TL;DR: Hard seasons will come, but a short prayer for family can anchor your home in God’s peace and presence. These simple, heartfelt prayers teach your children to trust Jesus and draw your family closer to Him, even in difficult times.

Hard times are a natural part of life as a family. That’s why it’s important to turn to God with a short prayer for family during difficult times. As the leader of your home, it’s your job to pull the family together in prayer when the world and its pressures try to tear it apart.

God’s Got This!

Several years ago, I lost my job after more than 14 years with an organization. While my sons were teenagers at the time, my daughter was younger. In fact, she had never known a day in her life that I wasn’t working for that particular company. So, as hard as being laid off was for me, the uncertainty of the moment really rocked her world.

I went to her room and sat at the side of her bed. I honestly told her that I was sad to lose the job, and I really didn’t know what the future was going to look like. But I assured her that I was confident God would take care of us.

Kids need that kind of support. And a prayer for the family in difficult times can help. As a dad, you can give them a solid footing to stand on. Through simple prayers for your family during hard times, you can teach them to trust Jesus even when it’s not easy to do so. And you can show them what true gratitude looks like.

Short Prayers for Families in Difficult Times

Paul encouraged the Christians in Philippi to avoid worry by bringing their requests to God (Philippians 4:6-7). As a praying dad, you can provide a measure of God’s peace for your wife and kids by leading them to lift family concerns to your heavenly Father. After all, the apostle Peter said that we could surrender our cares to Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

Of course, prayers for your family in difficult times will look different depending on the struggle. But, whatever the specific context, you can know that God cares and that God hears. And showing your family that you trust God through short prayers like the ones listed below can be a great encouragement and provide powerful teachable moments.

A Prayer for Direction

Sometimes, you’re not sure where to turn or which decision to make. Thankfully, God has promised wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5).

Father, show me Your plan for my life. I’m confused and not sure where to turn. I need Your wisdom to make the right choice. Thank You for Your guidance and direction.

A Prayer Against Stress

Too often, stress from the outside world makes its way into our homes. And that can lead to tension and turmoil under your roof. Prayers for your family and for the situation can make a huge difference.

Lord, I’m feeling stressed out right now. It’s hurting me and hurting my family. Please replace my stress with Your peace and help each member of the family experience Your presence in a powerful way.

A Prayer About Finances

The Bible is filled with wise advice about handling money, but it remains a primary pain point for many families. A short prayer for family during difficult financial times helps us focus on our ultimate Provider.

Heavenly Father, nothing catches You by surprise. You know about our needs before we even mention them to You. And You have promised to supply for our needs according to Your matchless resources. Thank You in advance for Your provision.

A Prayer for Healing

Sickness can be scary. Whether it’s a life-threatening situation or simply an inconvenience, an illness has the potential to create fear in our hearts and minds. But God is our Healer, and we can bring that need to Him as a family.

Great Physician, You are the God who heals. You created our bodies, and You can bring them back to health. So, we pray for healing—whether by medicine or by miracle. And we pray for Your comfort and peace as we wait on Your perfect timing.

A Prayer of Gratitude

One of the most difficult situations families face is remaining thankful in the middle of a hard season. Yet, prayers for our families in difficult times should include a spirit of gratitude for the God who works all things for our good and His glory.

Dear God, You have seen our affliction and have walked with us every step of the way. I thank You for what You do, but I thank You even more for who You are. Help us to live in gratitude because Your mercies are new each day.

A Prayer for Unity

The psalmist said that it’s “delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony” (Psalm 133:1). But sometimes family members wrestle to find common ground. Praying for your wife and praying for your children in difficult times can reduce the tensions and the potential for conflict.

Lord, You are not a God of chaos and disorder. Protect our family from discord and division. Help us to live in perfect unity with one another, even as the Father, Son, and Spirit live in perfect unity with one another.

A Prayer for Comfort

Grief and loss can take a tremendous toll on family members. God understands because He is the “Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). Bring your broken heart to Him.

Loving Father, You know we are hurting. At times, it feels like the pain is more than we can bear. But we confess that You are the God of all comfort. Meet us where we are in this moment and help us find rest in You.

Come together

As men of God, saying a short prayer for family should come as naturally as our next breath. We should be eager and willing to raise our families and their needs to our heavenly Father each day.

These prayers can be part of your personal Bible study and prayer time. But you also might consider using these short prayers for family in difficult times during family devotions. Hearing people praying for one another can lead to incredible things.

In any case, come to God in prayer as a family. Lean into Him. Trust in Him. He is your strength and your shield. And you can give your cares to Him because He really does care for you.

What is a good short prayer?

A good short prayer is a simple, heartfelt plea like the Jesus Prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me!” or the many prayers in the Psalms.

How do you pray to strengthen a family bond?

You pray by asking God to deepen your family’s love, unity, and commitment to Him and one another.

What is a strong family bond?

A strong family bond is built through trust, shared faith, and consistent love grounded in God’s Word.

How do I bring my family closer to God?

You bring your family closer to God by leading with example through Scripture, prayer, and faithful living.