Our world is filled with events and situations that can cause great anxiety and fear. If we were all honest, we'd admin that it can be overwhelming when we begin to worry about our loved ones, family, friends, and even ourselves. We want to protect ourselves and our loved ones from harm - emotional, physical, and spiritual. When you feel worry start to creep in, saying a prayer for protection is a powerful way to gain assurance of safety. We are promised in God’s Word that he is faithful and will protect us (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
Prayers for protection are more than just words; it's a lifeline that connects us to God, helping to calm our fears and restore our peace of mind. When the weight of the world seems too much to bear, taking a moment to pray can remind us of God's protective presence in our lives. Below you will find some words that you can use and tailor to your own needs such as a short daily prayer for strength and protection, a prayer of safety over your children, or a prayer at night for peace and protection. As you go about your day, remember that God is always watching over you, ready to guide and protect you through all of life's ups and downs. Mat these prayers give you strength to face each day with hope, comforted by the knowledge that we are under God's loving watch.
Listen to Powerful Prayers for Protection read aloud in the video below and CLICK HERE to download a beautiful PDF copy of Prayers for Protection.
Prayer for Personal Protection
Father, I come to You today, bowing in my heart, asking for protection from the evil one. Lord, we are assailed moment by moment with images on television, the internet, books and newspapers that leave us vulnerable to sin of every kind. Surround us with Your divine hedge of protection. Encompass us round about with Your strength and Your might. Let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy. And may You shelter us, that those who love Your name may exult in You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12)
Lord, I ask that You protect our minds. Father, the mindset on the flesh is death, but the mindset on the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6) O God, set our minds on You. Let us not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds that we may prove what Your will is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2) Help us by the power of Your Spirit to think on whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, let our minds dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Strengthen us in the power of Your might, O God. Dress us in Your armor so that we can stand firm against the schemes of the devil. We know that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
You are our keeper, O Lord, the shade on our right hand. Protect us from all evil and keep our soul. Guard our going out and our coming in. From this time and forever. In Jesus' name, Amen. – by Lynn Cooke
Prayer for the Protection and Safety of Family
Lord, I pray Your emotional, physical, and spiritual protection over my kids (grandkids). Keep evil far from them, and help them to trust You as their refuge and strength. I pray You will guard their minds from harmful instruction, and grant them discernment to recognize truth. I pray You will make them strong and courageous in the presence of danger, recognizing that You have overcome and will set right all injustice and wrong one day. Help them to find rest in Your shadow, as they live in the spiritual shelter You provide for them. Let them know that the only safe place is in Jesus, and that their home on earth is only temporary. - by Rebecca Barlow Jordan
A Daily Prayer for Protection
As I step into this new day, I humbly place myself under Your loving care. Surround me with Your shielding presence and let Your grace be my armor. Guide my steps and lead me along paths of righteousness.
Keep me safe from the unforeseen dangers of the day and guard my mind against negative thoughts. As I interact with others, let me be a beacon of Your love and peace, reflecting Your goodness in all that I do.
I entrust my loved ones into Your hands, knowing that Your watchful eyes are upon them too. As the shepherd watches over his flock, watch over us, protecting us from harm and leading us away from the snares of the enemy.
In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
For Children's Security
Lord, I pray that my kids (grandkids) will develop an eternal perspective and purpose, not an earthly one. Help them to see life–and every challenge–through Your eyes, eager and unafraid to share with others the good news of Jesus wherever they go. I pray that they will set their minds on things above, not just what’s going on here, and that they will be rooted and grounded in Your love. I pray they will come to understand the extent of Your own love for them–that it surpasses all the head knowledge they will acquire in school. I pray they will be filled up with You from morning ’til night. – Rebecca Barlow Jordan
Prayer for Comfort and Protection
Dear God, thank You for being the Father who craves to lavish love and goodness toward me. Help me to recognize it, accept it and embrace it. It leads to life far beyond what I could hope or imagine. May I look to You first — nothing else — for comfort and protection. I choose to find my rest in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Jessica Martin
Prayer for Protection from Evil
Heavenly Father, guide me and direct me as I seek to love strangers the way You love them. Help me take risks in this world which require Your protection from the evil one. I want to live “dangerously” for Your glory, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Stephanie Raquel
For Night time Protection
Dear Lord, As I lay down to rest, hold me in Your loving protection, shielding me from the worries of the day and the anxieties that try to invade this sacred time of rest. Guard my mind, Lord, from troubling thoughts, and grant me the peace that surpasses all understanding. Let Your holy angels stand guard, keeping the night’s darkness at bay and ensuring the safety of my loved ones and me.
