Depression can make even simple things feel impossible. Getting out of bed takes effort. Food loses its taste. The things you used to love feel flat, and prayer can feel like talking into a dark room. If that’s where you are today, you’re not a bad Christian, and you’re not alone.
This page is for anyone looking for a prayer for depression, whether you’re in the middle of it or praying for someone you love. You’ll find honest prayers for the hardest moments, what the Bible says about a heavy heart, and gentle steps you can take today. Nothing here replaces real care from a doctor or counselor. But you can bring every part of this to God, and He is not tired of you.
If you’re thinking about ending your life, please call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US) right now, or contact your local emergency services. You matter to God and to the people around you.
Is it okay for a Christian to be depressed?
Yes. Depression is not a sign that your faith has failed. Some of the most faithful people in Scripture went through seasons of deep darkness.
- David wrote psalms from the bottom of the pit and asked God why his soul felt so downcast.
- Elijah, right after a great victory, ran into the wilderness, lay down under a bush and told God he’d had enough.
- Jeremiah is sometimes called “the weeping prophet,” and the book of Lamentations is full of grief.
- Jesus Himself told His friends in the garden that His soul was overwhelmed with sorrow.
God didn’t scold these people for their pain. He met them in it. That’s good news for you: you don’t have to clean yourself up before you come to Him.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
How God met Elijah in his darkest moment
Elijah’s story in 1 Kings 19 is one of the most tender pictures of how God treats a person who is worn down and hopeless. Elijah was exhausted, afraid and ready to give up. God didn’t lecture him. He let him sleep. Then an angel woke him and gave him food and water. When Elijah lay down again, the angel came back:
“The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.””
1 Kings 19:7 (NIV)
Notice the order. Rest and food came first. The deep conversation with God came later. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do today is drink water, eat something, take your medication if you have it, and sleep. God cares about your body, not just your soul.
Prayers for depression
You don’t need perfect words. Pray these slowly, out loud or in your head, and change any line to make it yours. If all you can manage is one sentence, that is still prayer.
1. A prayer when you can’t feel anything
God, I feel numb. I can’t feel joy, and some days I can’t even feel sad. I don’t know how to pray, so I’m just showing up. I believe You’re here even though I can’t feel You. Please hold onto me when I can’t hold onto You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:26 (NIV)
2. A prayer for the strength to get through today
Lord, I’m not asking for the whole week. I’m asking for today. Help me get out of bed. Help me do one small thing. Give me enough strength for this hour, and then the next one. Thank You that You don’t expect me to carry tomorrow right now. Amen.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
3. A prayer when your thoughts are dark
Jesus, my mind keeps telling me I’m worthless, that things will never change and that everyone would be better off without me. I don’t want to believe those lies. Speak louder than they do. Remind me who I am in You. Surround me with people who can help me, and give me courage to reach out to them. Amen.
If those thoughts feel strong or you have a plan to hurt yourself, please stop and call or text 988 now. Reaching out for help is not weakness. It’s one of the bravest things you can do.
4. A prayer to ask God for help and healing
Father, You are the God who lifts people out of the pit. I’m asking You to lift me. Bring healing to my mind, my body and my heart, in whatever way You choose: through rest, through medicine, through counselors and friends, through Your Word. Lead me to the right help. I trust You with the timeline. Amen.
“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
Psalm 40:1-2 (NIV)
5. A prayer to remember hope
God, I don’t feel hopeful, but I want to. Remind me of the times You were faithful before. Help me believe that this season is not the end of my story. Plant a small seed of hope in me today, and help me water it. Amen.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:11 (NIV)
6. A prayer for someone you love who is depressed
Lord, I’m worried about someone I love. They’re hurting in ways I can’t fix. Comfort them. Surround them with Your presence and with people who will be patient with them. Give me wisdom to know what to say and when to just sit with them. Protect their life, and lead them to the help they need. Amen.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Psalm 147:3 (NIV)
Gentle steps for hard days
Prayer and practical care work together. You don’t have to do all of these. Pick one.
- Tell one person the truth. A friend, a pastor, a family member. Saying “I’m not okay” out loud is often the first step toward help.
- Talk to a doctor or licensed counselor. Depression is a real health condition, and getting professional help is wise, not faithless. God often works through skilled, caring people.
- Take care of the basics. Water, a little food, sunlight, a short walk, and as much sleep as you can get. Remember Elijah.
- Read one short psalm. Psalms 23, 34, 40 and 42 were written for days like this.
- Let others pray for you. Post a request on our prayer wall so others can carry it with you.
- Notice your anxiety, too. Depression and anxiety often travel together. Our free anxiety check-in can help you put words to what you’re feeling before you talk to someone.
Bible verses to hold onto when you’re depressed
Write one of these on a card or set it as your phone’s lock screen. Let God’s Word speak when your own thoughts are too heavy.
“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
Psalm 30:5 (NIV)
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
“…and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)
For more Scripture like this, see our full list of Bible verses for depression. If you’re in a long, heavy season, our prayers for hope may also help.
A short prayer for depression to pray every day
Lord, I’m still here, and You’re still here. Carry me through today. Help me take one small step toward help and one small step toward You. I trust that You are close to the brokenhearted, and that includes me. Amen.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Frequently asked questions
What is a good prayer for depression?
A good prayer for depression is honest and simple. Something like “God, I’m not okay. Please hold me, help me through today and lead me to the help I need” is enough. You can also pray the psalms, especially Psalm 42 and Psalm 40, which were written from deep sadness.
Does the Bible talk about depression?
The Bible doesn’t use the modern word, but it describes deep sorrow, despair and a downcast soul many times. David, Elijah and Jeremiah all went through seasons of darkness, and God met each of them with compassion. Psalm 34:18 says the Lord is close to the brokenhearted.
Can prayer replace treatment for depression?
No. Prayer is powerful and God hears you, but depression is a real health condition and it’s wise to talk with a doctor or licensed counselor. Many Christians find that prayer, community and professional care work best together. If you’re thinking about suicide, call or text 988 right away.
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Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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