4 Ways to Pray When You Need Courage
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The Hebrew word for courage is hazaq and means “to show oneself strong.” In this sense, courage is a response. To show oneself strong comes in many forms: physically, mentally, and spiritually.
We are to show ourselves strong when feeling discontent and facing life’s challenges – large and small, global and individual. We are to show ourselves strong when afraid and feeling insecure, and when we are alone. These are, of course, only a few situations in which we are to be courageous. Whatever the circumstances, being courageous is responding in obedience to God’s promises of protection.
As Christians, it is our duty to be courageous because God requires this reaction from us. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” However, being courageous is not something we do on our own; it is because God promises to be with us. “Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
In contrast, being cowardly is listed alongside the unbelieving, murderers, and liars (Revelation 21:8). Cowardice means to be fearful and to not trust God. It is fitting that when we look to the Bible to find courage, numerous verses tell us over and over again to not be afraid. It is also to be noted that trust and fearlessness are mentioned together: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid” says Isaiah 21:2, and “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” says the Psalmist in Psalm 56:3.
Use these prayers to help you respond with courage, faith and in obedience to God.
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1. Courage to Be Content
Contentment is not confined to being satisfied with what we have — our material wealth. Contentment applies to being comfortable with who we are and grateful with where we are.
When we are struggling to make ends meet, we can find it hard to be content, but even when we are financially secure, we can still want more. Paul implies the difficulty of this in Philippians 4:12. However, he says: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.” He goes on to say: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
Each and every situation is an opportunity to respond courageously with contentment. Our feelings and circumstances may go up and down, but we are to work at staying steady and balanced in our state of satisfaction.
Paul goes on to reveal the secret to being content — it is to depend on Christ to make us strong and stable, however our circumstances fluctuate: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
Make these words, based on Hebrew 13:5-6 MSG, your prayer for contentment:
Lord God, I don’t want to be obsessed with getting more material things. I want to be content with what I have. I also want to be content with who I am, and where I am. Help me to always remember that You promise to never let me down, to never walk off and leave me. So, I can boldly say, “God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what I face.” Amen
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2. Courage When Our World Is Falling Apart
The news can often be unbearable to watch or read — senseless wars, political fighting, economic failure, extreme weather conditions, the pandemic, and more. Disasters, like these, seem never-ending.
On a personal level, our individual worlds can be falling apart too—broken relationships and failed marriages, on-going health issues or life-threatening diagnosis, financial insecurity or job loss, to name a few.
We need “to show oneself strong” in the face of personal difficulties and global problems.
Strength comes by knowing that God is sovereign over our world and our lives, yet also by praying “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
In his letter to Timothy, Paul is earnest in his request that we pray for our world: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Then in his letter to the Philippians, Paul directs us to pray for our personal lives: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Make these words, based on the Bible verses above, your prayer for the world and your own personal world.
Heavenly Father and Sovereign Lord, I ask for Your good and perfect will to rule our world and our lives. I pray for the leaders and governments around the world who are at war. I pray for the people around the world who are facing environmental and economic disasters. Lord, bring Your Kingdom to earth. I ask that Your perfect will be done in my own life and those I know who are anxious. Help us to show ourselves strong as we trust You. Amen.
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3. Courage When You Are in Danger
Suffering harm or injury can come in many forms. It can be physical, emotional, or financial.
Quite often, danger in the Bible is from physical enemies. David, in particular, knew what it was to face death threats and the possibility of a fatality in conflicts. He also displayed great courage in these circumstances, from which we can learn.
In Psalm 3 David laments — moans and wails — over the danger threatened by his own son, Absalom. Absalom had plotted a rebellion against David, gathering supporters from all over Israel.
In verse 1 and 2 of Psalm 3 we learn about the perilous situation: “Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, ‘God will not deliver him.’”
Yet, David refused to be shaken. He showed himself strong by putting his trust in God’s promises: “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me…I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear” ((Psalm 3:3-5).
After these reassurances in God’s promises, David made his request with intensity: “Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked” (Psalm 3:7).
In the final verse, David reminded himself where his help came from: “From the Lord comes deliverance” (Psalm 3:8).
Whatever danger you are facing, you can pray like David. You can be fervent like David too, but also “show yourself strong” by trusting God to save you.
Make these words, based on Psalm 46 (NLT), your prayer.
Lord God, you are my refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. I will not fear when “earthquakes” come and the “mountains” crumble into the sea. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here with me. You are my fortress. I will be still, and know that You are God! Amen.
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4. Courage When You Feel Alone
According to research, more than three in five Americans report feeling lonely, whether it is feeling left out, poorly understood, or lacking companionship.
On a global scale, about 33 percent of adults have reported experiencing feelings of loneliness worldwide with some countries as high as 40-50%.
It would be safe to say that all of us experience loneliness at one point or another.
We know from Scripture that loneliness is not a modern-day phenomenon. “My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away” says David in Psalm 38:11. “Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends — those who see me on the street flee from me. I am forgotten as though I were dead,” David speaks again in Psalm 31:11-12a.
We are made for companionship. “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him’” (Genesis 2:18).
So, when we feel lonely and abandoned, we can call out to God and be assured He understands and that He is by our side.
Make these words, based on Psalm 27:10 and Psalm 91:4 your prayer when you feel alone:
Lord, even if I am abandoned by those closest to me, I will have courage because you will take me in. I will be confident because you cover me with your feathers. You shelter me with your wings. Your faithful promises are my armor and protection. Amen.
Source
H. D. McDonald, “Courage,” in New Bible Dictionary, ed. D. R. W. Wood et al. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 234.
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