Praying for someone—whether in person, over the phone, or silently—is one of the most meaningful acts of support you can offer. Yet it’s also something many people find intimidating. What exactly do you say? How long should a prayer be? Should it sound formal, conversational, or comforting? And what if the person you’re praying for isn’t very religious, or you’re not confident in your own spiritual language?

This guide offers practical examples of what to say when praying for someone, from short and simple prayers to more detailed ones, plus options tailored to illness, grief, anxiety, family difficulties, and everyday struggles. You can adapt the tone, length, and wording to suit the moment and the person.

1. Short, Simple Prayers (Perfect When You’re Unsure What to Say)

These are gentle, universal, and easy to speak even if emotions are high.

• “May you feel peace, strength, and comfort today.”
• “Lord, please watch over them and give them calm and healing.”
• “God, please give them hope and surround them with your love.”
• “May you feel supported, protected, and never alone.”
• “May you find courage and rest in this moment.”

Why these work:

They’re sincere, short enough for anyone to say comfortably, and suitable for almost any situation.

2. Slightly Longer Prayers for Support

When you want something more expressive without becoming overly formal, these options provide warmth and reassurance.

Option A:

“Lord, please bring peace to this heart, strength to this body, and comfort to this spirit. Surround them with your love today and give them the courage they need to keep going.”

Option B:

“Heavenly Father, we ask for calm, clarity, and hope. Help them feel your presence, guide them through the hard moments, and remind them that they are deeply loved and never alone.”

Option C:

“God, please be with them right now. Ease their worries, lighten their burden, and give them comfort and rest. Fill their mind with peace and their heart with strength.”

These are especially helpful in hospital visits, home visits, or moments of uncertainty.

3. What to Say When Praying for Someone Who Is Sick

Illness—whether mild or severe—often makes people feel scared or vulnerable. These prayers offer reassurance and support without making promises you can’t keep.

• “Lord, please place your healing hand upon them. Give their body strength, their mind calm, and their spirit peace.”
• “God, help them recover, restore their health, and bring comfort to every part of their being.”
• “May they feel your presence in each step of their healing, and may they find hope even on difficult days.”

You can personalise the prayer with a detail:

“Please guide the doctors caring for them and give them wisdom in their decisions.”

4. What to Say When Praying for Someone Who Is Grieving

Comforting someone who has lost a loved one is one of the hardest moments to navigate.

Examples:

• “God, please surround them with love and comfort as they grieve. Bring them peace, strength, and gentle moments of rest.”
• “Lord, hold them close during this time of heartbreak. Carry them through the pain and remind them they are not alone.”
• “May your presence give them comfort, and may their memories bring light in the darkness.”

These avoid clichés while giving genuine emotional support.

5. What to Say When Praying for Someone Who Is Anxious or Overwhelmed

Anxiety needs calming, steady language.

• “Lord, please bring peace to their mind and stillness to their heart. Help them release their worries and feel safe in your care.”
• “God, calm their thoughts, ease their fears, and give them strength to face each step with confidence.”
• “May they feel your steady hand guiding them through this uncertainty.”

These are ideal before medical procedures, exams, court dates, or major life changes.

6. What to Say When Praying for Someone’s Family

Family struggles can be complex, so prayers should be gentle and non-specific.

• “Lord, please bring harmony, patience, and understanding to this family. Guide them through their challenges and strengthen their bond.”
• “God, bless this family with peace, healing, and kindness toward one another.”
• “May love, unity, and compassion fill their home.”

These keep the focus on support rather than detail.

7. What to Say When Praying for Someone You Don’t Know Well

If you’re praying for an acquaintance, colleague, or stranger, neutrality and warmth are key.

• “Lord, please bring comfort, strength, and guidance to them today.”
• “God, watch over them and give them whatever they need most right now.”
• “May they feel peace and support in this moment.”

Short and respectful is best.

8. What to Say When Praying for a Friend

Here you can use more personal, heartfelt language.

• “Lord, thank you for this friend. Please protect them, strengthen them, and surround them with love. Give them hope, courage, and comfort today.”
• “God, please lift their spirits, guide their steps, and help them feel supported in every way.”
• “May they feel your peace and know how much they are cared for.”

These prayers reinforce both spiritual and emotional connection.

9. What to Say When Someone Asks You to Pray for Them

If someone requests prayer, acknowledging the moment is important.

Say aloud before you begin:

• “Of course—I’d be honoured to pray for you.”
• “Let’s pray together now.”
• “I’m here for you. Let’s ask God for peace and strength.”

Then use any of the prayer examples above.

10. Non-Religious or Lightly Spiritual Prayers

Not all prayers need strong religious language. These options suit people who prefer a more spiritual, universal tone.

• “May you feel supported, loved, and guided in the days ahead.”
• “Wishing you peace, clarity, and comfort as you face this moment.”
• “May strength surround you and calm fill your heart.”
• “Sending you warmth, hope, and gentle healing.”

These avoid formal religious imagery while still feeling sincere.

11. What to Say at the End of a Prayer

Ending clearly helps create emotional closure.

Short ending phrases:

• “Amen.”
• “In your name we pray. Amen.”
• “May peace be with you.”
• “Wishing you comfort and strength.”

For a non-religious ending:

• “I’m here for you.”
• “You’re not alone.”
• “Wishing you calm and courage.”

Final Thoughts

Praying for someone doesn’t require perfect wording, a special tone, or long, formal phrases. The value of prayer lies in the intention behind it—not the complexity of the language.

Whether you choose a short sentence, a comforting blessing, or a more detailed prayer for strength, healing, or peace, what matters most is authenticity. Speak from the heart, keep your tone gentle, and let your presence be an anchor of support.

Simple words, spoken sincerely, are often the most powerful prayer of all.

About the Author

Helen Bach is a relationship expert and writer who helps people find the right words when it matters most. She studied English and English Literature at the University of Michigan, where she developed a passion for how language shapes love, conflict, and connection.