120 Religious Sayings To Inspire Faith
Faith is at the core of all religions and spiritualities. For centuries, spiritual leaders and writers have penned words of inspiration, hope and wisdom to strengthen faith in times of struggle or doubt. This article aims to share some of these precious sayings with readers seeking guidance or motivation in their own religious journey.
The following pages feature 120 short religious sayings and proverbs from various faith traditions around the world. Readers will find words attributed to Jesus, Buddha, Krishna and other revered figures. The sayings are organized thematically to help explore different aspects of faith, from trusting in God/higher powers, to accepting life’s ups and downs, to spreading compassion.
Whether turning to these sayings during daily prayers or times of quiet reflection, may they deepen your connection to the Divine and what you find most meaningful in life. For people of any faith background or none at all, it is hoped that these brief expressions of spiritual insight are a source of comfort, strength and perspective.
1. Quotes on Faith and Belief
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“Have faith that there is a growing power in your life that is stronger than any obstacle.” – Orison Swett Marden
“Doubt sees the obstacles – faith sees the way.” – Anonymous
“Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.” – Rabindranath Tagore
“To get faith in yourself is half the battle. Belief in your own ability is certainty of achievement.” – Swami Vivekananda
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“Have faith that even though you can’t see the whole staircase, if you take the first step, the rest will be there.” – Anonymous
“Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark. That is why when we meet in the joy of faith we crown that meeting place with light.” – Rabindranath Tagore
“Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe.” – Augustine of Hippo
“Let your faith be bigger than your fear.” – Anonymous
“Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible.” – Anonymous
“Faith is knowing there is an ocean because you have seen a brook.” – William Arthur Ward
“I found I was, I shall always be, a seeker, but I no longer allow myself to be sucked into paths that have no heart, no meaning, no discovery.” – Mary Oliver
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“The trouble is, you think you have time.” – Buddha
“Ask the true believers who never lose hope and faith in God in times of difficulties.” – Mehmet Murat ildan
“To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don’t grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax, and float.” – Allan Watts
“Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.” – Anonymous
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” – Mahatma Gandhi
2. Words of Wisdom from Holy Texts
“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” – Bible, 2 Corinthians 12:9
“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” – Bible, Matthew 6:22
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Bible, Mark 12:31
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Bible, Matthew 18:20
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” – Bible, Psalms 37:23
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” – Bible, Isaiah 26:3
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Bible, Proverbs 15:1
“And let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Bible, Hebrews 10:24
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Bible, Proverbs 3:5
“Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Bible, Ephesians 4:29
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” – Bible, Matthew 22:37
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – Bible, John 3:16
“We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Bible, Romans 8:28
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – Bible, John 1:5
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – Bible, 1 Peter 5:6
“A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.” – Bible, Proverbs 12:2
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” – Bible, Micah 6:8
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” – Bible, Matthew 7:1-2
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Bible, Jeremiah 29:11
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Bible, Matthew 11:28
3. Inspirational Sayings about God
“No matter how deep the night, God’s love is deeper still.”
“Put your hand in the hand of God, and he will lead you home.” – From the song “Put Your Hand in the Hand”
“God always has a plan bigger than ours. Have patience and trust in His timing.”
“When the world says ‘give up,’ hope whispers ‘try it one more time.'”
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” – Reinhold Niebuhr
“The eyes through which I see God are the eyes through which I have looked on love.” – Meister Eckhart
“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” – Rumi
“God, grant me the strength to change what I can, the ability to accept what I can’t, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” – Martin Luther
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller
“God gives his strength to the weary, and increases the power of those who have no might.” – Isaiah 40:29
“Lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
“When God measures your work, he includes not only what you have done but also the love you put into it.”
“Have faith in God.” – Mark 11:22
“Draw near unto God, and he will draw near unto you.” – James 4:8
“I have set God always before me.” – Psalm 16:8
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
“God has not promised skies always blue, flower-strewn pathways all our lives through.”
4. Short Prayers and Blessings
Lord, help me to be kinder than necessary – Source Unknown
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. – Reinhold Niebuhr
Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. – Lord’s Prayer
For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. – Romans 15:13
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference. – Reinhold Niebuhr
Dear God, help me to manage my time better today so that I can be peaceful and productive. – Source Unknown
Keep us true to what is right, Help us daily grow in light – Source Unknown
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love – St. Francis of Assisi
Bless our home and bless our friends, Bless us all till time shall end – Source Unknown
Guide our minds to think Thy thought, Lift our hearts to love Thee most – Source Unknown
Lead us on till life is spent, Bring us to our journey’s end – Source Unknown
God of peace, make me an instrument of your peace – St. Francis of Assisi
Thank you, God, for this new day. Help me live it in a loving way – Source Unknown
Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me – Source Unknown
God bless all those we love, God bless all those who care, God bless us everyone, In friendship, joy, and prayer – W. E. Hickson
May the peace of the Lord be with you. And also with you.
Our Father, watch and keep us through the silent hours of rest, Refresh and strengthen body, mind and soul, to serve you best – William A. Dunkerley
Thank you Lord for each new morn, for rest and shelter from life’s storm, for health and food, for love and friends – Source Unknown
This day, oh Lord, Your loving wisdom bless. Direct, protect, and guide in righteousness – Richard M. Storrs
5. Messages of Hope from Spiritual Leaders
“When you feel you just can’t go on, remember that as long as there is life, there is hope.” – Desmond Tutu
“Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.” – George Iles
“Your difficulties do not define you. God defines you, and He sees you not as how you are, but as who you can be.” – Unknown
“There is light ahead and the way is clear. Lift up your eyes, for beyond the darkness there awaits a new dawn.” – Joyce Meyer
“Whatever you’re going through, keep moving forward with your head held high. The tough times aren’t here to stay – they’re just preparing you for better days ahead.” – Joel Osteen
“In every difficult moment is the opportunity for growth and progress. By persevering through challenges, we strengthen our character and gain wisdom.” – Dalai Lama
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
“Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don’t give up.” – Anne Lamott
“You do not have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“When the storms of life hit, know that God walks with you through them all.” – Joel Osteen
“Even when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, keep remembering that there is one.” – Kenneth Copeland
“Keep one foot in the stirrup and ride on. The future is ours, though the past is no more.” – Joyce Meyer
“Have faith that there’s something better ahead, and find hope in unexpected places along the journey.” – The Dalai Lama
“Dark times are the most appropriate for inner work. So don’t be afraid of clouds coming.” – Rumi
“In the midst of darkness, hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength.” – Barry Lopez
“Your difficulties do not define you. God defines you, and He sees you not as how you are, but as who you can become.” – Joyce Meyer
“When you are in the thick of despair, focus on breathing, reminding yourself that this too shall pass. There is always hope as long as there is life.” – Unknown
“God does not give us despair, only opportunity to overcome despair with hope.” – Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird
6. Affirmations of Faith to Strengthen Your Spirit
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” – Isaiah 43:2
“Have faith in God. Truly, I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” – Mark 11:22-23
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” – Matthew 24:35
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” – Hebrews 10:22
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
“The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29
Conclusion
In summary, religious sayings have the power to uplift our spirits and guide us to higher truths. The 120 quotes shared provide words of wisdom from faith leaders throughout history on developing compassion, strengthening character, and finding purpose and meaning in life. As we reflect on these thoughtful messages, they can help us gain new insight into our own walk with the divine. I encourage readers to revisit the quotes as needed for encouragement in times of struggle or uncertainty. May they inspire you to keep an open heart and bring more light to the world through your thoughts and actions each day.
