3 Scriptures to Pray for People who are Hurting

Jesus longs to set people free and give them hope

Suffering. As much as we try to avoid it, it’s likely that everyone will experience some degree of physical, emotional, or spiritual pain at some point in life. It’s simply part of being human.

But sometimes, pain takes people hostage. They become trapped in a prison of darkness. No matter how hard they try, hope seems out of reach.

King David in the Bible knew this pain all too well. As he was being chased by his enemies, he penned these powerful emotions in Psalm 31:9-10:

“Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in trouble; my eyes are tired from so much crying; I am completely worn out. I am exhausted by sorrow, and weeping has shortened my life. I am weak from all my troubles; even my bones are wasting away.”

Bible-based Trauma Healing

There are millions of people around the world that struggle just like King David did. Jesus wants to comfort them. He wants to walk alongside them and meet them in their pain. He longs to wraps his arms of love around them and remind them of his nearness.

American Bible Society provides Bible-based trauma healing to help those experiencing intense wounds to the body, mind, and soul. Trauma healing uses the power of Scripture to help victims heal from the pain of war, violence, abuse, or natural disasters.

Today, more than 1.3 million people have encountered the peace and comfort Jesus offers. More than 8,500 trauma healing facilitators are leading healing groups in over 100 countries, and people are being healed!

How to Pray:

The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 61:1 that we are to share the Good News of Christ to those in need. One way to do this is through prayer! As trauma healing groups are taking place all around the world, let’s pray for people to be set free from prisons of despair. Here are three Scripture verses you can pray:

  1. “He pulled me out of a dangerous pit, out of the deadly quicksand. He set me safely on a rock and made me secure.” Psalm 40:2
  2. “You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance; you have taken away my sorrow and surrounded me with joy.” Psalm 30:11
  3. “He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy.” Psalm 103:3-4

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Nena Podbury
Nena Podbury

Nena Podbury is a Prayer Mobilization Associate at American Bible Society. Originally from the Bronx, she served in children’s ministry for 12 years doing Sidewalk Sunday School. Nena is married with two children, Noah and Emilia.

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