Savannah Guthrie is leaning on religion amid the ongoing search for her mother Nancy — ’cause TMZ’s learned she shared an emotional message of hope with staffers during a visit to the ‘TODAY’ show.

A source close to ‘TODAY’ tells TMZ Savannah thanked the staff and crew for the love, prayers and support for “caring about my mom as much as I do” … and she declared “I’m holding onto my faith. I still believe. And as my mom would say, ‘Where else would I go?'”

We’re told Savannah — who was seen inside Rockefeller Center Thursday morning — told the team she’s still standing and still herself … adding, “I don’t know what version of me that will be, but it will be.”

We’re told Dylan Dreyer then led a heartfelt group prayer, saying in part, “We’re here holding hands as a family in a place where we don’t understand why this is happening … It is not too bold to ask God for the biggest miracles every day.”

Before leaving, Savannah reportedly hugged everyone in the studio.

Savannah didn’t give a timeline for her return … but as we previously reported, the ‘TODAY’ team plans to welcome her back with open arms whenever she’s ready.