We all go through trying times. There are a number of reasons a person could find themselves in desperate need. We live in a world that keeps getting more and more difficult to survive in as we are plunged into a global crisis. Events such as economic decline, pandemic, war and natural disasters negatively affect the economic, social, cultural, political activities in all countries.
For example, the COVID 19 pandemic which saw the world being put on lock down led to many companies across the world downsizing its staff. People lost their jobs, not to mention the high fatality rate. A sizeable number of people who died were breadwinners and mentors to others who depended on them. What happens to the loved ones they left behind? How can one find help in such a desperate time of need?
At one time or the other, we all will be in desperate need of God’s help. When we go through this phase, we tend to lose our ability to hear from God because our desperation overshadows that still small voice of God in our hearts. Our spirit begins to dwell in a dark place. David knew this feeling. That is why he said, “As the deer pants longingly for the water brooks, so my soul pants longingly for You o, God. My soul thirsts for the living God,” (Psalm 42:1-2 AMP). At the time when you are most desperate is the very time you need God the most. No matter how deep we may fall into despair or depression, we must draw strength deep within our spirit to cry to God for help. In Psalm 42:5, David spoke to his failing spirit and gave it a command. He said, “Why are you in despair o my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for the help of His presence.” He further connected his spirit to the Holy Spirit when he said, “Deep calls to deep at the thundering sound of Your waterfalls.” His statement confirms what Jesus said in John 10:27, that His sheep hear His voice, He knows His sheep and they follow him.
You must have heard the saying, “desperate times call for desperate measures.’ Indeed, this saying may mean different things to different people. For some, it could mean hurting or killing others to have their way. It could mean stealing or taking what is not yours to fill in your need. It could mean turning to heavy drinking or substance abuse to forget their sorrow or find some form of comfort. It could mean forsaking your morals and good judgment. in extreme cases, it could even mean suicide for others. For believers, it is a time to look up to God for help. He is our ever present help in time of need, (Psalm 121:1-2; Psalm 46:1).
One thing to bear in mind is that no matter how hard our life may seem, there is always someone out there who is having it harder than we are. Yet, they too eventually, will be helped by God. There is nothing impossible for God to do, (Luke 1:37). Hannah is one of the most recognizable women in the bible. We know of her sorrow and her desperate need for a son, (1Samuel 1:2-20). We can draw strength from her story and its outcome. Elkanah had two wives; Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children but Hannah had none. Every year, Elkanah went from Ramah with his family to worship and offer sacrifices at Shiloh. Each time Elkanah offered his sacrifice, he would give a share of the meat to Peninnah and each of her children. He would also give Hannah a double portion of meat because he didn’t want her to feel bad as she was childless. Elkanah loved Hannah more and so Peninnah taunted Hannah out of jealousy and mocked her for not having children. Peninnah provoked Hannah so much that she would weep bitterly and refuse to eat. One time, Hannah could not take it anymore. She took her request to God in powerful prayer. At the altar of God, she wept her eyes sore as she prayed. She made a vow, saying, “O Lord of Hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember, and not forget, and not forget your maidservant, but will give your maidservant a son, then will I give him to the Lord all the days of his life; a razor will never touch his head,” (1Samuel 1:11). She was so focused on her prayer because she was praying it from her heart and only her lips moved. She must have looked a terrible sight because Eli the priest thought she was drunk at God’s altar and he rebuked her. It is worthy to note how she handled her response to Eli. She could have pounced on him and badmouthed him because she couldn’t take another bout of bullying after Peninnah’s. Instead, she responded graciously; even calling herself Eli’s servant, (1Samuel 1:15-16). Eli was moved by her grace and humility and prayed for God to answer her prayer. She went on to have Samuel. She fulfilled her vow by dedicating Samuel to God’s service. After that, Eli also prayed to God that He may bless Hannah with more children to replace the one she had loaned to God, (1Samuel 2:20).
No matter the desperate situation, God always finds a way to stay connected to His children. God is always ready to help us. He may seem far away but He is not far from you. He can hear us clearly so there is hardly any better time to pray than right now. Each morning you wake up, push aside that heavy feeling in your heart and set out time for daily prayer. Focus on the place where you need to be. The truth is, we know we need to pray but sometimes words fail us. At such times, be rest assured that the Holy Spirit also helps us with our infirmities. When we do not know how to coin the words, the Holy Spirit Himself makes intercessions for us with “groaning” which cannot be uttered, (Romans 8:26).
Powerful Prayers for desperate situations
- I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. I receive your help for this situation in Jesus name, (Psalm 121:1-2).
