Every day, countless men and women of this nation raise their right hand and pledge to protect this great country from enemies foreign and domestic. Each year, several of these same brave soldiers are stationed around the world to make good on this promise.
It is such a privilege and an honor to know that there are those who are willing to protect the democracy of the nation. So, how can we support those who offer their lives to support us?
There are many tangible things we can do to support the troops, but as Christians, we have a weapon that we can use that extends far greater. That weapon is prayer! Learn how you can pray for our troops with powerful prayers for soldiers.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our full disclosure here.
Bible Verses to Pray for Soldiers and Their Families
A powerful way to pray for our troops is to pray using scriptures. This involves finding applicable scriptures that include commands, encouragements, and promises and then creating prayers with the words.
Because this method of prayer includes God’s living word, this is an effective way to not only present your requests to God but also to see the true personal transformation.
There are several verses that can be used to pray for soldiers, however, a few topics that you can focus on when finding bible verses include verses on:
- Healing
- Protection
- Wisdom
- Courage
- Strength
- Comfort
- Peace
In the example prayers below, I will list several specific scriptures that can be used to pray for each particular prayer point.
The Soldier’s Psalm
One scripture that has been affectionately labeled the Soldiers Psalm is Psalm 91. This psalm can be prayed through both by those of us who are desiring to pray for our troops, as well as by soldiers who are praying to stay close to God in the midst of the storms they face.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Highest will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
There is quite a bit of lore surrounding this psalm, but the truth of this scripture stands, Psalm 91 is a bold declaration of trust in God – no matter what! This sort of bold faith is encouraging for anyone praying through this psalm! The overarching theme is to take refuge in God, and he will keep you safe!
If you are looking for verses to pray for soldiers. This scripture is an excellent starting point!
Powerful Examples of Prayers for Soldiers
Praying for our troops is an honor that we should not take lightly! The bible says in John 15:13 (KJV),
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
It is a great source of pride to be able to pray for those who are so willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and welfare of those they love and those they do not even know! Here are a few example prayers for soldiers that you can add to your daily prayer lists.
Pray For Protection of Soldiers
One of the most important prayers to pray for soldiers is a prayer of protection. The men and women of the armed service work daily to protect the rights and freedoms of the people of this nation. Sometimes this takes them to dangerous places far from home.
Heavenly Father, I praise you in advance for your hand of protection over the soldiers of this great nation. Lord they have answered a call to protect and defend their fellow countrymen, so today I ask that you place a hedge of protection around them.
Be the shield that guides their steps during the day and the fire that lights their path at night. Lord, I trust that while the weapon may form, it will not prosper. I thank you in advance for your protecting power. From the tip of their head to the soles of their feet as well as their heart and mind, I praise you for your divine covering. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Guiding Scriptures to pray for protection for soldiers: Psalm 34:7-9, Isaiah 54:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5
Pray for the Lord to Strengthen Our Troops with Courage
While members of the military are trained well to be prepared for the many things that they may encounter while in the field or in combat, that does not minimize any fear that they may feel. That is why it is imperative that your prayers for troops include praying that God would strengthen their hearts and minds.
Lord in heaven I thank you in advance for walking with our troops. Father we ask that you would strengthen them with the knowledge that you are with them. Lord, uphold them with your right hand. Lord remind them that you did not give them a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.
Lord, help them to know that you are their shepherd, and with you there is nothing they lack. I praise you in advance for your hand in the lives of our troops. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Guiding scriptures to pray for courage for troops: Isaiah 41:10-12, Psalm 23:1-7, 2 Timothy 1:7
Pray for Healing of Their Mind and Body
There are times that troops return wounded. These wounds can be physical, but there are also wounds that extend into the heart and soul. War and separation from all that these soldiers hold dear can lead to brokenness, but we serve a faithful God who is the ultimate healer. This prayer for soldiers appeals to God for healing of mind, body, and soul.
Heavenly Father, you are our Jehovah Rapha, you are our healer. Lord, I pray that you would cover our troops with your healing power. Touch their bodies and minds so that the perils of war do not remain. Remind them of your lovingkindness.
Soften their hearts, and surround them with those who they can lean on as they process everything that they have seen. Give them hearts that lean on and seek you as they reintegrate into their daily lives. We thank you in advance for the miraculous healing that only you can provide. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen
Guiding scriptures for healing: Psalm 30:2, Jeremiah 30:17, Philippians 4:19
Prayer for Military Families
One often forgotten way to pray for our soldiers is to pray for the families that they many times have to leave behind. As the daughter of a military dad and a veteran myself, I know firsthand the anxiety that military families live with day-to-day. When we pray for the troops, we should also keep their families in mind.
Lord in Heaven, I pray that you would be comforting for the families of the military members all around the world. Be strength for the mothers and fathers who are missing children who are away. Lord strengthen the wives and husbands who are holding down the home front.
Keep their hearts, surround them with a godly community to provide for them when they are in need. Be their peace as they maintain a household until they are able to be reunited again. Father we also ask that you would give understanding beyond their years to the children of soldiers deployed and in training settings.
We know that you are a God of restoration and you will restore the time that deployment takes. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Guiding Scriptures for military families: John 16:22, Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 11:28
Additional Ways to Support Our Troops
While praying for soldiers you may feel the pressing in your heart to do more. Prayer often not only affects those we are praying for, but it encourages our hearts to act and be the hands and feet of Jesus. If you find yourself seeking additional practical ways to serve the soldiers who are serving this country here are a few additional things that you can do:
- Write a letter to a deployed service member
- Adopt a soldier in training
- Invite local service members to church
- Say thank you to servicemembers you know
- Offer to babysit for the spouse of a deployed service member
- Make care packages for military members
Prayer is powerful! Praying for our servicemen and women can make a difference in the lives of those who serve.
Be sure to also read:
