I Pray When I Am Struggling?

When we struggle, we pray by asking God for grace and strength. We do that by being humble and acknowledging that we need God’s grace. When we take that posture, we come before His throne of grace to ask for the grace, mercy, and strength that we need regarding our struggle (Hebrews 4:16).  ( Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16)

When you come before God to ask Him for grace and strength, you can be specific with what particular aspect of your life you need grace and strength for. Is it grace and strength to overcome a struggle a with particular sin? Is it grace and strength to continue ministry despite all the struggles? Is it the grace and strength to handle all the responsibilities you are struggling to manage? You can lift them all up to God in prayer and ask for grace and strength (Philippians 4:6-7).

Heavenly Father, I struggle with always thinking about myself and not dying for others and seeking their good. I know that this is what I have to do, but it is just challenging. Give me the grace and the strength that I need to always respond in a manner that glorifies You; to deny myself and be humble and not rely on my strength in this struggle but to move in Your grace. I will grow in this all by Your grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

In Psalm 139:1-6, it is written that the LORD knows everything about us. That also means He knows the deepest recesses of your heart whenever you struggle with things such as your frustration, when you wish you could just become perfect. We can rest assured that God understands us and that His grace and mercy are abundant. Christ, our shepherd, is gentle and a bruised reed. He will not break. (O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Psalm 139:1-6)