If he were writing today, pamphleteer Thomas Paine might have written, “These are the times that weary men’s souls.”
Can you identify? Are you weary? If so, you’re not alone. Whether from breaking news, pandemic policies, social media tirades or something else, feelings of weariness and cynicism are certainly understandable.
In such times, prayer can be a lifeline. And prayers from the Bible can lift up a person’s soul like helium in a birthday balloon. So, if you’re struggling with lethargy and apathy, consider praying one—or all—of the following Scripture prayers to revive your spirits:
I am weary, God,
but I can prevail. (Proverbs 30:1, NIV)
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)
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Psalm 51:12, NIV)
My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;
do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding. (Psalm 119:28-32, NIV)
I come to You, Jesus, for the rest You promise to all who are weary and burdened. Teach me Your ways and let me find rest for my soul, for Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. (Based on Matthew 11:28-30.)
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31, NIV)
Lord, let me not become weary in doing good; remind me and encourage me with the knowledge that at the proper time I will reap a harvest if I do not give up. (Based on Galatians 6:9.)
These are among many Bible passages that can lift drooping spirits and energize a weary soul (others include Hebrews 12:1-3, Psalm 10:17-18 and Psalm 13). Pray them as often and as long as necessary.
