22 Prayers for Protection and Safety in Times of Distress

The world can often seem like a dangerous place. Each day we can face the fear of things we cannot control - including pandemics, wars, and spiritual warfare. We want to protect our loved ones and ourselves safe from physical and emotional harm. Prayer is a powerful tool that we can use to call upon God's protection and safekeeping.  God is always listening and promises to keep us under the shadow of His wings. We can pray for protection knowing that He cares and is able to provide.

Often, however, we don’t know how to go about asking for safety and protection from the Lord. We may feel too frightened to even form the right words or are too unsure of what to pray for. Although the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in terms of prayers, we would love to provide some sample prayers on how to pray for the Lord’s protection during times of uncertainty. 

These prayers for protection may not cover all the bases. After all, protection can look a little different depending upon one’s circumstance. Nevertheless, we hope these praying words help you to ask of the Lord for the safety you need in your life or serve as a guideline for ways to formulate your own prayers on this subject.

Prayer for Protection of Home and Family

God, when I look upon the state of this world, I often feel fear, especially for those in my family. I ask that you protect the members of my family and my household. Help them to feel that home is a safe place where we can enjoy your word freely and worship you. Amen

For Divine Protection

Dear Father, thank You for Your divine protection and the support that upholds us from the inside out. Please keep your commandments in my mind. Give me the discernment to see temptation for what it is. Give me the wisdom and humility to allow You to move in me so that I’ll take the way of escape You have already provided. Amen. – Pete Briscoe

In the Workplace

Abba, Father, I ask for your protection in the workplace. At times it can feel as though I am the only believer here. And often I do not feel safe expressing my faith and beliefs here. Please keep me safe as I work diligently and to the best of my ability for you. Amen. 

Prayer for Protection from Evil

My Savior and Lord, it would be folly to think that Satan does not prowl like a roaring lion, seeking to devour. He will do whatever he can to prevent your saints from spreading the Gospel. I pray for your protection from the Evil One now. Remind me that you are more powerful than he and that you will set everything right at the end. Amen.

For Angels Protection

Lord, I have to admit that I seldom think about angels. But I want to thank You for their presence and work in my life. I praise You for the comfort, encouragement, protection, and guidance they bring. I may not be able to see angels, but by faith, I celebrate the truth that angels really do touch my life. – Mary Southerland

Safety of a Loved One

Precious Jesus, I pray that you keep my loved one safe, at home, in the workplace, and while a great distance away. Help me to aid them in feeling safe while I can. I know that things can often be outside of my control, so I ask that you protect them when I fail to be able to do so. Keep them safe. Amen. 

Prayer for Protection for a Friend

Heavenly Father, I lift up to you my friend who is in need of protection. Give them the safety that I cannot, whether due to distance or other factors. Let them be aware of your love and peace as they enter dangerous situations or environments. Amen.

When You're in the Pit of Darkness

Father, I cannot deal with the darkness on my own. I admit my human frailty. I am desperate without You. Right now, I choose to trust You and rest in Your sufficiency. Make me more like Jesus and teach me the truths You have for me in this pit. – Mary Southerland  

Prayer for Safety Travel

Lord, I pray as I, or a loved one, am about to embark on a journey. I pray that you guide me safely to my destination. I pray that you give clarity of mind to whoever will pilot the vehicle to the destination and that we will exercise caution during traffic or weather delays. Amen.

When You're in the Waiting Season

Dear Lord, you know that waiting seasons are not my favorite thing. Please help me to fix my eyes on You when I don’t know what will happen next. Help me to trust your timing. You provided for Elijah in incredible ways during his time of waiting. Give me eyes to see your protection and provision in my own life as I wait patiently for Your plan to unfold. Grow my faith as I listen and learn until I see Your plan come to fruition. – Melissa Spoelstra

Promise of Protection

Dear God, thank You for Your promise of protection. Help us call upon You whenever we feel unsafe or uneasy. Remind us to pray wherever we go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Nicki Koziarz

Prayer for Protection in the Bible

Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation--- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life--- of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 91:1-2 “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Psalm 61:1-3 “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.”

Shelter in the Storm

Dear Lord, when there is chaos all around me, I know I can depend on You to remain right there with me. Thank You for Your loving presence and for sheltering me in every storm. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Tracie Braylock

Guidance and Safety

Lord, I don’t often know what to do in situations in which I feel unsafe or uncertain. I know that you, however, hold my life and purpose within your loving hands. Remind me of your goodness and faithfulness, and I ask for guidance now as I have entered a circumstance in which I don’t know my next course of action. Amen. 

Strength in Trying Times

Lord, open my eyes so I might see what is already there. Open my heart so I might believe what is already there. Strengthen my faith so I might trust that You are surrounding what is surrounding me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Sharon Jaynes

Fulness of Joy

God of All, I praise You that in Your presence is fullness of joy, that the lines of communication between us are always open. Right here, right now, I give You thanks for all! By faith, I trust You in every circumstance in my life with sincere gratitude. Amen. – Pete Briscoe

Prayer for Protection Against Enemies 

My Savior and Defender, it often seems as though I have enemies in both a physical and spiritual sense. I often feel like a foreigner and stranger in this world. Please protect me against the evil they have plotted against me. Amen. 

Protection of My Heart

Lord, please help me tear down the walls I’ve built and empower me to trust in Your protection of my heart. Help me release all my anger, bitterness, hurt, offense and unforgiveness to You and live in the freedom and joy You offer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Tracie Miles

For Healing 

Jesus, no matter what may come against me, I ask for both your protection and healing. I know you are my Defender and the Great Physician. Be both of those things for me now, and protect and heal me in my circumstances now. Amen. 

For Trust

Dear Jesus, I want to trust You even when things aren’t going as I’d imagined they would. Give me faith to believe Your plans for me are good, and show me how to use Your “no’s” as opportunities to grow. Fill me with hope as I wait for your perfect plans to unfold. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Alicia Buxvoort

Spiritual and Physical Fire

Jesus, I pray for protection from literal and spiritual fire. We know that many parts of the world are ravaged by wildfires, and I ask that you protect the homes and environments affected by these natural disasters. In addition, I pray for anyone, myself included, who is undergoing spiritual or physical fire. Keep us safe as we face the fiery temptations and trials that come our way. Amen. 

For Rest

Dear Lord of the Sabbath, forgive us for falling short of Your will and for disobeying Your command to honor the Sabbath day and to keep it holy. Please quicken our hearts to be Jesus followers in every way and on every day of the week. We exist to bring You praise. – Lisa Morrone

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Aldomurillo

This article is part of our prayer resource 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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