In the stillness of the night, let Your Spirit whisper words of comfort and reassurance to my soul. Protect my dreams, allowing only what is pure and true to dwell in my subconscious. I lay down all my concerns at Your feet, confident in Your sovereign power to protect and sustain me. I trust that You will renew my strength as I sleep, preparing me for the blessings and challenges that await in the morning light. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
"St. Patrick's Breastplate" Protective Prayer:
Celtic monks used it to start their day.The hymn was several stanzas long, and the last two stanzas were especially memorable and moving:
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity;
By invocation of the same.
The Three in One, and One in Three,
Of Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.
"Priestly Blessings" Prayer from Scripture:
Numbers 6:22-27 is known as the “Priestly Blessing” or sometimes the “Aaronic Benediction.” There are seven requests made in this prayer.
The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: "’The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."' "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them."
1. The Lord bless you…
The word “bless” means to “provide favor or benefit.” Father, we pray that for our children. You are the Eternal God. Please place Your great kindness and advantage on those we love. May they be approved and favored by You.
2. and keep you…
The Hebrew word “keep” means to “watch, guard, defend.” This is a prayer for protection. Father, my children are not perfect. They are going to make mistakes. But please watch over them and guard them again mistakes of youth that are unalterable. Please defend them against temptation. Protect them against Satan who desires to devour them.
3. the LORD make his face shine upon you…
This is a request for God’s presence. Father, as a parent I know that I can’t be with my children all the time, but You can. Just like they feel the warmth of the sun shining on them, please allow them to experience Your presence. Thank You for being with them wherever they go.
4. and be gracious to you…
Grace is God’s undeserved favor. He gives us what we don’t deserve. Father, thank You for Your gift of grace. I pray that gift to be poured out on my children. Following that great gift of salvation, please show them your kindness and love in all the endeavors of their lives.
5. the Lord turn his face toward you…
Here is a request for God’s fellowship. Father, thank You, that because of their trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in my children. Please walk with them in a powerful way. Enable them to submit to the Spirit’s control day by day and moment by moment.
6. and give you peace.
The Hebrew word for peace used here is “shalom.” It means “completeness, wholeness, and contentment.” Lord, please calm my children’s fears; soothe their anxious souls. Keep them complete and whole in their thinking, emotions, desires, and actions.
7. So they will put my name on ___________ (the name of your child/children).
This is a request of identification. Lord, please place Your holy mark on my children. Set them apart to be used by You. I love them but You love them more. You love them with an everlasting love. May they represent You well on their earthly journey. And when their journey is completed, welcome them home to live forever with You.
(notes by Ron Moore, The Journey)
Thanks for God's Truth
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You, Lord for loving me and reminding me of Your Truth. Help me keep my eyes on You, especially in times of rejection. May I remember that You can use all things for my good and Your glory. Give me a heart that trusts, and take away the desire to lean on my own understanding. Thank You for Your protection, provision, and presence! In Jesus’ name, Amen. - Kill Beran
Prayer for Guidance and Protection
O Lord,
our redemption.
Be our protection.
Direct our minds by your gracious presence.
Watch over our paths
and guide us with your love
through the hidden snares of life.
Fix our hearts on you as we go forward,
and following in faith,
arrive at your goal;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Mozarabic Liturgy
Protection of God
Father, I want to live in the shadow of Your wing. When life is hard, and I don’t know what to do, help me remember that You are with me and that I am never alone. I cannot live without You. I cannot face tomorrow without the promise of Your presence. Today I choose to walk and live under the protection of You, The Most High. In Jesus' name. Amen. - Mary Southerland
My Lord, My Shepherd
Lord, I am so thankful that You are my Shepherd, and that no matter how deep the valley or dark the pit, You have gone before me and made a way. Forgive me when I complain that the way You have made for me is harder than I want it to be. I surrender my life to you, Lord, my God, and my Shepherd. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Mary Southerland
For Friendships
Dear Heavenly Father,
I lift up my treasured friendships to You today. Please protect our bonds, keeping misunderstanding and strife far from us. May Your love be the cornerstone of our relationships, fostering kindness, empathy, and trust. Guard our conversations, ensuring that they are filled with grace and truth. Infuse our interactions with patience and understanding, fostering growth and unity.
