Two years ago, when my husband suddenly lost his job with a major insurance company after a decade of dedication and success, we were devastated.
It was – and remains to this day – one of the most difficult times of our lives.
In some ways, we still haven’t recovered.
But in the most important ways, we’ve never been stronger.
While unemployment wasn’t easy, and while I would’ve never chosen it, I can look back and say that God worked good in our hearts during that season.
Good that made my husband’s job loss necessary and even worth it.
One of our lifelines during that time in our lives was prayer.
The other was God’s Word.
And when you combine the two by praying the Scriptures, well, it doesn’t get better than that.
Here are eight biblical prayers for a season of unemployment. Lift them to the Lord for your own situation, or consider sharing them with someone you care about who is out of work.
Prayers for the Unemployed
Pray that God would help you not to be anxious, wondering what you will eat or drink or wear. Acknowledge to the Lord that this kind of worry is a sign of unbelief; thank Him that He knows everything you need. Ask God for His grace to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and claim the promise that all of your needs will be met (Matthew 6:31-33).
Ponder the truth that without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Ask God to show you how this applies in your life today.
Ask the Lord to teach you to be content in every situation, through the highs and lows of life. Pray that He would teach you the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need, and claim His promise that you can do all things through Him who strengthens you (Philippians 4:11-13).
Pray that God would grant you a generous spirit in spite of your circumstances, and that He would supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:11-19).
Confess to the Lord that no one can serve both God and money, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other (Matthew 6:24). Ask God to shine the light of His conviction in your heart, revealing any areas in which you have loved money more than God.
Beg God to show you what it means to count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds. Pray that the testing of your faith would produce steadfastness, and that steadfastness would have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4).
Praise God for His ability to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). Ask the Lord for His provision for your needs and for the good works He wants to do through you.
Commit to the Lord that you will trust in Him, and do good; pray that He would help you to faithfully dwell within the boundaries He has set for you. Spend some time delighting in the Lord, aligning your desires with His, and trusting His promise to give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:3-4).
Dear Heavenly Father, You instruct us to give thanks in everything (I Thessalonians 5:18), and as difficult as it is to do that during a time of job loss, please give me the grace to obey. Please let me not become so focused on my circumstances that I neglect Your blessings. I pray that You would increase my faith and draw me closer to You than ever before during this season. It’s in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, that I pray. Amen.
I’m inspired by reading this passages , I believe God always has a plan for us when we apply his teachings . Thank you !
Amen! Thanks so much for reading, Emilia.
Long live elders
Its been very inspiring.
By God’s protective custody I will stand because He is omnipotent.
Thank you for reading!
I don’t what God’s desires are for me. I guess that’s another thing to pray over. But it’s hard to align my desires with His when I don’t know what His are.
Hi, Rose! Thanks for this thoughtful comment. God has been so good to give us countless wise and good instructions for life in the Bible; THIS constitutes the vast majority of His desires for us. As we walk with Him by faith in His Son Jesus Christ, spending time with Him in His Word and in prayer, His Spirit leads us in knowing the more specific desires God has for us, such as our employment and our relationships, for example. I’m happy to converse more about this with you; feel free to leave a comment if you have another question or would like more clarification. Praying for you to know God, love Him, and serve Him with all your heart and all your soul.
thank you for inspiring message!
You’re most welcome! Thanks for reading!
I’m not dealing well with my unemployment currently. I have been out of work for close to a month. It’s been hard. I have savings and haven’t started Unemployment yet. I know I can qualify. I’m going to go back and read those prayers. Even save this link. I feel like I have messed up in quite a few areas of my life and all I want is to be on the right track. I have shame over my termination and have been frustrated with the Search. I wanted to leave a comment because you seem like a wise, caring Christian and hopefully I will hear back from you.
Dear Ryan
I hope things have improved for you. Unemployment is a severe test, but it is not anything to be ashamed of. I work on a short contract basis and often find myself without work. It is hard to dig deep and make those job applications when you are feeling anxious and perhaps like a failure. Don’t let the evil one accuse you – hang in there!
Best wishes
B
Dear Jennifer
I found yr post encouraging. 🙂 I am in my 8th year of being unemployed.
