When the day is heavy
This guide is for the difficult days — illness, grief, anxiety, unemployment. The prayer that fits a hard day is short. Read one KJV passage aloud, say a sentence to the Lord, and let it be enough. The Lord is not put off by our small prayers on our worst days; he is nearer, then, than we can tell.
When someone is ill
A very present help
Read a psalm aloud at the bedside. Then a sentence, in your own words. Then sit quietly. The Lord meets a sick household there.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”
Psalm 46:1–2 · KJV“The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.”
Psalm 41:3 · KJV“And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.”
James 5:15 · KJV
In grief
Nigh unto them that are of a broken heart
Grief needs no words to be prayer. Sit with the Bible open. Let the psalm read itself in your ear. Weep — the Saviour wept, too.
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
Psalm 34:18 · KJV“It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22–23 · KJV“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4 · KJV
In anxiety
Be careful for nothing
When the mind will not quiet, do not fight it. Name the thing you fear. Say it to the Lord. Then read the verse. And read it again. The peace that comes is not from you.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing 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 · KJV“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
1 Peter 5:7 · KJV“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 · KJV
In loss of work, or waiting
All things work together for good
The unemployed morning is a heavy morning — the same hour as yesterday, without the same purpose. Do not skip prayer today. Say it plainly. God has not left the household.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 · KJV“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10 · KJV“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 · KJV
For a child who is afraid
Children feel the household's hard days without being told. When a child is afraid — of the dark, of a hospital, of the news — kneel beside them. Read one short verse. Then pray with them, using their own words. The presence of the parent, and the presence of the Word, are the two comforts God has given the household.
- Read. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” — Psalm 56:3 · KJV
- Say together. “Jesus, I am afraid. Please help me. Please stay near me. Amen.”
- Sing. A verse of a hymn the child knows — even one line. Music quiets the small heart faster than words.
- Close. “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee. Good night, dear one.”
Continue Your Journey
Where else this page opens into the household library.