Healing prayers for depression when the darkness is overwhelming

Depression numbers have skyrocketed in the wake of a global pandemic. We are facing some of the darkest times as we struggle with illness affecting family and friends, home schooling, job loss and political turmoil. While previous studies have shown that nearly 1 in 12 adults report suffering from depression, the latest reports point to a 3-fold increase in symptoms of depression in the United States. Depression can be difficult to understand as it affects people differently. You may feel numb and unable to function, you may feel a heaviness on your shoulders that is impossible to shake. Others say that you feel like you have your head in the clouds and constantly look at life as a stranger.

Christians are not immune to depression nor is the Bible silent about this fortress. Depression is not something that simply "goes away", but it is something we can fight against through the presence and grace of God. Regardless of the problems you are facing that caused depression to emerge, the answer remains the same: bring it. to God. Through prayer, we are able to find relief from anxiety and receive the peace of God. Jesus acknowledges and voices our depression when He said, “Come to me, all you who are tired and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Because my yoke is sweet and my load is light ”.

Find rest today as you carry the burden of depression to God in prayer. Start seeking the presence of God: He is able to bring you peace. It can be difficult to start praying when your anxieties increase. Sometimes it's hard to find the words to say something. We have collected these prayers for depression to help guide and direct your thoughts. Use them and make them yours as you begin to see a light in the journey.

A prayer for depression
Today we come to You, Lord, with hearts, minds and spirits that may struggle to keep their heads above the water. We ask in your name to give them a refuge, a glimmer of hope and a life-saving Word of Truth. We don't know every circumstance or situation they face, but Heavenly Father does.

We cling to You with hope, faith and certainty that you can heal our wounded places and pull us out of the dark waters of depression and despair. We ask on your behalf that you allow those who need help to contact a friend, family member, pastor, counselor or doctor.

We ask you to release the pride that may prevent them from asking for help. May all of us find our rest, strength and refuge in You. Thank you for delivering us and giving us a glimmer of hope in living an abundantly full life in Christ. Amen. (Annah Matthews)

A prayer in the dark places
Heavenly Father, only you are my secret keeper and know the darkest places in my heart. Sir, I'm in the pit of depression. I feel tired, overwhelmed and unworthy of your love. Help me truly surrender to the things that keep me imprisoned in my heart. Replace my struggle with your joy. I want my joy back. I want to be by your side and celebrate this life you have paid so dearly to give me. Thank you sir. You are truly the greatest gift of all. Consume me in Your joy, because I believe that the Joy of YOU, Father, is where my strength is. Thank you, Lord ... In Jesus Name, Amen. (AJ Fortuna)

When you are overwhelmed
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us so unconditionally. My heart feels heavy today and I'm struggling to believe I have a purpose. I feel overwhelmed to the point where I feel like I'm shutting down.

Jesus, I ask you to strengthen me where I feel weak. Whisper words of confidence and courage deep in my soul. Let me do what you called me to do. Show me the beauty in this fight you see. Show me your heart and your purposes. Open your eyes to see the beauty in this fight. Give me the ability to completely give up the fight to You and trust the result.

You created me. You know me better than I know myself. You know my weaknesses and my abilities. Thank you for your strength, love, wisdom and peace during this period of my life. Amen. (AJ Fortuna)

Liberation from depression
Father, I need your help! I turn to you first. My heart cries out to you asking that your hand of liberation and restoration touch my life. Guide my steps to those you have equipped and chosen to help me during this dark time. I don't see them, Lord. But I hope you bring them, thanking yourself now for what you are already doing in the middle of this pit! Amen. (Mary Southerland)

Prayer for a child struggling with depression
Kind father, you are trustworthy, yet I forget it. Too often I try to process every situation in my thoughts without recognizing you even once. Give me the right words to help my son. Give me a heart of love and patience. Use me to remind them that you are with them, you will be their God, you will strengthen them. Remind me that you will support them, you will be their help. Please be my help today. Be my strength today. Remind me that you have promised to love me and my children forever and that you will never leave us. Please let me rest and trust in You, and help me teach the same to my children. In the name of Jesus, amen. (Jessica Thompson)

A prayer for when you feel all alone
Dear God, thank you that you see us right where we are, in the midst of our pain and our struggle, in the midst of our desert land. Thank you for not forgetting us and you never will. Forgive us for not trusting you, for doubting your goodness, or for not believing that you are really there. We choose to set our sights on you today. We choose joy and peace when whispered lies come and say we should have neither joy nor peace.

Thank you for caring about us and your love for us is so great. We confess our need for you. Fill us fresh with your Spirit, renew our hearts and minds in your truth. We ask for your hope and comfort to continue healing our hearts where they were broken. Give us the courage to face another day, knowing that with you in front and behind us we have nothing to fear. In the name of Jesus, amen. (Debbie McDaniel)

Of course in the cloud of depression
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me! Help me when I feel the cloud of depression is easing, to keep my attention on you. Let me glimpse Your glory, Lord! May I draw close to You every day as I spend time in prayer and in Your Word. Please strengthen me as only You can. Thanks Father! In the name of Jesus, amen. (Joan Walker Hahn)

For an abundant life
Oh Lord, I want to live the full life you came to give me, but I'm tired and overwhelmed. Thank you for meeting me right in the middle of the chaos and pain and for never leaving me. Lord, help me to look to You and to You alone to find abundant life, and show me that with You life doesn't have to be painless to be full. In the name of Jesus, amen. (Niki Hardy)

A prayer for hope
Heavenly Father, thank you that you are good and that your truth sets us free, especially when we suffer, seek and are desperate for the light. Help us, Lord, to keep hope and believe in Your truth. In the name of Jesus, amen. (Sarah Mae)

A prayer for the light in the dark
Dear Lord, help me trust your love for me even when I can't see a clear path out of my circumstances. When I am in the dark places of this life, show me the light of your presence. In the name of Jesus, amen. (Melissa Maimone)

For empty places
Dear Father God, today I am at the end of myself. I have tried and failed to resolve various situations in my life, and each time I have returned to the same empty place, feeling lonely and defeated. As I read Your Word, it occurs to me that many of Your most faithful servants have endured hardship to learn Your faithfulness. Help me, O God, to realize that in times of distress and confusion, You are there, just waiting for me to seek your face. Help me Lord to choose You over myself and not have other gods in front of You. My life is in your hands. Thank you Lord for your love, providence and protection. I realize that in the secret circumstances of my life I will learn to truly depend on You. Thank you for teaching me when I come to the place where you are all I have, I will truly find that you are all I need. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Dawn Neely)

Note: If you or a loved one are suffering from anxiety, depression or any mental illness, ask for help! Tell someone, a friend, a spouse, or your doctor. There is help, hope and healing available for you! Don't suffer alone.

God hears your prayer for depression

One of the best ways to combat depression is to remember the promises and truths of God's Word. Review, ponder, and memorize these Bible verses so that you can quickly remember them as you begin to feel your thoughts spiral. Here are some of our favorite scriptures. You can read more in our collection of Bible verses HERE.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; it will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; don't be discouraged. - Deuteronomy 31: 8

The righteous cry out and the Lord listens to them; he frees them from all their pains. - Psalm 34:17

I waited patiently for the Lord, he turned to me and heard my cry. He pulled me out of the slimy pit, mud and slime; he put my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stay. He has put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. - Psalm 40: 1-3

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he can raise you up in due time. Throw all your anxiety on him because he takes care of you. - 1 Peter 5: 6-7

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - whether something is excellent or commendable - think of these things. - Philippians 4: 8