Patience is tested in small things: a child who won’t listen, a colleague who is late, an answer that never comes, an illness that heals slowly. A prayer for patience does not wipe away irritation or anxiety in an instant, but it gives you something to hold on to in the moment you feel yourself slipping. In this article you will find short prayers for patience and gentleness – in waiting, in the family and with children – plus a few practical steps for tense moments.
What patience means in the spiritual life
In the Christian tradition, patience does not mean gritting your teeth and suffering in silence. It is the strength to remain whole in the face of difficulties, to wait without despair and to respond without malice. The Apostle Paul lists it among the fruits of the Spirit, alongside love, peace and gentleness. Gentleness is, in fact, the visible face of patience: the way you speak and behave when you have every reason to get angry.
Patience is asked for and practised. It does not come all at once, but through many small trials, day after day.
A short prayer for patience
Prayer in your own words (suggested by us, not a liturgical text):
Lord Jesus Christ, You who endured everything out of love for us, give me patience too. Stop my hasty word and my angry thought. Teach me to wait without worrying and to answer gently where I would rather answer harshly. Amen.
It is short enough to say silently in the middle of a heated discussion or in traffic.
The Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian
One of the best-known prayers for patience and gentleness is the Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian, said especially during Great Lent. In it, the believer asks to be kept from the spirit of sloth, idle talk and love of power, and to receive the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love. You will find the full text and its explanation in our article on the Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian.
Prayer for patience while waiting
Waiting for a medical result, an answer about a job, a court decision or a change that never seems to come can be exhausting.
Prayer in your own words (suggested by us, not a liturgical text):
Lord, I entrust to You what I am waiting for: (say what it is). You know the right time for everything. Take away my anxiety and give me peace to do today what depends on me, without living in the future. Thy will be done. Amen.
Prayer for gentleness in the family and with children
We find it hardest to be patient with those we love most. Tiredness, worries and routine make our temper flare precisely at home.
Prayer in your own words (suggested by us, not a liturgical text):
Most Pure Mother of God, teach me your gentleness. When I am tired and lose my calm with my children or with those in my home, stop me for a moment. Give me kind words, a warm tone and a heart that forgives quickly. Amen.
If you often pray for those at home, see also the prayer for the family.
Practical steps when you lose your patience
- Breathe before you answer. Three slow breaths give you time to choose your words.
- Say a one-sentence prayer. “Lord, give me patience”, said silently, changes the tone of the conversation.
- Postpone the difficult conversation. When you are very angry, it is wiser to say “let’s talk later”.
- Take care of your body. Sleep, regular meals and short breaks make patience much easier.
- Apologise quickly. If you have flared up, a sincere apology repairs more than any explanation.
- In the evening, take stock. Give thanks for the moments when you succeeded and ask for help for those when you did not.
If your impatience comes from constant anxiety or worries that keep you awake, also read the prayer for anxiety, and if the feeling persists, talk to a psychologist as well. For those who also want to work energetically on patterns of anger and tension, the Releases for Mind & Well-being collection can be extra support, alongside prayer.
Frequently asked questions
What prayer is said for patience?
The Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian is one of the best-known prayers asking for the spirit of patience. You can also say a short prayer in your own words whenever you feel you are losing your calm.
Is there a prayer for gentleness?
Yes. Gentleness is asked for together with patience: you can ask God and the Mother of God to give you kind words and a warm tone, especially in your family.
Why do I lose my patience so easily?
Often because of tiredness, accumulated stress or expectations that are too high of ourselves and of others. Prayer helps, and so do rest and healthy boundaries.
How long do I need to pray to become more patient?
There is no set time. Patience grows gradually, through daily prayer and the small trials of every day. Every moment in which you stop before answering harshly is already a step.
