Praying for God's Presence in the Pain

Pain can feel like a shadow that follows you everywhere, stealing your energy and clouding your hope. Whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual, pain has a way of isolating you, making you feel like no one—not even God—understands. In moments like these, prayer can feel impossible. You might wonder, How do I pray when the pain is too much?

The Apostle Paul knew this struggle. He wrote about a "thorn in the flesh," a persistent hardship he begged God to remove. Instead of taking it away, God said: "My grace is enough for you. My power shows up best in your weakness." Paul's response? He chose to lean into God's strength. Maybe he would say it like this today: "If that's true, I'll embrace my weaknesses so Christ's power can rest on me. When I'm weak, that's when I'm truly strong."

We don't know exactly what Paul's thorn was, but that's what makes his story so relatable. His struggle could have been physical, emotional, or spiritual—just like the challenges we face today. When God didn't take the thorn away, He gave Paul something greater: His sustaining grace and the assurance of His presence.

Psalm 46:1-3 echoes this truth: "God is always ready to help. He's our refuge and strength, so we don't need to be afraid—even when everything around us feels like it's falling apart, when the world shakes, and life feels overwhelming" (paraphrased).

Even when life seems to be crumbling, God remains your refuge and strength. He is not distant; He is present in the middle of your pain, offering His power to sustain you.

I've experienced this personally. I've lost my mom to leukemia, my daughter to rare disease after watching her suffer for 22 years, and my dad to cancer. Over the years, grief felt like a weight I couldn't lift. I remember crying out to God, "How much longer?" I didn't always get the answers I wanted in those moments, but I did sense God's presence. Sometimes, it came through a verse that spoke directly to my heart, a word of encouragement from a friend, or the quiet reassurance that I wasn't alone. His presence didn't erase the pain but gave me the strength to take one more step.

If you're struggling to feel God's presence today, know He hasn't left you. He sees every tear and hears every cry. Start by honestly bringing your pain to Him. Don't hold back. Tell Him how you feel, what you need, and where you struggle. God welcomes your honesty—He already knows your heart.

You can also invite God's presence into your pain through His Word. Scriptures like 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Psalm 46, and Isaiah 41:10 remind us of His nearness and faithfulness. Repeating these verses as prayers can shift your perspective and anchor you in His promises.

Here are a few ways to sense God's presence:

• Write a prayer of surrender. Pour your heart into God in writing, and let Him meet you in your vulnerability.
• Listen to worship music. Find songs that remind you of His promises, and let them minister to your soul.
• Spend time in nature. Take a walk and reflect on the beauty of His creation, letting it remind you of His care for you.

Pain may not disappear immediately, but God's presence is enough to sustain you. His grace is sufficient, His power is made perfect in your weakness, and He is your refuge and strength. Today, lean into Him. Trust that He is carrying you, even when the path feels heavy. Perhaps desperate prayers are the perfect prayers.

Let's Pray

Lord, this pain feels overwhelming, and I don’t know how to carry it anymore. But I know You are with me, and Your grace is enough. Please strengthen me and help me to feel Your presence in the middle of my struggle. Thank You for being my refuge and strength. Amen.

Reflect

What practical step can you take today to invite God’s presence into your pain?

NEXT STEPS

If you enjoyed this encouragement to pray through dark times, you'll love my new book, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments. It’s filled with raw, honest moments, powerful Bible stories, and practical encouragement to help you discover strength and peace in place of panic. Get your book or enjoy the free class,How to Be A Prayer Warrior for Your Family in Dark Times, HERE.