Faith in Prayer Bible Verses: Uplifting Scriptures to Pray

What does it mean to have faith in prayer?

Before we dig into the Scriptures, let’s unpack what faith in prayer means. There is a difference between just mumbling a quick prayer and proclaiming a bold, prayer of faith.

Powerful prayers come from having a deep-rooted faith in your Heavenly Father, trusting God’s will, and believing in His sovereignty.

Have you ever struggled to release a heavy burden to the Lord you were carrying? Praying in faith means you acknowledge God is in control of all things. While you may not see or understand what He’s doing, you can trust He always has a plan.

Therefore, you can pray in hope, knowing He is working things out for His glory, and trust in His perfect plan.

“Hope” is more than just a wish that things will turn out. When we have a deep-rooted faith and trust that God is a Good Father, we don’t depend on the outcome of our situation.

Instead, we have hope in the unwavering character of God because of the evidence of His faithfulness in Scripture and what He’s done for us in the past.

Faith in prayer involves holding onto God’s promises, even when our path seems overwhelming and impossible. Remember, we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Plus, faith in prayer requires us to lean not on our own understanding, but to trust in the Lord with all our hearts. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

While our situation may feel hopeless, we can make a deliberate choice to focus on God’s ability to intervene in our situations and His utter control over our lives. We show we trust the Lord by humbling ourselves before Him, being still in His presence, and following God no matter where He leads.

Examples of Faith in Prayer in the Bible

The Holy Bible is full of examples of people who turned to God in faith. These people had great needs, but they knew that the power of God is greater than any need of man. These prayer warriors in the Bible saw God move in a mighty way in their lives.

David

David, the shepherd boy turned king, is one of the most remarkable figures in the Bible, not just for his extraordinary life, but also for his deep and abiding faith in prayer.

We see countless examples of this in the Book of Psalms, which is like reading David’s prayer journal. Each Psalm is a testament to David’s unwavering faith in God’s love.

In Psalm 23 David paints a vivid picture of God as his shepherd, guiding him through dark valleys and leading him beside still waters.

It’s not just a prayer; it’s a profound declaration of faith. David’s prayers show us that no matter how challenging our circumstances might be, God hears us. He loves us and walks with us through every season of life.

Hannah

One of the most poignant examples of faith in prayer is the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:10-20. Hannah was heartbroken because she was childless and past childbearing age. But instead of succumbing to despair, she poured out her heart to God in prayer, asking Him to give her a child.

Her faith was so profound that Eli, the priest, initially mistook her fervent prayers for drunkenness. Yet, Hannah’s faith never wavered.

She believed in the great power of prayer and trusted that God would answer her pleas. And indeed, He did!

Hannah became the mother of Samuel, one of the greatest prophets in the Bible. This story beautifully illustrates that when we approach God with a sincere heart and unwavering faith, He listens to our prayers and responds in ways we can never imagine.

Apostle Paul

Apostle Paul, a man who journeyed from being a fierce persecutor of Christians to one of the most influential figures in Christianity, is another powerful example of faith in prayer.

In Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus, and their spiritual growth.

He says, “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.”

The apostles’ teaching inspire us to not only ask for our needs but also intercede for others, strengthening our faith and helping those around us to strengthen their faith, too.

How to Pray Scripture in Hard Times

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a storm that threatens to overwhelm you?

It’s in these moments that praying God’s Word becomes an anchor for our souls. When you’re feeling anxious, you turn to God’s Word for hope and peace.  (This list of Bible verses for stress, worry, and anxiety are a perfect place to start!)

There’s something powerful about praying Scripture–the actual Word of Christ.

Praying God’s Word in hard times is more than just a spiritual discipline; it’s a lifeline that pulls us back toward our one true hope and keeps us grounded in an eternal perspective.

It reminds us that no matter how big our problems are, our God is bigger. Personally, I love to keep a list of “anchor Scriptures”, which are my favorite verses that point me to the hope and peace of God.

So, the next time the storm clouds gather, don’t forget your anchor. Dive into His Word, pray Scripture in the Name of the Lord, and watch as His peace calms your storm.

Getting started with praying Scripture

Here are a few simple steps to use God’s Word to pray in hard times.

Choose a verse

Choosing a verse is like picking up a map for your spiritual journey.

It’s not just about selecting random words; it’s about finding a phrase or passage that speaks to your heart, resonates with your experiences, and guides you toward greater understanding and faith. God’s Word is powerful, and He has the verse you need in any situation.

I love to keep a list of my favorite Scriptures, or anchor verses, to pray Scripture to the Lord. These powerful 52 Bible verses are a great place to start.