- Save me o God for I am neck deep in despair. I sink deeper and deeper into this problem without no hope of a solution. I have no other person to turn to for help but you. Hear my cry o Lord and deliver me in Jesus name, (Psalm 69:1-3).
- Almighty Lord, look at me, your servant! See my trouble and remember me! Don’t forget me! Please grant me this need (call it by name) in the mighty name of Jesus, amen, (1Samuel 1:11).
- I call on you in this day of trouble o Lord, please deliver me. You said in your word that You will deliver me and honour me because You love me. Do this for me in Jesus name, amen, (Psalm 50:15; Psalm 91:14-16).
- In the name of Jesus, I can boldly approach the throne of God to find help in my time of need. I have earned the right to go before my heavenly Father to petition for His grace, favour and answer to my prayer. Therefore, grant my request o Lord in Jesus name, amen, (Hebrews 4:16).
- The eyes of the Lord are open to me and His ears are open to my cry. You hear me when I cry, o God and deliver me from all my troubles. You are near me now even more when I am broken hearted. Many are the afflictions of the righteous but you o Lord will deliver me out of them all, (Psalm 34:15-19).
- O God, You are my refuge and my strength. You are my ever present help in time of need. Therefore, I will not fear. Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging, I know You will save me and deliver me, (Psalm 46:1-3).
- Holy Spirit, please make groaning for me. Intercede on my behalf in this situation. Grant me my heart’s desire in Jesus mighty name, Amen.
- Your word says that nothing is impossible for you to do. Therefore, I believe that in my particular case, You are more than capable of granting me this need in Jesus name, amen.
- I am confident o Lord, that You will supply all my needs according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus, Amen, (Philippians 4:19).
Also Read: Powerful Prayers for Homeless People
Thank you Lord, for showing yourself powerful in my particular situation, for I pray all in Jesus mighty name, Amen!
Prayers for someone going through a hard time
- God Is Good:
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us:
15 And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” (1 John 5:14-15)
Dear Lord,
I want to thank you for giving me this precious moment to be able to come to your throne of grace again as your child. I am grateful for the gift of wisdom and peace and I pray that you grant the same to others who are suffering right now and are in need in the mighty name of Jesus. I believe in the power of your faithful promises because you are the all-powerful God; I, therefore, seek that you be the helper or comforter of everyone in need of your divine help and mercy now in Jesus’ name. Amen.
2. Let Your Request Be Made Known:
“Be careful with nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Father Lord,
You said in your words that we should be worried about nothing but rather make our needs known to you through prayers and thanksgiving. I am glad that you’re a God that never fails; I pray that you help (Name of person) to overcome all his troubles and pains in Jesus’ name. I pray that you come through for him in every angle he faces to seek help in the mighty name of Jesus. For you have assured me that once I come to you in prayer, you shall answer me and keep my heart with peace; Lord, I pray that you bless him and grant peace unto his heart too as I pray now in Jesus’ name. Amen.
3. The Overcomer:
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
Dear God,
Thank you for overcoming the world for our sake; for we can be assured more than ever before and over and over again that you’re bigger than our problems and worries; you can solve them if we come to you. I, therefore, pray for others who are having tough times right now and in need of your help and peace; grant them mercy from above in the mighty name of Jesus. Lord, for everyone going through trials and tribulations of evil at this moment; help them overcome and give glory to you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
4. He Will Uphold You:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isiah 41:10).
Dear Lord,
I pray today for everyone out there who needs your safety and protection; Provide for them and protect them in Jesus’ name. I seek your divine grace and healing upon anyone who has been suffering from one illness or the other and needs your healing at this moment; touch them and relieve their pains in the mighty name of Jesus. You said you will help and uphold us with your hands, I, therefore, use your word as a point of contact and basis of great assurance and pray that you strengthen the weak who need the courage to carry on at this time in Jesus’ name. Amen.
5. Things Shall Become Easy:
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11: 28-29).
Dear Father,
I thank you for your words because they are reassuring and are new every day. I, therefore, pray for all the brokenhearted and desolate that you make things start becoming easy for them from now on in Jesus’ name. I seek your mercy and peace that prevails over principalities and tribulations to be showered on them. Lord, be their guide and ultimate helper as they come to you in Jesus’ name. May your Holy name be praised forever and ever. Amen.
God is happy with whoever prays and watches out for others. It is delightful unto his heart when we obey his words; he has instructed us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31). Therefore, be rest assured that as you pray to help others in need; the Lord is helping you too and shall continually provide abundantly for your needs.