A Courageous Prayer for When You Need to Get Back Up Again
When Life Knocks You Down
Have you ever felt like getting back up after failure, heartbreak, or disappointment is nearly impossible? Maybe you’ve fallen so hard that the thought of moving forward feels overwhelming. The truth is, life has a way of knocking us down—sometimes through circumstances beyond our control, and other times through our own mistakes.
I remember when my son used to play basketball. Those days are long past, but I still recall watching his team play with grit and determination. They weren’t just playing a casual game—it was competitive, exhausting, leave-it-all-on-the-floor kind of basketball. Every fall was followed by a choice: stay down or get back up and press toward the goal. Watching them taught me something important: resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about choosing to rise again.
And that picture still inspires me today. Because just like those young athletes, we too are called to rise after every fall. The game of life is far more serious than basketball, but the principle remains—when we fall, we must keep pressing toward the goal God has set before us.
When “Mommy Fail” Moments Knock You Down
That truth became even more real in the years when my children were small. I often wrestled with what I called my “Mommy Fail” moments. Maybe you’ve had those days too—the ones where the kids wouldn’t listen, the to-do list was impossible, work pulled at every corner, and patience ran out long before bedtime.
On those days, I didn’t feel like the resilient athlete bouncing back after a fall. I felt like the player who couldn’t get up—frustrated, exhausted, and ready to quit. I snapped when I should have extended grace. I folded under the weight of expectations. I sat in defeat, convinced I wasn’t enough.
Looking back now, I realize those seasons were shaping me. God used my weaknesses to show me His strength. He reminded me that He doesn’t measure us by perfect parenting, spotless houses, or unshakable resolve. He measures us by His love, His forgiveness, and His constant presence.
The “Mommy Fail” days are behind me, but the truth remains the same: whether it’s parenting struggles, personal mistakes, or life’s unexpected blows—when we fall short, God remains faithful.
Why Is It So Hard to Get Back Up Again?
Falling is part of life. But rising? That’s where the real battle lies.
When we stumble, we often:
- Listen to lies from the enemy – “You’ve failed too badly this time. There’s no coming back.”
- Give in to discouragement – “I’m too tired to try again.”
- Feel stuck in shame – “Everyone sees my weakness. Why even bother?”
But none of these thoughts are from God. Scripture tells us the opposite:
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” – Proverbs 24:16
Falling is not the end. Staying down is. Call on Him and He will lift you. It may not feel good right away, but friends, do it anyway!
7 Biblical Truths About Getting Back Up Again
- You Are Not Alone in the Struggle
Even the most faithful believers stumbled. David, Peter, Elijah—all had moments of weakness. Yet God restored them. - God Turns Setbacks Into Setups
What feels like failure can become the soil for God’s greatest work in your life. He never wastes pain. - Your Identity Is Not in Your Failure
You are not defined by what you did—or what was done to you. You are defined by who you are in Christ. - God’s Strength Works Best in Your Weakness
When you’re at the end of yourself, that’s when His power shines through most clearly.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 - Prayer Is Your Greatest Weapon
Instead of groveling in defeat, rise in prayer. Prayer invites God’s power into your battle. - The Word of God Is Your Anchor
Every time the enemy whispers defeat, speak God’s Word louder. Replace lies with truth. - Victory Belongs to God
We may stumble, but Christ already secured victory on the cross. Our part is to rise and walk in it.
Bible Verses for When You Need to Get Back Up
- Here are powerful Scriptures to cling to when you feel knocked down:
Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” - Philippians 3:13-14 – “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal…”
- Psalm 145:14 – “The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.”
- Micah 7:8 – “Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair…”
Practical Steps to Rise Again After Failure
- Getting back up isn’t just spiritual—it’s also practical. Here’s how to take action when you feel defeated:
Pause and Breathe – Don’t rush. Give yourself space to process the fall. - Pray Honestly – Tell God exactly how you feel. He can handle your raw honesty.
- Read Scripture Daily – Even a verse or two can renew your mind.
- Take One Small Step Forward – Call a friend, go for a walk, write down a new plan. Small steps matter.
