Some may argue that asking God for protection during times of crisis is self-centered. In reality, it’s exactly what God wants from us.

More Americans are turning to prayer during the COVID-19 pandemic, and prayer hasn’t declined significantly since 1996.

During these difficult times, there has been an increase in online searches for prayer globally as people anxiously sought assistance and comfort from God. Praying for protection becomes especially important during times of uncertainty.

There are five different types of prayer: 

• Adoration 
• Petition 
• Intercession 
• Thanksgiving 
• Praise 
  

When praying for protection, we’re using petition and intercession.

Let’s take a look at a scripture about the power of prayer and using it for protection. Its insight can help us learn why we should pray for protection.

Psalm 91

Psalm 91 is a protection scripture used by Christians throughout the ages during times of danger and crisis, and it is the perfect morning prayer that is relevant for our modern times.

If you read Psalm 91, you will see that it isn’t just a powerful prayer, but it's a promise that God’s care will be bestowed upon you:

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High 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.’ 

“Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 

If you say, ‘The LORD is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;  they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

“‘Because he loves me,’ says the LORD, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.’”

Follow these five simple steps when asking God for protection:

• Prepare your mind and heart
• Be sincere
• Find a quiet place
• Focus on the quality of your prayers
• Concentrate your thoughts

Here are four prayers you can use for protection from evil for you and your family: 

Short prayer for strength and protection

This prayer came from Martin Luther.

“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.”

Bedtime prayer for the protection of family

This prayer was written by author Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

“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.”

Powerful morning prayer 

This prayer is an old Irish prayer known as St. Patrick’s Breastplate, and is a call for protection.

“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.”

Prayer for protecting a child

“Dear Father,

You are like a wing that shelters my children, strong with protection, soft with grace. You are like a shield that encircles them each day.

They run free and you are with them as they adventure. You are like a crown placed upon their heads, a symbol of sonship, of belonging and of their adoption into your family.

Lord, I place them into your great care and declare that they are yours.

Amen”

Any of these prayers can bring you closer to God. Consider your prayers to be a two-way conversation with the Lord Jesus. 

All of these prayers will give you and your loved ones a hedge of protection against evil spiritual forces.

Prayers for strength and courage

A part of protection is having the strength and courage to overcome our fears. Here are some additional prayers that can help you when you need protection from your anxieties.

Prayer for when you have fear

“Father, here I am before your throne with a heavy heart and an anxious mind.

Come, Lord, and fill me with your Holy Presence. Let me rest and be at peace. Let me feel your protection. Let me feel as if I’m under the shadow of your wings. Safe, hidden, and secure in you. Only you can give and take it all.

I pray, Father, please take my fear away and give me your peace that surpasses all understanding. You know that my life is in your hands. My trust and my hope is on you alone, Father.

Thank you, in the Name of Jesus.

Amen”

Daily prayer for strength from the Bible

This prayer comes from Psalm 27:1.

“Dear Jesus,

You are the strength of my life;

You are my rock, my fortress and my protector; therefore, whom shall I be afraid?

You are my shield, my strong-tower and my stronghold.

I will call to You because You are worthy to be praised.

So, Father, I thank you for being my strength and My God in whom I trust, Amen.”

Prayer to calm your mind

“Loving God,

Please grant me peace of mind and calm my troubled heart. My soul is like a turbulent sea. I can't seem to find my balance so I stumble and worry constantly.

Give me the strength and clarity of mind to find my purpose and walk the path you've laid out for me. I trust your Love God, and know that you will heal this stress. Just as the sun rises each day against the dark of night.

Please bring me clarity with the light of God.

In your name I pray, Amen.”

Devotional daily prayer delivers a hedge of protection 

Turning to prayer and asking our Heavenly Father for His protection and care over ourselves and our loved ones isn’t self-serving. 

Psalm 91 shows us that asking God for help in difficult times is what we should be doing. Individuals and families who practice daily prayer and Bible study automatically have a hedge of protection against negative spiritual forces.

During the pandemic, millions of people worldwide turned to prayer to ask for protection from sickness and loneliness, particularly during times of extended lockdowns and lack of human contact. 

The prayers we suggested can help you calm your mind and provide comfort. You can also listen to our key insights, where you can hear book summaries by a gifted range of Christian commentators on various topics, including the importance of prayer.

If you want help with your daily or morning prayers, download the pray.com app in the iOS App or Google Play stores.