To pray for strength, tell God where you've run out and ask for what you need for the next stretch of the day. That's all it has to be. Most people searching for this prayer aren't after a grand victory. They want to get through the shift, the treatment schedule, the bedtime routine, the month. These prayers are sized for that.
When you have nothing left
Lord, I'm at the end of what I have. I don't need all of tomorrow's strength tonight. Give me enough for the next thing. Amen.
“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.”
Isaiah 40:29 (KJV)
When you're caring for someone else
Father, I'm holding other people up and my arms are tired. Hold me while I hold them. Help me to accept help when it's offered. Amen.
When the hard thing won't end
God, I thought this would be over by now. I'm still here, and so are You. Give me strength for today only, and I'll ask again in the morning. Amen.
“It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.”
Psalm 18:32 (KJV)
When you feel weak and ashamed of it
Lord, I wanted to be stronger than this. Thank You that You aren't waiting for me to be. Meet me here, in the weak place. Amen.
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)
Paul had asked three times for something to be taken away. This was the answer he received, and he doesn't pretend it was the one he wanted. It's worth noticing: asking for strength and still finding the road hard doesn't mean God has stopped listening.
Before you begin something hard
God, I'm about to start and I don't feel ready. Go ahead of me. Steady my hands and my voice. Amen.
One practical thing
When you're running on empty, tell one person. Galatians asks believers to bear one another's burdens, and that only works if someone knows what yours is. A short message such as "This week is heavy, would you pray for me?" counts as a step of faith. You'll find more in Bible verses for strength and prayers for peace.
If you're worn down past what rest can reach, a pastor, doctor or counselor can help you carry it.
Save this one for the middle of the week, when the strength you started with is gone. Fig Devotional is a daily devotional for iPhone: a verse, a prayer and one small action, ending in a card like this one. Its guides are illustrated characters and its reflections are written with AI.
Common questions
What is a short prayer for strength?
Try this: Lord, I have nothing left. Be my strength for this next hour. Amen. Short prayers suit tired people, and you can say this one again in an hour.
What does the Bible say about strength when you're weak?
In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul hears that God's grace is sufficient and that His strength is made perfect in weakness. Isaiah 40:29 says God gives power to the faint.
Is it weak to ask God for strength?
No. The Psalms are full of people saying they can't go on and asking for help. Asking is an honest admission that you were never meant to carry everything alone.