Prayer

Understanding Prayer
&
How To Pray

Introduction

All of us long to connect with someone who can identify with our circumstances and share in our day-to-day life. Prayer is just that – a personal experience and intimate connection with our loving Heavenly Father.

Prayer is our direct line with heaven. Prayer is a communication process that allows us to talk to God! He wants us to communicate with Him, like a person-to-person phone call. Cell phones and other devices have become a necessity to some people in today’s society. We have bluetooth devices, blackberries, and talking computers! These are means of communication that allow two or more people to interact, discuss, and respond to one another.

May the following Bible verses and practical advice help you develop the moment-by-moment prayer life that God desires for you to experience. 1 John 5:14-15 says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of Him.”

The Reverend Billy Graham once said something we should always remember: “Heaven is full of answers to prayers for which no one ever bothered to ask.

What Is Prayer?

To many people, prayer seems complicated, but it is simply talking to God. You know how to talk to your wife, your children, your waiter, and the policeman who is writing you a ticket for speeding – you can talk to God!!!

What Do I Say?

Praying is like talking to your best friend! It’s easy to talk to someone when you know they love you unconditionally!

Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and make you new in Him! “Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins” (Acts 3:19).

Tell Him your needs! “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Thank Him, for He died on the cross at Calvary for us! “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Please take a look at 41 Prayers for Healing & Receiving Strength & Comfort from God located in our Downloads Prayer Folder

How Do I Say It?

The Bible is very specific about how we call on The Lord in prayer. Matthew 6:5-15 says “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

The fewer the words you use to say what you need to say and the simpler the words you use to say it the better!!!

The shortest and yet most effective prayer in the entire Bible was said by Peter, a disciple of Jesus. He was out in the Sea of Galilee when he saw Jesus coming to him by walking on the water. Peter wanted to walk on the water too and he called out to Jesus to let him. Matthew 14:29-30 says “Come, said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter.

How Do I Approach The Lord?

With confidence and belief that He will deliver: “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God’s presence, assured of his glad welcome” (Ephesians 3:12). “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it” (Hebrews 4:16).

With joy that He can deliver. “You have shown me the way of life, and you will give me wonderful joy in your presence” (Acts 2:28).

With expectation that He is going to deliver. “Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3). “I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray” (Psalm 17:6).

What The Bible Says About Prayer

Pray for each other. Jesus set an example for us on what to pray. He prayed for His disciples and for every generation to come that would follow Him. His prayer was that God protect and strengthen them as long as they were in this world. Jesus also prayed for those who would come to believe in Him through the Gospel message (John 17).

Pray with faith. “So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Pray with worship and reverence. “Exalt the LORD our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!” (Psalm 99:5). “‘Yes, Lord,’ the man said, ‘I believe!’ And he worshiped Jesus” (John 9:38).

You will know with confidence that God can hear you when you pray, so open that line of communication! Pray, knowing that no matter how far you roam, your connection with Him can never be lost!

“I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding” (Philippians 1:9).

Inspirational Quotations About Prayer

God promises us in His Word that He hears every word that we pray to Him. Like a good parent, He is waiting, ready, and willing to listen to our worries, concerns, and needs. Whether we are seeking forgiveness, strength, or healing, prayer provides the channel to communicate with God and receive supernatural strength and power!

The following prayer quotes will help inspire and encourage your prayer life as you seek a stronger faith. Share these verses with others who need to experience the power of prayer in their life!

“Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” – Max Lucado

“She (my mother) became a warrior far superior to any epic hero. She became a giant on her knees. With a sword in one hand she battled the enemies of death and disease, and with her other hand stretched toward heaven she kept beseeching God’s help and His mercy.” – Bishop T.D. Jakes

“There are parts of our calling, works of the Holy Spirit, and defeats of the darkness that will come no other way than through furious, fervent, faith-filled, unceasing prayer.” – Beth Moore

“The reality is, my prayers don’t change God. But, I am convinced prayer changes me. Praying boldly boots me out of that stale place of religious habit into authentic connection with God Himself.” – Lysa TerKeurst

“Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” – Corrie ten Boom

“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” – Martin Luther

“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.'” – Billy Graham

“True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that – it is spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.” – Charles Spurgeon

“If you believe in prayer at all, expect God to hear you. If you do not expect, you will not have. God will not hear you unless you believe He will hear you; but if you believe He will, He will be as good as your faith.” – Charles Spurgeon

“Let no one profess to trust in God, and yet lay up for future wants, otherwise the Lord will first send him to the hoard he has amassed, before He can answer the prayer for more.” – George Muller