- Surround Yourself with Encouragement – Be with people who speak life, not negativity.
- Remember Past Victories – Reflect on times God brought you through before. He will do it again.
- Choose Faith Over Feelings – Feelings may say “stay down,” but faith says, “rise.”
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A Prayer for When You Need to Get Back Up Again
Dear Father, I come before You today in surrender. In surrender of all my mishaps, struggles, and heartache. Sometimes my failures threaten to crush my spirit and my pain threatens to suffocate me. Defeat looms over me. So, today I come to You and ask You to be my strength, wisdom, and cornerstone. When I feel struck down, remind me I am never defeated. When I feel persecuted, remind me I am not forsaken. And when I am afflicted, remind me I cannot be crushed with You as my Savior. (2 Corinthians 4:8) Direct my steps, O Lord, and lead me to everlasting hope. (Psalm 119:133). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Encouragement: It’s Not Failing to Begin Again
Friend, have you fallen hard? Does getting back up feel almost impossible?
Here’s the truth: It isn’t failing when we need to begin again. It’s growing stronger in faith and leaning harder on our Savior. Every time you rise, you become a testimony of God’s power at work in human weakness.
Oh, those days of apologizing to my kids for colossal mummy fails. Not a fun memory, but, Lori, I do believe that some of the reason why we have strong relationships with our two grown up boys is that they know we are human, they’ve seen us fail — and then get back up again. There’s no illusion that they need to be perfect to be loved by us!
I receive those words, Michele, because GOODNESS have they seen me being human! ♥ It’s encouraging to see how it plays out further down the road. Thank you!
We mess up daily, but by the grace of God, He loves us anyway! I say this to myself and others all the time. Because goodness if we can’t fill our heads with Truth, the enemy just wants to fill it with lies. Such a beautiful prayer your shared today friend. Love it! xoxo
Amen, Nicki! He sure does want to fill that empty space, doesn’t he? Thank you for your kind words. I am thankful for you♥
I’m so sorry that you’ve struggled this past week, Lori. But you are right about the strength we can gain through turning to Christ in our failures and weaknesses. I’m praying that you feel more and more of His strength and encouragement. It is a strong woman who realizes her weaknesses and seeks God’s strength to continue to run the race. You go, girl! Thanks for encouraging us all to reach out for God’s hope and strength.
Thanks, Beth! I so look forward to your notes of encouragement each week ♥ You bless me so very MUCH! I am super happy to report that this week is waaaaay better! Whew 🙂 Another time God proves His promises to be true ♥
When I read the prayer, Toby Mac’s “Get Back Up” played in my head. I often need this reminder! I’ve scheduled to share your post at 8 p.m. CST on my Facebook page today, Lori. Blessings to you this week!
Thanks so much, Sarah! I LOVE that song ♥ It was my middle child’s favorite song for a long time. In his young little mind, it made him think of basketball, but it lead us into deeper conversations about life which was fabulous. Have a wonderful rest of your week and weekend!
What a beautiful prayer of surrender. God is truly our strength! Thank you for this uplifting prayer, Lori. Have a blessed week!
You, too, sweet friend! ♥
Your post really spoke to me because Sofia and I remind each other all the time: “no one is perfect except Jesus” and “we love each other even when we get upset with each other.”
You will be forgiven… not just by your children for any missteps… but by our Heavenly Father.
You are so right to turn to scripture in these tough moments. He will speak encouragement and love to you when you feel ashamed and beaten down.
You are so encouraging Lori. Keep at it!
Laura, Thank you so much for your kind words! They mean a great deal to me ♥ It’s so good to remind each other that only God is perfect. I always struggle with finding the balance between living life in excellence for Him and living life trying to achieve perfection. One is healthy and the other not! My prayer is that my children grasp that much sooner than I did! It sounds like Sofia is well on her way!
Hugs,
Lori
Prayer is a MIGHTY weapon because we serve the Mighty Living and true God; I think I often forget that, and my faith is too weak. I don’t remember that I”m walking by faith in God and His promises, not myself. Thank you so much sister for reminding us of the mighty weapon of prayer!
