3 Prayers Asking God for Strength and Courage

A Prayer to Overcome Fear and Anxiety

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

The phone rang. My son's number. He was on his way home from college for the weekend, and my heart stopped before I even answered.

"Mom, I've been in an accident."

Suddenly, my world was spinning. You know that feeling? When your mind races to the worst possible outcome before you even have all the details? In those heart-stopping seconds, I was panic-stricken.

It's amazing how fear works. One phone call can unleash a tidal wave of panic that threatens to drown us before we can catch our breath. I paced the kitchen in the dark, firing questions while also praying fragmented prayers for safety.

In moments like these, I cling to Paul's words to Timothy. Not just because they tell me what I don't have, but because they remind me of what I do have.

The power that Timothy describes is not superhero strength, but the quiet courage to accept that my son is capable of driving home. The love he describes is God's perfect love that steadies his shaking hands on the steering wheel. A sound mind is the ability to pull my runaway thoughts back to what is true: that God holds my son in his hands.

Friend, what phone call or message has your heart racing today? Is it the doctor's appointment results? Maybe it's the conversation you need to have with your spouse. Is there a financial decision that keeps you awake?

Name it out loud. Right now. Then take a deep breath and remember: That knot in your stomach isn't from God.

When those terrifying what-ifs start their banter, try whispering back: "This panic isn't from my Father. He's given me power for this moment, love to remember I'm not alone, and a clear mind to find my way through."

Let's pray:

Father,
My heart is pounding about _______. I feel so helpless and afraid, Lord. Thank you for reminding me that this paralyzing fear isn't from you. Right now, in my uncertainty, I'm asking for the strength and courage you've promised. Please fill me with power when I feel weak. Steady me with Your love when panic rises. Clear my thoughts when I can't think straight. Father, help me take one brave step forward today, even with trembling hands. Give me the courage to trust You when I can't see the path ahead. I'm holding onto you with everything I have.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

A Prayer for Courage During Life's Transitions

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9 

I stared at the empty moving boxes scattered across our living room floor. We had lived in this house for nineteen years. It was the home where our children had grown up, we celebrated holidays, and every scratch on the woodwork told a story. Now we were moving across town. It may seem silly, but my husband and I cried on the porch after the final step over the threshold.

Maybe you know how change feels. Does it leave your stomach in knots, too? Whether you're facing a new job, a different living situation, or an unexpected turn in your health, you might find yourself white-knuckling your way through it, desperately clinging to what's familiar and comfortable.

I wonder if Joshua felt the same way. After decades of following Moses through the wilderness, he was suddenly expected to lead. No more comfortable second-in-command position. No more mentor to turn to for advice. Just Joshua, a daunting task, and a God who kept telling him to be "strong and courageous."

Notice God didn't just suggest courage to Joshua—He commanded it. And with that command came a promise: "The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

That's what I whispered to myself as I sealed up each box, labeling memories alongside kitchenware. God wasn't staying behind in our old house. He was coming with us, bringing all His faithfulness, all His provision, all His love.

Is your stomach in knots over an upcoming transition? What comes to mind: an empty nest? A relationship status update? A health diagnosis that's changed everything?

The God who walked with Joshua into his new season is the same God who walks with you today. He doesn't just suggest courage—He commands it. And with that command comes His presence, which changes everything.

Let's pray: 

Lord,
This season of change has my heart trembling. I confess I'm afraid of what lies ahead in _______. When Moses handed the baton to Joshua, you didn't expect him to be fearless; You commanded him to be courageous despite his fear. Today, I'm asking for that same courage. Help me to step forward even when my legs feel weak. Remind me that Your presence goes before me, behind me, and beside me. When I'm tempted to cling to what's familiar instead of embracing what You have next, give me the strength to open my hands. Thank you that no matter what changes in my life, you remain the same faithful, loving, and ever-present God.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

A Prayer for Faith when Facing Doubt

"Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'" - Mark 9:24

"Mom, how do you know God is real?"

My teenager's question hung in the air between us as we drove home from soccer practice. The streetlights cast shadows across her face, hiding her expression. But her voice gave away her struggl. She wasn't challenging me; she was genuinely wrestling.

I held the steering wheel tighter, praying silently for wisdom. I wanted to offer her a neatly packaged answer to dissolve her doubts. Instead, I shared honestly about my faith journey, including the questions that sometimes kept me awake at night.

I've always been drawn to the father in Mark's gospel who brought his suffering son to Jesus. When Christ told him that everything is possible for one who believes, the man gave what might be the most honest prayer in Scripture: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

Jesus didn't rebuke the father for his honesty. He didn't demand perfect faith before acting. The man's mustard seed of belief, mixed with raw acknowledgment of his doubts, was enough for Jesus to work with. I’m so grateful.

Friend, are you caught between faith and doubt today? Perhaps you believe God is good, but your circumstances are screaming otherwise. Maybe you trust His promises, but the waiting has stretched beyond what seems bearable.

Your doubts don't disqualify you from God's presence. They don't make Him love you less or turn away. Like that desperate father, you can bring your mixture of faith and questions directly to Jesus. He welcomes your honesty and meets you exactly where you are.

Let's pray: 

Lord,
Like the father in Mark's gospel, I come to You with mixed faith. I believe you are good, powerful, and present, yet doubts creep in when _______ seems impossible. Today I'm asking for the courage to acknowledge my unbelief without shame. Thank you for not requiring perfect faith. You just want honest hearts that turn toward you despite questions. Strengthen my belief where it wavers. Help me stand firm when circumstances tempt me to doubt Your goodness. Remind me of your faithfulness in past seasons of uncertainty. I choose to trust You today, even as I pray, "help my unbelief."
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

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Rachel Wojo is an author, public speaker, and podcaster who hosts Bible reading challenges on her popular blog, rachelwojo.com. Her biblical approach and life circumstances influence women to find strength and hope in everyday situations.  The ideal desperate pray-er to shed light on asking God questions, Rachel’s journey includes losing her mother to leukemia, her adult special needs daughter to a rare neurologically degenerative disease, and her father to illness. She is the author of Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life’s Darkest Moments. Mostly, Rachel is crazy in love with Matt, mom to six on earth and two in heaven.

If you're looking for guidance on deepening your prayer life in tough times, I invite you to check out my new book, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments. You'll find real-life stories, prayers, and practical ways to connect with God when you need Him most. You can learn more at desperateprayers.com.