5 Best Psalms to read for soldiers (Psalms prayers for soldiers)

Since I have a leadership role in my local church, a lady approached me and asked me about the best Psalms for soldiers to read. Her son just recently joined the military, and she wanted to send him some encouraging Psalms.

I decided to do some research and identify the perfect Psalms on her behalf. After sharing my insight with her, I was excited to write this article to help other soldiers and their loved ones find comfort in the book of Psalms.

5 Best Psalms to read for soldiers

Psalms 144:1-2

“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.”

In this Psalm, the writer is asking God to teach him how to win his battles. Winning is not just a matter of brute force. It also requires spiritual maturity and strategy.

Reading this Psalm can be your way of asking God to equip you in every way, so you can win every battle in your life.

Psalms 91

“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.'”

This is a powerful Psalm that describes God as the ultimate protector of those who depend on him. It talks about the dangers that soldiers face out in the field.

You can read this Psalm to stay assured of God’s protection as you continue to serve your country.

Psalms 27:1-3

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”

This psalm is about having confidence in God and knowing who you are in Him. Psalms 27:3 says that fear is not an option, even if an army is about to attack you.

Reading this scripture can instill the courage you need to face the battle head-on.

Psalms 33:16-22

“No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. ¹⁷ A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.”

This psalm teaches that even the strongest soldiers in the greatest armies need God to win. Your skills and weapons are not enough.

Reading this Psalm reminds you that soldiers also need God to shield and protect them in battle.

Psalms 18:1-6

“I love you, Lord, my strength. 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. The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me.”

This scripture reminds us that God is a refuge and fortress for his people. Soldiers who go to war to fight for justice can count on God’s protection and deliverance.

This is a great read when you’re in the throes of war.

Psalms 35:1-3

“Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, ‘I am your salvation.'”

This Psalm is a petition for God to go to war on your behalf. The writer is asking God to fight against his enemies. In this Psalm, the speaker wants God to touch his soul, so he can understand that salvation comes from the Lord.

You can read this Psalm when you feel surrounded by the enemy.

What is the most popular Psalms prayer for soldiers?

Most soldiers can relate to Psalm 91. The theme in this scripture is total confidence in God during times of adversity. The Bible describes this as taking refuge in God.

From the beginning, this scripture tells us that taking shelter in God is the wisest thing a soldier can do during war. Soldiers work in a very hostile environment. Praying using this Psalm comforts them spiritually.

According to this Psalm, if you trust in God, He will cover you with his power and love. Christians believe that issues like hunger, diseases, and injuries will not weaken you if you abide in God.

Psalms 91:7 goes deeper into the theme of war by boldly stating; that even though thousands of people fall around you, danger will not touch you.

This is an important concept for soldiers that are often stationed in areas with active terrorism.

What is a good Psalm prayer for soldiers before going into battle?

Theologians propose that Psalms 27:1-3 is a great scripture, which soldiers can use to pray before battle. Soldiers experience all kinds of emotions before heading out for battle.

The majority are terrified for their lives, wondering if they will make it home to be with their families. It is posited that the empowering words in this Psalm are perfect for composing a prayer for courage and God’s protection.

What is a good Psalm prayer for soldiers to win battles?

Most Bible scholars agree that Psalms 144:1-2 is the ideal scripture for soldiers to pray for victory. As mentioned earlier, the writer praises God for preparing him for battle.

Many things have to work out for soldiers to emerge victorious from battle. To be conquerors, soldiers need a combination of strategy, manpower and weapons.

Christians propose that this Psalm is an effective way of asking God to expand their skills in battle.

Can you read these Psalms for spiritual battles?

Yes. Many of these psalms are very effective for spiritual battles. Psalms 27:1-6 is a great read when you are facing spiritual attacks.

The Bible reveals that often, our battles are more spiritual than physical. You can apply the words in this Psalm to ask God to flood your life with his light and protection.

This Psalm restores your hope by teaching you that God is the stronghold of your life.