Psalms for hard times and praying the psalms belong in real life, not just in church. Because bills rise, phones ping, and sleep runs, we need words that steady us. Therefore, these ancient songs lend us a voice when ours feels thin. Moreover, they hold tears and trust in the same breath. As a result, we can be honest and still be hopeful.
For a wider anchor, read our companion: How to Rely on God’s Promises for Hard Times. It pairs practice with promise so your courage grows. In short, start small today. Open one psalm. Breathe. Read one line out loud. Then rephrase it as your prayer. Ultimately, you’ll discover that psalms for difficult times hold steady when nothing else does.
Why psalms for hard times still work today
Psalms for hard times still work because they are already prayers. Consequently, you don’t need perfect language or a dramatic voice; you need availability. However, we often worry about getting prayer “right.” Thankfully, praying the psalms frees us from performance. You read, echo, and rest. In the meantime, your inner reflex shifts from panic to prayer.
Furthermore, the Psalms were curated to guide worship and ordinary life—school runs, late shifts, hospital corridors. Likewise, Desiring God’s practical approach shows how to turn verses into petitions line by line. In other words, you can bring your whole self—tired, grateful, afraid—and still walk away lighter.
Eventually, patterns form: read, breathe, speak, rest. Therefore, psalms for difficult times become daily bread rather than emergency rations.
Real stories that carried people through
Psalms for hard times have steadied believers in storm seasons. Consider Horatio Spafford. After losing his daughters at sea, he wrote It Is Well with My Soul. Nevertheless, the hymn doesn’t deny grief; it declares God’s nearness inside it. Consequently, many of us learn to pray the psalms with courage when waves rise.
On other days, think of Corrie ten Boom. In Ravensbrück, she and Betsie read Scripture in secret. Surprisingly, even the fleas became a strange mercy, keeping guards away so they could pray. Because hope often arrives sideways, psalms for difficult times turn fear into quiet strength.
Closer to home, picture a rush-hour Tube. Everyone squeezes in. Someone offers a seat. Instantly, your shoulders drop. Similarly, the Psalms offer that seat. Therefore, you exhale, steady, and stand again—held by words older than your worry.
How to start today: pray the psalms (simple guide)
Praying the psalms is simple, repeatable, and kind to a tired brain. Therefore, try this:
Read it slow.
Say one verse aloud. Pause at commas. Notice any phrase that warms your chest.Rephrase it as prayer.
“Lord, be my light in this meeting. Be my rescue tonight.” In this way, you pray the psalms without pressure.Request what you need.
Ask plainly, then sit for one quiet minute. Consequently, your heart hears calm before your inbox shouts again.
Two-minute rhythm: Exhale. Read one line. Rephrase it. Make one request. Whisper “Amen.” Repeat at lunch, on the bus, or before bed. Over time, the pattern sticks. Eventually, psalms for difficult times become muscle memory you can find in the dark.
Seven psalms for difficult times (pray-it-now prompts)
Here are psalms for difficult times you can use this week. Because tiny steps add up, these prompts help you start praying the psalms immediately.
Psalm 23 — Provision & calm
“Shepherd me today; restore my soul.”Psalm 27 — Courage when afraid
“Be my light and salvation; steady my heart.”Psalm 34 — Nearness in pain
“Be close to my broken heart; hold me together.”Psalm 46 — Peace in chaos
“Be my refuge and strength right now.”Psalm 91 — Protection & safety
“Hide me under Your wings; keep me from harm.”Psalm 121 — Help on the journey
“Watch my coming and going today.”Psalm 143 — Hope when weary
“Let the morning bring Your unfailing love.”
Because your mouth trains your mind, speak each line twice. Then, for one minute, breathe slowly. Consequently, your body learns the message your spirit already knows.
7-day plan: praying the psalms in real life
Psalms for hard times thrive as a habit. Therefore, walk this simple week:
Day 1: Psalm 23 at breakfast. Text one line to a friend.
Day 2: Psalm 27 on your commute. Breathe out fear; breathe in courage.
Day 3: Psalm 34 at lunch. Note one gratitude before scrolling.
Day 4: Psalm 46 mid-afternoon. Step outside for two minutes. Be still.
Day 5: Psalm 91 before emails. Pray protection over your home.
Day 6: Psalm 121 on a walk. Look up and pray as you move.
Day 7: Psalm 143 at bedtime. Place a hand on your heart. Release the day.
Because small practices compound, your reflex becomes prayer. Ultimately, psalms for difficult times will feel like a well-lit path you can follow with your eyes closed.
Keep going: guides, tools, and hope
Psalms for hard times pair beautifully with God’s promises. Consequently, your next step is simple: read our cluster guide: How to Rely on God’s Promises for Hard Times for step-wise courage on hard days.
Additionally, explore BibleProject’s overview of the Psalms to deepen your “why,” and use Desiring God’s practical “how” to keep momentum. In the same way, keep a verse visible—phone lock screen, fridge, or journal. Then, to deepen praying the psalms, skim these short, practical helps from trusted voices. They show how to turn verses into personal prayers, line by line.
Also, explore BibleProject’s Psalm overview to see how these songs were designed to shape worship and life. It adds helpful “why” beneath your daily “how.”
Finally, keep a verse where you can see it. Save a lock-screen. Pin a card on the fridge. Share a line in the comments to lift someone else.
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AS
April 15, 2020 at 4:31 pmPsalms 91 v 1 – 2, 7, 9 – 11, 14 – 16 – use this Psalm to pray for protection.
Sade Adebiyi
April 20, 2020 at 4:26 pmI love the Psalms, always my to go book in the Bible when my soul is downcast and need reassurance of God’s unfailing love for me. My favourites are Ps 34,34, 103, 23,46,111, 91, 51, 100 amongst many!
Ayoola Bandele
April 22, 2020 at 10:59 amWow! Thanks so much for sharing these amazing psalms to pray with during this troubled time. God bless you.
Ayoola Bandele
April 22, 2020 at 11:01 amThanks so much for sharing these powerful psalms to pray with during troubled times. God bless you.
Yewande
April 19, 2020 at 3:47 pmIf it had not been the Lord who was on our side during this lockdown!!!
No choice now but to continue thanking and praising God for His mercies. I encourage myself daily like David did. I recall my favorite Psalms which include Psalms 121, 23, 27, 91, 46, 24, 103 etc
Ayoola Bandele
April 22, 2020 at 11:01 amThanks so much for sharing these encouraging psalms to pray with during this trying time. God bless you.
Bolaji Eze
April 24, 2020 at 1:50 pmThe book of psalms contains powerful chapters that has bn a blessing to many of which I am one.I and husby recite psalm 91 and 121 every time we pray daily and we have seen the impact on our family. Personally I love to challenge God with chapter 102:13 (you shall arise and have Mercy….) and 118:17 (I shall not die….)
The Lord shall keep proving Himself strong in our lives through this chapters in this troubled times.
God bless you for us sis.
mveliso
July 24, 2020 at 6:41 pmThank you. amen. God Bless you for sharing such powerful prayers.
Hauwa kasimu lnusa
October 5, 2020 at 4:47 pmBreakthrough in every part of my life to be happy and freedom from worry