Wow – how the Lord sustains us when our lives become too broken. I thought I was a super Christian but boy – how the loving Lord God has been healing and teaching me. We say oh God is good, God is faithful – but it is only theory; when He puts us through trials then we can say yes God is faithful
You’re exactly right, Cherie – times of trial teach us so much about God, and about ourselves! Praying now that He would continue to sustain you and provide for you.
Dear Jennifer
I am encouraged by reading just one of the prayers. In 2015 I was told that i am being retrenched in November of that year. July 2015 My Dad was called to be with the Lord it was like life had just gotten more difficult. I never gave up on gods Promises my encouragement came when i was reminded of the Red Sea….to some its like a Story a fable for me its the hand of GOD he made them walk on DRY grounded. I mourned my Dad like any normal person would and I picked myself up and I praised God why cause I knew God was holding me in the Palm of his hand. I have not been employed i a full time circular Job since then I have been working contract to contract and I despite being at home fro 5 months without a Salary he has provided.
I pray that whoever reads this even if its just one person you are encouraged to Know that Jesus Christ loves you so unconditionally he will never let you beg for Bread You are created in his likeness and He loves you more than you know.
God Bless
Thank you for sharing from your heart here, Kumaren!
i believe God will make away for me and my stranded family here in Uganda-Africa..The situation am going through is worse NO Employment NO shelter NO everything but i best believe that the sun will shine on us someday and will find somebody to Aid my way of living….Thanks soo much Editor for the passage.God Bless you all :'(
emmanuelwallace94@gmail.com
+256700984406
Praying now for God’s complete provision for your every need, and that He would grant you the sweetness of His fellowship during this time of trial. Thank you for reading!
Dear Jennifer, please pray for me. I was laid off from my job back in July and have not been able to find one. Going on 6 moths now. It has been very hard and it has taken a toll on me mentally and emotionally. I’ve prayed ever since and hope that God sends me his blessings. Seems like I’ve looked at every website and have talked to so many people for help. But to no avail and it just brings me down more than you know. Please pray for me and my family.
Thank you
I’m so sorry to hear this, Eddie. I will absolutely pray for you and your family. My husband has had more than one season of unemployment, as well, so I know well the toll it can take. I wrote this post after one of those seasons – you might find it to be an encouragement. If you’re a Christian (unsure about this? I talk about that here), you can be certain of a few truths from God’s Word:
1)God’s love for you is unconditional. It’s not tied in any way to your level of professional “success.” (Romans 8:31-39)
2)God is always working for your ultimate good. (Romans 8:28-29) But His idea of our ultimate good is often different than ours; He tells us that our ultimate good is to be more like Jesus. And it’s been my experience that He often uses trials to accomplish this purpose in our lives.
3)God’s grace is enough for you in every situation and every season of life. (2 Corinthians 12:9) This can be one of the most fulfilling times of your life if you will allow Him to draw you close to Himself, increasing your faith as He shows you more of who He is.
Of course there are many more truths and promises for you in God’s Word, but I think that’s enough from me for now. 🙂 My prayers are with you!
My recent unemployment has been over 2yrs, some interviews no offers. Sometimes its frustrating but i have learned, I know and believe with all my all God provides everything I need. I am living with a friend, a blessing but moments of utter helplessness overcome me. Please pray for my continued strength in Gods word no matter what this situation looks and feels like-Amen
I will absolutely pray for you, Janitha. Thank you for your faith and for your testimony of God’s provision.
Hi Jennifer (and readers),
Please pray for us as well. My wife and I are in so much debt. If you found out how much debt we were in, you would probably cry. We are Christians and do have faith, but it seems like the right door has not yet opened. We have tried several things and have even got creative. I even applied for jobs you thought “anyone could get.” Even jobs young kids can get, I can’t get for some reason. Even after thousands of job applications and nearly thirty interviews, we still have yet to find anything. By God’s grace and love, we have managed to pay our necessary bills. However, time is running out and we desperately need help. We really need an opportunity where we can overcome all this debt.
I have been unemployed (without any income) for nearly a year now. We really have tried everything in prayer, patience, faith. I have been involved in networking and to exploring new opportunities. People have given advice. However, there is nothing we have not tried. I think the worst part is just the confusion. We have no idea what to pursue.