It’s so easy to forget that and get it turned around … Him not us. We work so hard and lose sight of God and all the power we have access to through Him! Thank you, Emily! Love connecting again!
Those weeks are tough. 🙁 I’m glad we don’t have them too often. Yes, I’ve had those times when I didn’t feel like getting back up either. Thankfully God has never let me wallow there too long, especially when it’s of my own making to start with. He is attentive and throws out a helping hand some way or another. Thanks for sharing this, Lori.
He sure does throw out a helping hand! ♥ Thanks so much for joining me here, Lisa!
Hugs,
Lori
Lori- thank you so much for sharing my post! I appreciate your encouragement more than you know.
Your post brought comfort to me today. The last month has been hard, and your prayer was just what my soul needed to hear.
Keep giving hope and encouragement, you are a blessing to many!
Julie, I am beyond thankful this post brought comfort to you! You are such a blessing to so many and if I can bless you in return, I am humbled. Please know I am praying for you and claiming God’s hope over your life. God’s ABUNDANT hope, love, joy, peace … Your post was beautiful, too. I was honored to feature it! Keep writing, my friend! You have a gift!
Thank you for sharing so honestly, Lori. I’m so sorry it was such a tough week. Getting up again can be so hard. But as you say in your prayer, we can never be crushed with God as our Savior. Such beautiful hope! Thank you. Love and hugs!
Thanks for your encouragement, Trudy! I am happy to report that this is a better week and God has proven His promises to be true once again!
♥
Lori
Just a personal note Lori to say that you are on the right track! I just love your heart to continue to offer hope to all of us. We need it! You are woman who lifts up the name of Jesus and as we look to Him we will find our true hope and direction. Blessings on you today as you serve Him. And a big virtual hug too!
Angela, your words were such a blessing to me today. Thank you so much. I pray all the time that Jesus be the guide and that I keep my focus on Him and not get distracted. Sometimes it’s extra challenging, though, right?
Love ya much,
Lori
Thank you for hosting! Lovely links as always!
Thank YOU for joining in! ♥
I love your prayer; it is such a comfort to be able to bring everything to God in prayer and know that He cares every time, no matter what time of the day or night.
Thanks for all the hard work you put into hosting this linkup! 🙂
Thank you, Ruth! I am so thankful this prayer met you right where you needed. God truly is there all. the. time ♥
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Oh yes, hand raised in agreement! The enemy tries so hard to knock us down, but in Christ you just keep getting back up! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
It was great to visit, Sherry! You have such a warm and inviting place ♥ I’m praying we all keep our armor on and keep fighting the good fight by getting back up each time we are knocked down!
Hi friend, Sorry I haven’t been here in the comments in awhile. I have tried to back off of all the little things this blogging requires. My kiddos really seemed to be affected by “mommy always on the computer”, even if I wasn’t, it is how it seemed to them. I tried to explain I was telling people about Jesus but that didn’t seem to help. I had to step back and remember my ministry at home comes first as mommy.
So stopping by when I get a minute. I love your post as always. Your smiling face and encouragement brighten my day! Love and Blessings, Jaime
Hi Jaime,
I hear ‘ya on that! I have had a hard time making it to the link-ups I so love! I’m glad you took a little step back to honor your first ministry ♥ Sometimes I think blogging could take up 24 hours a day! It’s so good to connect, though, even in the little moments. I feel the same way about you!
Lori, I remember humbly apologizing to my son for losing my temper. He said, “I knew you’d be back.” I had a conflicted internal response. Part of me wanted to say, “Do you recognize what YOU did?” But the other part was thankful he knew my heart. I think these times are part of our refining!
“This is a beautiful and timely prayer! Feeling discouraged is part of life, but this reminds us that God’s strength is always there to lift us up. For those looking for more prayers and resources, prayertimetoronto.com offers a wonderful community and inspiration.
This piece uses a basketball game to depict life’s challenges, urging readers to find strength in prayer and God’s word to overcome setbacks and keep moving forward.
This article uses the metaphor of a basketball game to illustrate life’s challenges, encouraging readers to draw strength from prayer and God’s word to overcome obstacles and keep progressing.