A Prayer for Courage
When you need courage, pray for God's presence rather than your own bravery. Ask Him to go with you and make you strong for what's ahead. The prayer below is anchored in Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
A prayer
Lord, I need courage I do not feel. There is something in front of me that I would rather avoid, and everything in me wants to shrink back. But You commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous, and in the same breath You told him why: You would go with him. So I am asking for the same promise. Go with me. Make me brave, not because I am sure of myself, but because I am sure of You. Loosen the grip of discouragement. Lift my eyes from what could go wrong to the God who has never once abandoned me. Give me strength for the next right step, and then the one after that. I will not be afraid, because You are with me wherever I go. In Jesus' name, amen.
Reflection
God's command to "be strong and courageous" was never a demand to manufacture confidence out of nothing. It always came with a promise attached: "for I will be with you." The courage came from God being there, not from anything in Joshua himself.
You may be waiting to feel ready before you act. But courage is usually built in the doing, not before it. The strength arrives as you step, not while you stand still weighing the risk.
Whatever is in front of you, you are not walking into it alone. Ask for His presence, take the next step, and let Him supply the courage as you go.
Common questions
What is a good prayer for strength and courage?
"Lord, make me strong and courageous for what's ahead. Go with me, steady my heart, and give me strength for the next step. I will not be afraid, because You are with me. Amen."
What Bible verses give courage?
Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 27:1, and 1 Corinthians 16:13 are among the most turned-to verses for courage.
Related prayers
Part of the Faith Over Fear theme.
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