I Used to Pray for Times Like This – Meek Mill Lyric and Song Origin

Okay, so “i used to pray for times like this” — you’ve probably heard it somewhere. Maybe blasted through your headphones on a rough day or shouted at a Philly Eagles game. It’s not just a lyric; it’s kinda like a battle cry for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, dreaming, hustling, hoping.

Anyway, here’s the kicker: This line didn’t just come from nowhere. It’s the heart and soul of Meek Mill’s breakthrough song, and man, it’s got stories to tell.

Where Did “I Used to Pray for Times Like This” Even Come From?

I remember the first time I heard the intro to Dreams and Nightmares back in 2012 — Meek’s voice hit me like a freight train. The words “i used to pray for times like this” were raw, desperate, and victorious all at once.

It’s like he was telling us, “Hey, I was down in the dirt, just like you. Now look.” The magic’s in that past-present clash: “Used to pray” (past struggle) and “times like this” (present success). You feel it, right?

The song itself was recorded pretty fast — like under two days fast — and yet it’s become an anthem.

Why That Line Hits So Damn Hard

Let’s be real. We all have those nights lying awake, hoping for a break. I sure did. The smell of stale coffee and my roommate’s snoring were the soundtrack to my own prayers for times like this.

That lyric nails that feeling perfectly. It’s spiritual, but not preachy. It’s personal, but universal.

Plus, Meek spits it with so much fire, you can’t help but lean in.

The Philly Connection – More Than Just Music

Fast forward to 2018. The Philly Eagles were charging into the Super Bowl, and guess what? They walked onto the field blasting “i used to pray for times like this.”

Now, I gotta confess — I got a little teary watching that. Meek Mill had just gotten out of prison, and the city was literally saying, “We got your back.”

Fun fact: That moment wasn’t just about football. It was Philly flexing its grit and love for its own. Kinda like when I accidentally killed my first herb garden (RIP Gary) but kept planting anyway, because hope never dies.

What Makes This Lyric a Viral Beast?

You don’t have to be a hip-hop head to love this line. Heck, even my uncle who thinks “Spotify” is a new kind of toaster knows “i used to pray for times like this.”

People slap it on social media posts when they:

• Land a new job
• Graduate (finally!)
• Buy their first car without crying
• Survive a terrible date

It’s a vibe. A flex. A reminder that struggle pays off, even if the road is hella bumpy.

The Song’s Structure – Slow Burn to Wild Fire

If you listen closely, “Dreams and Nightmares” feels like a movie in two acts.

• First half? A slow build, vulnerable and honest.
• Then BAM! The beat drops and Meek flips into full boss mode.

That lyric — “i used to pray for times like this” — sits right where the mood flips. Like the moment when you realize, “Okay, maybe I’m actually gonna make it.”

Real People, Real Stories

Take my neighbor Tina. She swears her little backyard kale patch cured her of Zoom burnout. I swear by this lyric for my Monday mornings.

Or how about my cousin? He lost his job, then used “i used to pray for times like this” as his mantra when launching his food truck. Now, every time he parks, he cranks that line.

It’s not just words — it’s a reminder that no matter how many times you get knocked down, you get back up.

A Little Weird History (Because Why Not?)

Did you know Victorians thought talking to ferns kept you sane? Yep. I talk to my begonias sometimes, just in case.

Meek Mill’s lyric might not soothe your plants, but it’s a pep talk for your soul.

How the Phrase Took Over Fashion and Social Media

You can’t scroll past Pete’s Hardware on 5th Ave without seeing a hoodie with “i used to pray for times like this” stamped on it. True story.

And on Instagram? The hashtag #IUsedToPrayForTimesLikeThis has thousands of posts — everything from graduation pics to marathon selfies. People wear it like a badge of honor.

Why This Line Still Slaps, Years Later

Fast forward past three failed attempts at writing this paragraph — I realized this lyric sticks around because it’s not just about Meek Mill. It’s about all of us. Our struggles. Our wins.

So, next time you hear it, think about where you started and how far you’ve come.

Some Self-Deprecating Real Talk

Okay, full disclosure: I once tried to start a journal titled “I Used to Pray for Times Like This” to track my progress. Lasted three days. I’m better at quoting than doing.

Their/there mix-ups? Guilty as charged. But hey, that’s part of the charm.

Wrapping It Up — Sorta

If you’ve got dreams, doubts, or just a crappy day behind you, remember Meek’s words:

“I used to pray for times like this.”

Because one day, you’ll be shouting that line like it’s your own victory anthem.

And if you don’t? Well, you can always borrow my failed herb garden story. Gary would have wanted it that way.