Psalm 91 Prayer for Protection: Under the Shadow of the Almighty
The great psalm of refuge, prayed for yourself and your household
Morning Prayer editorial team · Updated: November 2026
Psalm 91 has been prayed by soldiers, travelers, and frightened parents for three thousand years. Read the opening verses slowly, then pray the prayer that follows and place yourself under the shadow of God's wings.
Let us pray
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (Psalm 91:1-2, 4-5, 11, KJV)
Most High God, I come to dwell in Your secret place today. I choose to make You my refuge, not my bank account, my plans, or my own cleverness. You are my fortress, and I am safe inside.
Cover me with Your feathers, Lord. Cover my spouse, my children, my parents, and my friends. Cover the ones traveling today and the ones lying awake with fear. Let Your truth be the shield between us and every lie, every danger, every evil intent.
I will not be afraid of the terror by night: the worry that wakes me, the news that frightens me, the darkness I cannot see through. I will not be afraid of the arrow by day: the sudden crisis, the harsh word, the unexpected loss. You are with me in both.
Give Your angels charge over us. Keep us in all our ways, going out and coming in, until we rest at last in Your presence forever. Amen.
Blessing
May the Most High be your refuge and fortress, and may His angels keep you in all your ways.
How to pray this prayer
- Find a quiet moment and breathe slowly.
- Read the prayer aloud or in your heart.
- Add your own intention before the Amen.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Psalm 91 called the psalm of protection?
Because almost every verse speaks of God as refuge, fortress, and shield, promising protection from danger by night and day. It has long been prayed in times of war, plague, and travel.
Does Psalm 91 promise that nothing bad will ever happen to believers?
No. Jesus Himself was tempted with a misreading of this psalm. It promises that God is with us in every danger and that no evil can finally separate us from Him, not that life will be free of trouble.
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