"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
Prayers for God's Help
Here is a collection of historical and modern prayers to seek God's help in times of need. Use these words to sincerely ask God for help through trials, tribulation, and temptation.
Live in the faith that God will use all things in life for the benefit of your salvation, as we seek Him in repentance and humility.
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
God Help Us against the Adversary
Lord God, heavenly Father, just as the adversary continually afflicts us and as a roaring lion walks about, seeking to devour us, for the sake of the suffering and death of your Son, Jesus Christ, help us by the grace of the Holy Spirit and strengthen our hearts by your Word, that our enemy may not prevail over us, but that we may always abide in your grace and be preserved to eternal life, through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one true God, now and forever. Amen
Source: Veit Dietrich
Father of Mercy, Come to My Help
Almighty God, Father of mercies and God of all comfort, come to my help and deliver me from this difficulty that besets me.
I believe Lord, that all trials of life are under your care and that all things work for the good of those who love you.
Take away from me fear, anxiety, and distress. Help me to face and endure my difficulty with faith, courage, and wisdom.
Grant that this trial may bring me closer to you for you are my rock and refuge, my comfort and hope, my delight and joy.
I trust in your love and compassion. Blessed is your name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Source - Orthodox Prayer
"God Help Me!" Psalms to Pray
When you don't know what to pray, Scripture provides the words for you! Use these prayers from Psalms to guide your request for help from God.
H - "Hear me Lord and answer me for I am poor and needy." Psalm 86:1
The first step is to let God know that you need him and want His help.
E - "Establish my steps in your word." Psalm 119:133
Second, ask God for His direction and for strength to stand firm in His promises.
L - "Let your compassion quickly meet our needs because we are on the brink of despair." Psalm 79:8
We often need help because of our past choices and sin. Ask God to help you focus on his compassion and grace to lift you out of your despair and heartache.
P - "Protect me God because I take refuge in You. I say to the Lord, You are my Lord, apart from You I have nothing good." Psalm 16:1
Whether it's spiritual protection from Satan's attacks or physical protection, we can come to God and ask Him to be our protector and provider. Seek refuge and lean on God, not your own strength or abilities. God promises to be your refuge if you will let Him!
*H.E.L.P acronym excerpt from 4 Psalms to Pray When You Need God's Help by Jennifer Rothschild
Prayer for Divine Help and Protection
You are our helper, Mighty One. and you are no respecter of persons. Help all your people bought with the precious blood of Christ.
You are our fortress and defender. No one can snatch us from your hand. There is no other God like you. In you we trust.
Sanctify us through your truth. Your Word is truth.
Preserve us and all your people from injury and deceit, from fear of the enemy, from the arrow that flies by day, and the trouble that walks in the darkness, and grant us eternal life in Christ, your Son, our Lord, and Savior. Amen.
Source: Greek Church
Extend the Right Hand of Heavenly Help
O Lord, extend your mercy over all your servants everywhere with the right hand of heavenly help, that they may seek you with their whole heart, and obtain what they rightly ask; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Gelasian Sacramentary
You Are Life, Help, Hope, and Cleansing
O Lord our God, you are great, eternal, and wonderful in glory. You keep your covenant and promises for those who love you with their whole heart.
You are the Life of all, the Help of those who flee to you, the Hope of those who cry to you. Cleanse us from our sins, secret and open, and from every thought displeasing to your goodness.
Cleanse our bodies and souls, our hearts and consciences, that with a pure heart and a clear soul, with perfect love and calm hope, we may venture confidently and fearlessly to pray to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Source: Liturgy of St Basil
Help Us to Show and Live Our Faith
Dearest God and Lord, strengthen and uphold us in your pure, precious Word through Jesus Christ our Lord, and help us to show and live our thanks with our fruits of faith to your praise and thanks forever. Amen.
Help Us When We Are Tempted
O Lord, help us when we are tempted. Let nothing move us to distrust your care for us, or mislead us to use your gifts and forget you, their Giver.
May we never assume your protection when we forsake your paths and tempt you.
May we never, for the sake of any supposed gain or advancement, quench the testimony of your Spirit, or prove disloyal to your service.
Support us in all temptations so that when we have been tried, we may receive the crown of life, which you have prepared for them that love you. Amen.
Source: Henry Alford, 1871
More Prayer Topics:
Prayers of Faith to Trust in God
Prayers for Strength: God Give Me Strength
Prayers for Patience and Understanding
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This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
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Morning Prayers
Prayers for Family
Prayers for Surgery
Prayers for Strength
Night Prayers Before Bed
Prayers for Protection
The Lord's Prayer: Our Father