A Hunter's Prayer: Prayers Before and After a Hunt
A hunter’s prayer does not need to be long or formal. It can be a few sentences at the tailgate before daylight: asking for safety, patience and a clear conscience, then thanking God afterward for the hunt, the harvest and the meal. This post offers sample prayers for before and after a hunt, along with the Scripture that stands behind them. Use the words as they are, or change them into your own.
All Bible verses here are from the New King James Version (NKJV). If you are looking for passages to read in the stand or at camp, see our list of Bible verses for hunters as well.
Why pray before a hunt?
Scripture invites believers to bring ordinary things to God. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” A hunt counts as “everything”: the early morning, the long walk in, the shot and the drive home.
Proverbs 3:5–6 gives another reason: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Praying first is a small way of acknowledging that the hunt is in God’s hands and not only in your own skill.
A prayer before the hunt
Here is a short sample prayer:
Lord, thank You for this morning and for the land and the chance to be outdoors. Help me to hunt safely, to follow the rules, and to treat the animals You made with respect. Give me patience while I wait and a steady hand when it counts. Keep the people with me safe, and let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight. Amen.
That last line borrows from Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”
Scriptures to pray before you go
Psalm 121:1–2. “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” It is a natural verse to say while looking at a ridge or treeline at first light.
Psalm 91:11. “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Many believers take comfort from this verse when asking for protection. It is not a guarantee that nothing will go wrong, so it does not replace hunter education, a safe firearm or bow, a tree stand harness and good judgment. Pray for safety and practice it too.
Matthew 6:11. “Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus taught His followers to ask God for their daily needs. For a hunter who feeds a family from the field, that request can be very concrete.
A prayer in the stand
Waiting is a big part of hunting, and it is a good time to pray. You might use a short line such as “Lord, help me to be still, to be thankful and to trust You.” There is no required wording. The goal is to turn the quiet hours into time with God rather than only time with your phone.
A prayer after the hunt
Whether or not you filled a tag, there is something to be thankful for. A sample prayer for afterward:
Father, thank You for this day outdoors and for bringing us home safely. Thank You for the animal and for the food it provides. Help us not to waste any of it. Bless the meal and the hands that prepare it, and help us to share with others. Amen.
Scriptures for giving thanks
1 Timothy 4:4–5. “For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” This is the verse behind the common practice of blessing a meal. A hunter who prays over the harvest is acting on it directly.
Psalm 145:15–16. “The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” The psalm reminds us that every living thing depends on God for its food, hunters included.
Making prayer a habit in camp
- Pray at the truck. A short prayer before heading out sets the tone, especially if kids or new hunters are along.
- Say grace over game. The first meal from the harvest is a good moment to read 1 Timothy 4:4–5 aloud.
- Pray for the other hunters. Ask for safety for everyone sharing the woods, including those you will never meet.
- Keep it honest. If you missed or the hunt was hard, say so. God can handle plain words.
Frequently asked questions
Faith gear for the field
Rockaway Outfitters makes faith-inspired apparel and gifts for people who love the outdoors. Browse the Rockaway Outfitters shop on Etsy for antler Bible covers, a bow hunter ornament and a mallard beanie, or see our Christian gift ideas for hunters.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to pray for a successful hunt?
Yes. Jesus taught us to ask for daily bread in Matthew 6:11, and Philippians 4:6 invites us to bring everything to God. Many hunters also pray for patience, safety and thankfulness whether or not the hunt succeeds.
What Bible verse can I say before a hunt?
Psalm 121:1-2, Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 19:14 are popular choices. They focus on God as our help, trusting Him and speaking and thinking in ways that please Him.
Should I pray over the animal after a harvest?
Many hunters offer thanks to God for the meat, based on 1 Timothy 4:4-5. A brief prayer of gratitude is a way to honor the Giver and respect the life taken.
