Have you tried praying the Psalms against depression?
The Book of Psalms is a collection of prayers, poems, and hymns in the Old Testament that focus on God with praise and adoration.
But did you know they are also a powerful tool to fight against depression?
Most of us have experienced these negative emotions at some point in our life. While it’s typical to feel discouraged, we can also replace them with godly principles using several uplifting passages in Psalms.
When you worship the Lord, what is your typical mood?
Praising and singing to the Lord has so many benefits – the best advantage is that it pleases God. It also benefits us too as it supplies us with a natural upbeat spirit.
The Psalms are a refreshing dose of relief and peace to help us get through daily battles!
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The Power of Praying the Psalms When You are Depressed
Not sure if you have depression but have low energy? In a nutshell, depression is a negative feeling of helplessness and hopelessness that ultimately leads us to withdraw from people and activities that we love.
The Book of Psalms can surge our spirits into high gear when we apply them to our daily lives.
- The Psalms can help when we are lonely.
- The Psalms can help when we are depressed.
- The Psalms can help when we are sad or mourning.
There are so many ways and reasons to pray the Psalms!
So, it is no accident that this collection of worship is part of the Bible.
Psalms have provided us a way to delight in prayer, to bow in worship, and glorify God for His amazing abilities. It’s just up to us to take these scriptures of hope seriously and keep them close to our hearts as we talk to the Lord about our struggles.
Psalms for Depression
If you think as a Christian that you’re immune to depression, think again. If you examine the scriptures, you’ll find many godly leaders struggling with doom and gloom mentality.
Here are some of these faithful Bible characters who amazed us with their faith but had low points too:
- Moses had overwhelming burdens because of the Jews and their problems. Numbers 11:11-14 NIV
- Elijah went through a traumatic experience including false prophets, starvation, and physical weariness. He wanted God to take his life. 1 Kings 19:4 NIV
- Jonah was in the belly of a whale for three days and almost had a sun stroke. Jonah 1:17 NIV
If these three holy men were studying the Book of Psalms, maybe they wouldn’t have struggled so much with their physical and emotional ailments?
Let’s take a look at some` practical Psalms passages that can cure these nasty feelings of depression.
Psalm 9:9-10
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10 NIV
Psalm 102:1-2
Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. Psalm 102:1-2 NIV
Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17 NIV
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 NIV
Psalm 30:5
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 NIV
Psalm 40:1-5
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. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. Psalm 40:1-5 NIV
Psalm 43:5
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 43:5 NIV
Psalm Prayer for Depression
As we lift our hearts towards heaven and bow our head to the Almighty, let’s hold on to His comfort and clarity with these 5 Psalm Prayers for Depression:
Dear Lord, you are the bright beam of light in a world full of darkness. You give me strength when I am weak. I pray you keep me strong when I fear my enemies and want to retreat. Thank you Lord for your heartfelt love! In Jesus’ Name Amen Psalm 27:1-3
Dear Heavenly Father, I will praise and bless you continuously throughout the day. When I look for you, you are always there to help me remove my fears. I pray you continue to shine your radiant light on the right path and help me see how wonderful you are and I lack nothing. In Jesus’ Name Amen Psalm 34:1-10
Lord, please hear my cry as I’m feeling so overwhelmed today. Lead me to the rock of my salvation that is my comforter and strength. Thank you for your cover and protection while I bask in the sun of your love. In Jesus’ Name Amen Psalm 61:1-3
Almighty God, I am so excited to rest in your arms. You are my protection when I am grieving or need to take a break from the cares of this world. I am grateful for your sanctuary with access to your safety 23/7. In Jesus’ Name Amen Psalm 91:2
Dear God, please have mercy on me as I’m weak. Create in me a clean heart and refreshed with the Holy Spirit. Restore my faith in your salvation as I reflect on my sinful behavior. In Jesus’ Name Amen Psalm 51:1
The Book of Psalms is a perfect tool when you need comfort in times of trial, strength in scary situations, and celebration during spiritual achievements. Praying the Psalms is a powerful punch to starting off the day every morning.
Think about it – what if you woke up every morning with a hymn of psalms in your head and heart? There is nothing better in life when we begin the day ahead with praise and prayer using Psalms as our guideline?!!
Connect with God today with these powerful Psalms of prayer and reflection for your mind, body, and spirit.
Here are some additional prayers to battle loneliness and depression.
**If you are experiencing depression or other mental health symptoms, you should also seek help from a mental health specialist.
