Christmas is supposed to be a time of family, friends, giving and receiving, joy, and wonder—at least, that’s what our culture teaches us. But for many of us, that’s not our experience. The emphasis on togetherness and cheer highlights all the ways we may feel isolated, alone, or depressed. As Christians, we want to express gratitude to God for the gift of salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ, but we wonder if God even cares about what’s going on with us right now.

The reasons for our blue Christmases vary widely, from person to person and circumstance to circumstance. They often involve some kind of loss, such as a death, a job, or a relationship. We might feel financially stretched, lonely, or depressed. We might have gotten some bad health news. Any kind of negative situation or experience can contribute to our blue feelings. In all the holiday hubbub, it's even possible not to realize we are having a blue Christmas (or want to admit it).

We might feel very far from God, but our Father in Heaven is not far away. He is with us in our trials. With God, it’s okay not to be okay. As the apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians:

The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:5-7).

We present these five prayers for a blue Christmas in the spirit of this comforting truth. Pray them in the days leading up to Christmas, on Christmas Day, or after Christmas. Each is rooted in the Psalms, God’s prayer book. May they help you share your feelings with your God who loves you and sense his nearness to you.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame…The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:4-5, 17-18).

Holy Father, you are so faithful. I am brokenhearted and don’t feel very merry this Christmas. I’m struggling to keep my focus on you. Thank you for your promise to hear the cries of those who look to you. I am counted among the righteous because your Son came to earth and became my righteousness. He brought me into your family. Father, be close to me this Christmas as I struggle with [tell God what’s going on and how you feel about it]. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Come quickly to help me

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest…But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me…For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help (Psalm 22:1-2, 19, 24).

Dear God, your love is perfect. Sometimes, I feel far away from you and wonder if you’re really there. I thank you, Lord, that when Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” he spoke those words for me. Because Jesus came to save his people from their sins, you have not forsaken me but walk through this life with me, giving me comfort and strength. Lord God, help me believe that in the face of these troubles. [Share with God what troubles you and ask him for what you need.] In your Son’s name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

My God is my rock

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies…In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears…He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me (Psalm 18:2-3, 6, 19).

Loving God, you are good, and your love endures forever. You are “worthy of praise.” In this Christmas season, I feel vulnerable and exposed. I’m [share with God what worries you or makes you afraid]. Thank you for being my rock. Thank you for your gift of salvation through Jesus, the one we celebrate this holiday. In his name, may I have the grace to trust that you hear my cries for help and rescue me from all my troubles. In Christ’s name. Amen.

I will dwell in the house of the Lord

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever (Psalm 23).

Wonderful Shepherd, you are trustworthy, and I find peace in your love. This holiday season, I feel like I’m wandering outside the pasture. [Tell God how you may feel lost or disconnected from him or other people.] Thank you for being the Good Shepherd, finding me, and leading me back to where you want me to be. I know that even on the darkest days, you are with me and protect me from harm. In your name. Amen.

With you, LORD, is unfailing love

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge…One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, LORD, is unfailing love” (Psalm 62: 5-8, 11-12).

Faithful Lord, your love never fails. Sometimes, I forget that you are my strength and my salvation. I try to overcome my difficulties by myself. [Confess ways you rely on yourself instead of God.] But you made a way for me to live this life with you, not apart from you. You replace my weakness with Christ’s strength. This Christmas, in all that I struggle with, I pour out my heart to you and receive your unfailing love. I take refuge in you. Bless me and all those I love. In your powerful name, Amen.

We pray that this Christmas season will bring you closer in your relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Would you like more encouragement this Christmas? We invite you to subscribe to Today and receive our “Blue Christmas” devotional email series and ebook. Subscribe for free right here.