Or, use Bible Gateway to find a verse quickly and with the touch of a button.

Read the verse several times

Go over the verse slowly–not just skimming. Each time you read it, it will sink a little further into your heart and mind. It’s in this repeated reading that the verse starts to come alive, whispering truth into your situation. Meditate on the verse, letting it’s truth be a balm to your weary soul.

Pray the verse back to God

Then, paraphrase the verse into a heartfelt prayer, incorporating your own experiences, emotions, and situations.

For example, if you’re praying Deuteronomy 32:4, you might pray, “O Lord,
your works are perfect, for all Your ways are justice. You are a God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright are You. Your Word declares Your unwavering faithfulness. Today, I lean on Your promises, trusting that even in challenging times, Your steadfast love will carry me through. Thank you for being my rock and refuge.”

Dig deeper into the meaning of the verse

Once you’re done praying this verse, you may wish to use a Bible study method  to dig deeper into its meaning, if you choose. (Check out these free Bible study worksheets for your quiet time.)

While this is optional (I prayed a lot of Scripture without digging deeper), it’s also a meaningful way to unlock the true message of the verse.

Using a Bible study method is like using a magnifying glass to examine a beautiful gem. It helps you to see beyond the surface, to explore the truths. This deeper exploration will show you the verse’s meaning, transforming it from mere words into a powerful prayer.

Use this free How to Pray Scripture printable in your daily prayer time!

Write the verse as part of your prayer time

Writing the Bible sheds light on Scripture in a whole new way. His Words become an intimate part of your life and conversation with Him.

Not only will this enrich your personal prayer life, but the verses you learn and study will become a part of your own faith journey. It may be helpful to add a section of this in your journal as a simple prayer journal idea you can read or pray through in times of distress.

Top 5 uplifting Scriptures to pray in times of hardship

So, now you know how to pray Scriptures in difficult times, which ones should you pray? The good news is that God’s Word is filled with Scriptures you can turn into your own effective prayer.

These comforting Bible verses  are a reminder to pray when you’re facing the storms of life and trust God to move on your behalf.

Proverbs 3:5-6 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

No matter what kind of trouble you’re facing as a child of God, you can know He is with you. Ask Him to lead you in His wisdom and for you to follow where He leads.

Isaiah 31:10 

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Life is full of fearful situations. But when you have faith in the God of hope, you don’t need to be afraid! He will be with you always and will give you the strength you need.

Hebrews 4:16 

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.

How wonderful to know that we can approach the throne of grace at any time! Jesus made a way for us to come to Him in faith. He promised that He would give us the help we need–no matter the hardships we face.

1 Timothy 6:11-12 

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Hold onto God’s promises for you, friend! Keep fighting the good fight of faith, praying in all things. God’s answers aren’t always what you expect, but He goes far beyond the wisdom of men.

James 1:2-4

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

God can use the things we face in our lives to bring us closer to Him. He is constantly working to build mental strength and character in our lives to make us more like Him.

Part of praying in faith is trusting that God is working things for your good and His glory. Don’t give up and never stop praying in faith that God will move on your behalf!

More Uplifting Faith in Prayer Bible Verses

The following Scriptures will help you pray with faith and stand firm on the power of the Holy Spirit as you pray.

Seek the Lord with confidence 

Romans 12:12

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Philippians 4:6

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

2 Chronicles 7:14

 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Psalm 145:18

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

John 15:7

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 6:35

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

Psalm 34:17

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

Matthew 7:11

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Ephesians 3:14-19

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ^​and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 8:26-27

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Pray with bold faith

James 1:6

 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Matthew 17:20

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

James 5:15

And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. This assures us that prayers, imbued with faith, result in divine intervention, displaying God’s mercy and power.

Mark 11:24

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Romans 1:17

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Matthew 21:21

And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.

Psalm 119:30

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.

Galatians 2:16

yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

1 Peter 1:8

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

​John 14:13

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Pray for one another

1 Timothy 2:1-2

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Ephesians 6:18 

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Matthew 5:43-45

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Rejoice in God’s blessings

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Psalm 141:2

Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!

Colossians 4:2

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Free Faith in Prayer Bible Verses Reading Plan

Ignite your prayer life with this free Faith in Prayer Bible Reading Plan.

May it help you unpack these meaningful Scripture and the promises of God about prayer. Digging into Scripture is the best way to draw near to the Lord and understand God’s plan for your life.

He is faithful to meet you there and hears your pleas. Keep praying in faith and seeking God’s face!