Lord Jesus, teach me to trust you
with all my heart
and not to lean upon my own understanding.
When the way is dark and my faith grows cold,
let me hear your voice:
Fear not, for I am with you.
In every trial and every sorrow,
turn my eyes to you,
the author and finisher of faith.
You are the same yesterday, today, and forever;
let me rest my soul upon that certainty.
You will never leave me nor forsake me;
let me live as one who believes it.
To you alone, my Saviour and my strength,
I commit this day and all my days.
Amen.
BAPTIST CHARLES HADDON SPURGEON, 19TH CENTURY
Spurgeon's Prayer for Trust
Also known as Prayer for Faith and Trust ยท Spurgeon: Lord, Teach Me to Trust
About this prayer
Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was one of the most influential preachers in the history of the Christian church, serving as pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London from 1861 until his death. His sermons, which filled the 6,000-seat tabernacle week after week, were transcribed and published in enormous volume. Spurgeon's prayers, offered before and after his sermons, were renowned for their intimacy with Christ, their biblical depth, and their pastoral warmth. This prayer for trust reflects one of Spurgeon's characteristic themes: the call to simple, childlike confidence in Christ in the face of trial, doubt, and suffering.
When it's said
This prayer is suitable for private devotion whenever faith is tested or trust in God is difficult. It reflects Spurgeon's pastoral concern for Christians in seasons of doubt and suffering. It may also be used in Baptist and evangelical congregations as a congregational prayer of petition, as an opening or closing prayer in a small group, or as a personal prayer during times of anxiety or discouragement.
Notes on the text
The petition to trust God and not lean on one's own understanding echoes Proverbs 3:5. 'Fear not, for I am with you' draws on Isaiah 41:10. 'Author and finisher of faith' alludes to Hebrews 12:2. 'The same yesterday, today, and forever' is from Hebrews 13:8. 'Never leave me nor forsake me' echoes Hebrews 13:5 and Deuteronomy 31:6. Spurgeon's prayer style characteristically weaves together multiple scriptural allusions in a single sustained address to Christ.
Source
Inspired by the prayers and sermons of Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892), Metropolitan Tabernacle, London. Public domain.
Last reviewed: May 2026 against primary source.