Every one of us goes through a difficulty of some sort or other at various times in our lives. And everyone has a different method of dealing with any number of harships, be it the dissolution of a relationship, loss of income, the death of a family member or friend, moving. We all experience tough times.

There have been any number of things I might do to help me perservere within a challenge, but praying verses of the Bible is number one on the top of my list. I have found this to be especially helpful when I don’t know what to pray. After all, scripture is “the sword of truth” and what better to use than God’s word when your own escape you?

There was a very difficult, emotional time I experienced in the past and wanted to pray, but simply didn’t know how to express the anguish I was feeling in my soul or how to ask God for the comfort I needed. I was crying out to God in my spirit as I walked my dog in the yard…quite literally yelling out “Help!”… when a verse was brought to mind by the Holy Spirit.   Psalm 18: 1-2 (NLT) I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.   Praying these words was powerful, it was like salve to my hurting heart and a confirmation that God knew exactly what I needed. I then went in search of my Bible, where I found comfort in praying the entire Psalm. Praying God’s word, especially when we are unsure of how to pray, is not only a way of communicating our need to God, but also receiving an answer from Him. After all, we are in a relationship with God, and it’s interactive. Pray God’s word from time to time, and He would lead you through the dark times.

Here are some suggestions if you want to give it a try yourself.

Jeremiah 29: 11-13 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

John 16:24 (NLT) You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

1John 5:13-15 (NLT) I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Prov 16:24 (NKJV) Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.   Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV) Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.