It has been hard seeing how some things are just handed to people, especially the people who barely work towards anything. Then again, we have moved passed that. We realize it’s not good to envious or jealous of other people. It’s taken tremendous growth to be happy for others when everything has been so difficult for us.
We appreciate all the prayers we can get. This season of life has been very hard. My wife and I have both battled depression and stress during this time. It’s taking a toll on our marriage. We’ve been waiting for a long time to see a light at the end of the tunnel. We’re desperate. We’re waiting. We’re both willing to do whatever it takes to serve God and be good stewards with our resources.
Hello, Jack, and welcome! My heart aches for what you’re experiencing. I will pray for you and your wife, that God would intervene in your situation and provide for your needs, making you lie down in green pastures, leading you beside still waters, and restoring your soul. I will particularly ask for Him to grant you wisdom in a confusing situation where you’re not sure what path to pursue. I know for sure that He loves you, and that He is working this out in a way that is making you more like His Son. Hang in there! You’re walking a difficult path, but you’ll never walk alone, for He is with you.
Thank you emilia for the wonderful words of God. I have found peace in the words. I am in need of a job. The bible says, David prayed to God to give him enough but not too much that he will forget God, and not too little that he will complain to God. today I pray the same prayer, that God can give me a job that will pay me enough. not too much that I may forget my God or his words. not too little that I may dought him or his words. Pray for me emilia and I will send you my testimony to glorify God all the days of my life.
Your request and your motivation behind it honor the Lord, and it’s my privilege to lift you to God in prayer, asking for His provision for you. Thank you for reading, and for sharing your heart.
Hi Jenny,
My husband is been without a job for 6 years now it’s really tough but I know God will answer my Prayer one day.
Thanks
Hello there, and welcome! I will join you in praying for God’s provision for you and your husband. He is faithful to take care of His children, sometimes in ways that are unexpected. Thank you for reading!
My husband loss his job and in desperate need of another. I have cancer and starting treatment again and our insurance runs out in August. So desperately need work for him. I can not work because of my illness.
Hello, Sue! My heart goes out to you and your husband as you face this season of trials. God is faithful, and He can use this time in your life to refine you and to draw you closer to Him than ever before. I will pray that you experience these riches in the midst of your trials, and for God’s abundant provision and grace.
Dear Jennifer,
I have been unemployed for a couple of months already. I have 5 dependents and my wife is a plain housewife. I have loans to pay and kids to send to school.
I have had several interviews but no offer so far.
I believe in God and his plans for me. I admit that i am anxious at times but I do not let fear and desire control me.
I am praying for the rest of us who are going through this phase. We will eventually get new jobs. Keep the faith!
Praying now for you, that God would provide for your need and that He would strengthen your faith during this struggle. Thank you for sharing your heart with me!
11 months of unemployment. Foolishly turned down a job offer in January because I was fearful and prideful that it was not the same salary as my old job. Now feeling very depressed and anxious that I will not get another job offer. Please pray that God will provide me with a new job soon.
Hello, Linda, and thank you for sharing your heart here. I will pray for your employment, and I will also pray that God would draw you particularly close to Himself and that you would find fullness of joy there, no matter your circumstances. Hang in there, friend!
Hello, I have been unemployed since Jan. 2018. I thought with 20yrs experience in healthcare and my networks I would find a job pretty quickly-this was not the case. I have turned down offers early on and one recentl because it would mean making 1/2 of what my old salary was. I feel regret and shame for declining that position now. I declined because I had 2 other job possibilities that would have paid more and offer more advancement. I have been the breadwinner in my 23yrs of marriage and, carried all the insurance. We have about 4-5 months left before we will have spent all our savings. I cried yesterda and today. I feel depressed although I have family and friend support. I plea for forgiveness from God that I did not take the most recent offer. I feel like a fool. I will be praying your prayer and ask for discernment and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. Thank You, Heather
Hi, Heather, and thanks so much for sharing your heart here. I’m so sorry for the trial you’re enduring with unemployment – it’s a season of life I’m very familiar with, and I will join you in prayer that God would provide for your needs and the needs of your family. Most importantly, I will pray that God would strengthen your faith in Him during this time, as He so often does during times of trial.