Lord, bless our friendships abundantly, guiding us to lift each other up, and to be lights in each other's lives. May we always seek to protect and cherish the precious gift of friendship You have bestowed upon us. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Prayer of Joy and Security
Dear Lord, In Your presence I find joy and security. Thanks for being my Defender and Guide. Thank You for offering me access to Your endless protection and direction. Please help me know what to do with ____________________. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Gwen Smith
Protection Over My Home
Lord, I come before You today to ask for Your protective hand over my home and everyone within it. Please shield us from harm and danger, making our home a sanctuary of peace and safety. May Your angels stand guard at our doors, keeping away distress and negativity. Bless each room with Your presence, filling it with warmth, love, and joy.
Let our home be a place where kindness dwells and love resides, fostering harmony and unity among us. May Your blessings overflow in our household, making it a beacon of Your light in the community. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Prayer For Divine Help and Protection
You are our helper, Mighty One.
and you are no respecter of persons.
Help all your people
bought with the precious blood of Christ.
You are our fortress and defender.
No one can snatch us from your hand.
There is no other God like you.
In you we trust.
Sanctify us through your truth.
Your Word is truth.
Preserve us
and all your people
from injury and deceit,
from fear of the enemy,
from the arrow that flies by day,
and the trouble that walks in the darkness,
and grant us eternal life
in Christ, your Son, our Lord and Savior.
Source: Liturgy of the Greek Church.
Safe In Your Shelter
O God,
Shepherd of all your people,
deliver us from all sins which assail us,
that so we may always be pleasing in your sight,
and safe under your shelter;
for Christ’s sake. Amen.
Source: Roman Breviary, 11th Century
For Safety While Traveling
Dear God, as we start this trip, we place ourselves under Your loving guardianship. Steer our path clear of obstacles and dangers, and grant us safe passage from our departure to our destination.
Bless all those who are traveling with me, and keep our spirits uplifted and our bodies unharmed. Let Your protective hand guide the vehicles and instruments guiding us, ensuring a smooth and trouble-free journey.
Lord, please be our constant companion on this trip, surrounding us with Your peace and grace. As we venture forward, may we feel Your presence in every mile, finding joy and beauty in Your creation along the way. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Against Temptations
O God,
you do not desire the death of a sinner.
Protect with your heavenly aid
those who may now be exposed to special temptations.
Grant that in the fulfillment of your commandments
they may be strengthened by the assistance of your grace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Gregorian Sacramentary
Safety While Traveling
Prayer for Protection in Serving God
O Lord,
hear our prayers
and prepare the way of your servants in safety under your protection,
that amid all the changes of this our pilgrimage,
we may ever be guarded by your almighty aid;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Gelasian Sacramentary
Prayer for Grace and Protection
O Lord, hear our prayers,
and fill our hearts with your grace,
that loving you with sincere love
we may always be defended under your most gracious protection,
and be accepted in all our prayers and services;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: An Ancient Collect, fifth century
Give Us Your Strength and Protection
Lord God, heavenly Father,
you know that we are set
in the midst of so many and great dangers,
that by reason of the frailty of our nature
we cannot always stand upright:
Grant us such strength and protection,
to support us in all danger,
and carry us through all temptations;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Source: Martin Luther, the German Litany
RELATED PODCAST:
Prayer to the Good Shepherd
As you are the Shepherd over the flock
tend us to the shelter and the fold,
bless us beneath your own glorious mantle,
be our Shield of protection, and guard us forever.
Be a hard triumphant sword
to shield us securely from wicked hell,
from the fiends and from the cold, sharp daggers,
and from the lurid smoke of the abyss.
My soul is in the trust of the High King,
the Good Shepherd is in charge of my soul.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Source: Kenneth the Carpenter, written down by Dr. Donald Munro Morrison, (1889)
Prayer Sources:
Devotionals of Encouragement - Crosswalk.com
"Protection" Prayers - acollectionofprayers.com
Bible Verses and Protection and Safety
- "But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." - 2 Thessalonians 3:3
- "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1
- "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." - John 17:15
- 'And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." - Matthew 6:13
- "Because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." - Psalm 16:10-11
Read more Bible verses about protection.
Discover your fellow believers' prayers for protection and share your own on Crosswalk Forums! Click HERE.
Photo credit: © Unsplash/Sasha Freemind
Video Image Cred: https://unsplash.com/@tjump Song Cred: https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/64
This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
The Lord’s Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
Prayer for Anxiety
Prayer for Strength
Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional and podcast! An easy way to start your day with prayer: read or listen to today’s prayer and sign up to receive it by email.
