Prayer and reading guides · English

Praying Through Hard Times

Some seasons are heavy: a loss, a diagnosis, a hard year, a restless mind. If that is where you are, there is no right way to pray, and you do not need to pray well. The Church has always taught that God is near the brokenhearted, and it gives us words to hold onto when we have none of our own.

Start with one honest sentence

You can pray in a single line. "Lord, I am tired." "Lord, I am scared." "Lord, help me." Say it as many times as you need. The Psalms are full of prayers like this, and they show us that God can handle our honesty.

Tip: Say your prayer out loud, even quietly. Hearing your own voice can help you feel less alone.

Psalms to turn to

A few psalms have comforted people through the centuries. Read one slowly, a verse at a time.

• Psalm 23, for trust when the way is dark.
• Psalm 27, for fear.
• Psalm 34, for the brokenhearted.
• Psalm 46, for when everything feels shaken.
• Psalm 91, for protection.
• Psalm 130, for the cry from the depths.

Doxali also has a seven-day plan, Psalms of Comfort, and a plan for peace for an anxious heart.

The Jesus Prayer

When you cannot think, this short prayer can carry you: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Say it slowly, as you breathe, for a few minutes.

Let someone pray with you

You do not have to carry this alone. Ask your priest or father of confession to pray with you. Tell a friend. In Doxali, you can ask for prayer anonymously on the Prayer Wall, and others will pray for you.

Try this: Send one message today to someone you trust and say, "I could use your prayers."

Care for your body and mind too

Prayer and professional help work together. If you are struggling for a long time, find it hard to eat or sleep, or feel hopeless, please talk with a doctor or counsellor as well as your priest. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call your local emergency number or a crisis line right away. You matter, and help is there.

Small steps

Take one small step today: a short walk, a glass of water, one psalm. God meets us in small things.

Quick questions

Is it okay to be angry with God?

Yes. The Psalms are full of honest anger, and God can hold it.

What if I cannot pray at all?

Sit quietly, or read a psalm, or just say "Lord, have mercy." That is prayer.

Will this pass?

Seasons change. Keep walking, and let others walk with you.