Pl pray for my husband who is unemployed dat d lord blesses him with a gud job soon
Hi there, and thank you for sharing this with me. I’m honored to pray for you and your husband, that God would provide for your needs and grant him a job.
I graduated from college with a sonography degree nearly 2 months ago. Things were great, right before Christmas I had a job interview, a 2nd one (same company), graduation, EVEN MADE DEANS LIST AND EARNED PTK, and passed my board exams for my license. I still have yet to hear in that particular job position, and still currently applying for others. Given my specialty, jobs are limited in this particular city. My husband just got laid off today. Now we are both without a job and we have two young boys, one in kindergarten and the other is 2 in full time daycare. We could remove him from daycare, but we lose our place if we do so. We have used up every bit of savings we had built to cover us while I was in school. We never imagined I would still be without a job, as my internship seemed promising, but it wasnt. We are desperate, we have been really growing closer to GOD, I mean REALLY. Our lives have truly changed for the better since we have, but we are tired and stressed to the max. I know our time is going to come, just some days are easier to deal with I guess. Any prayers for our family would truly be appreciated, the power of prayer and gods word is absolutely indescribable, a miracle.
Thank you.
Hi, Courtney! First I want to congratulate you on your graduation. It sounds like you worked very hard in school, and I praise the Lord for the grace and provision He made for you during that season of your life. I’m so sorry to hear of the tough time you’re now having with unemployment for both you and your husband. I’m honored to pray for you, that God would grant jobs through which He will provide for the financial needs of your family, and in places where you can let your light shine brightly for Him.
James 1:2-4 comes to mind: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” I don’t say that casually, and I hope it doesn’t come across as careless; I’m sharing it as one who has been in a similar place and who has seen the truth of this Scripture. Hang in there! God will continue to grow you and your husband to maturity, and He will provide. Thank you for sharing your heart here!
Please pray that I and others who are out of work find jobs soon. Please also pray that during this time we find ourselves closer to God.
Yes, I’m happy to join you in prayer for these requests, asking the Lord to provide for your every need and to strengthen your faith during this season. Thank you for reading and for sharing your heart here.
Thank you Jennifer Clarke for the good work God has done through you with this article I found so interesting.
I am a Nigerian, i met a lady during one of my recent interviews, who is now a very close friend of mine.
She suggested we go into fasting and prayer twice a week Tuesday and Fridays for God to provide us a good job employment. Today is the first day of the fasting please help us in prayer as we keen into our prayer points. God bless you more
Hello, and thank you for sharing with me a bit about your personal experience with unemployment. I’m honored to pray for you and your friend during this season of fasting and prayer, asking God to help you endure, to strengthen your faith, and to grow to know Him and love Him more and more.
Thank you, Jenny! I Really find your encouragement helpful and I covet it a lot when I see people who could still pray while they go through difficult times. I am a christian who has been out of employment for almost two years. I thought I was a strong christian until unemployment started taking its toll on me. I couldn’t even hear myself any longer while praying to God. My heart has been ever since so heavy to utter audible words in prayers. I have wept night and days, prayed and fasted and will not stop holding onto God till he intervenes.. The most difficult part is trying to believe God (sometimes) I could ever again be somebody to be reckoned with. On the good side (lol), I am no longer afraid of taking risks. I felt like I have lost that part of my life I need to carefully protect. I have nothing to lose again. All prides have melted! I have been separated from my wife and only son for almost a year now because I could no longer cater for them. I know there are a millions of people whose conditions are worse, especially on this side of the globe. Typing this is a ray of hope.
Hello, Kole, and thanks for sharing your heart here so transparently. I rejoice to hear that God is opening your eyes to His care and provision for you even during a very difficult season of life. I can relate to what you’ve experienced in God delivering you from fear and other sinful attitudes through a season of trial. If you’re interested in reading a bit about that, you can find those posts here and here.
I will pray for you, asking God to provide employment for you and to restore your family. I will also ask Him to help you know Him, love Him, and serve Him with all your heart and all your soul.