“I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right; but it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation may be on the Lord’s side.” – Abraham Lincoln

“Prayer is simply talking to God like a friend and should be the easiest thing we do each day.” – Joyce Meyer

“Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.” – Soren Kierkegaard

“God is looking for people to use, and if you can get usable, he will wear you out. The most dangerous prayer you can pray is this: ‘Use me.'” – Rick Warren

“Rather than set aside daily time for prayer, I pray constantly and spontaneously about everything I encounter on a daily basis. When someone shares something with me, I’ll often simply say, ‘let’s pray about this right now.'” – Thomas Kinkade

“Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.” – Corrie Ten Boom

“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” – Mother Teresa

“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.” – Abraham Lincoln

“The prayer offered to God in the morning during your quiet time is the key that unlocks the door of the day. Any athlete knows that it is the start that ensures a good finish.” – Adrian Rogers

“God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil.” – Mother Teresa

“God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.” – Mother Teresa

“To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.” – Billy Graham

“It is not well for a man to pray cream and live skim milk.” – Henry Ward Beecher

“Prayer makes a godly man, and puts within him the mind of Christ, the mind of humility, of self-surrender, of service, of pity, and of prayer. If we really pray, we will become more like God, or else we will quit praying.” – E.M. Bounds

“Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed, a rare delight that is always revealing some new beauty.” – E.M. Bounds

Prayers for Your Family

Being part of a family is one of the sweetest gifts that the Lord gives His people. He invented family. He designed it. He is a God of legacy and promises for the generations to come. Family is deeply rooted in the heart of the Father, and for this reason, it should be deeply rooted in ours as well.

For all of us, the family dynamic widely varies. Some of us were raised with both of our parents in the home. Others may have grown up in a single-parent home, and still yet, there are many who were adopted, raised in a foster home, or were forced to raise themselves.

And as for siblings? A lot of us have many, while some may be an only child.

Whatever our family-mix looks like – whether we call our family our best friends, or, our best friends are the ones we call family – one thing is for certain, the Lord has given us our people, and we should pray for them.

Pray for your wife.

You’ll never love your wife more than when you pray for her. Humbling yourself before an all-powerful God and asking Him to do what only He can in her life—that’s a level of intimacy beyond anything the world has to offer. Praying for her makes you realize how much of a treasure she is, the woman God gave you. You’re pouring yourself into her complete physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Let these four prayers guide you as you cry out to God for her each day.

  1. Protect Her Joy.
    Thank you, Father, for the gift of my wife. You are the giver of all good and perfect blessings, and I’m amazed how You show Your love through her. Please help me to cherish such an amazing gift. (James 1:17).

Each day, circumstances and frustrations can easily steal her joy. Please keep her from letting these challenges turn her focus from You, the author of her faith. Give her the joy that Jesus had as He accomplished the Father’s will on earth. May she consider each struggle as a reason to find hope in You. Hebrews 12:2–3; James 1:2–3.

When she feels tired, Lord, renew her strength. Surround her with friends who love You and will bear her burdens. Give her reason to feel refreshed by their encouragement. Isaiah 40:31; Galatians 6:2; Philemon 1:7.

May she know that the joy of the Lord is the source of her strength. Protect her from growing tired of doing what You’ve called her to do each day. Nehemiah 8:10; Galatians 6:9.

  1. Give Her a Growing Need for You.
    Father, You supply all our needs according to Your riches in Christ. I’m amazed that you care about us enough to meet our daily concerns and to notice every detail of our lives. Even the hairs of our heads are numbered because You take care of Your children. Philippians 4:19; Matthew 7:11, 10:30.

I confess that I sometimes think of myself as being the one who takes care of my wife. Forgive me for taking to myself what truly belongs to you. Her help comes from You. If she depends on me, I know I’ll disappoint her. But You never fail, and You make her like a garden that always has enough water. You’re always faithful, always enough. Help her to know that You are all she needs. Psalm 121:2; Lamentations 3:22; Isaiah 58:11; John 14:8–9.

If she is tempted to look for comfort in anything else, may she instead realize how the power of Your Holy Spirit allows her to overflow with hope and peace. Nothing on this earth compares to the greatness of knowing You. Romans 15:13; Philippians 3:8.

  1. Shield Her from Spiritual Attack.

You, God, are a shield around us. You protect us from the enemy who seeks to destroy, and you will not let us be put to shame. Your arm is mighty, and Your Word is powerful. Psalm 3:3, 12:7, 25:20; Exodus 15:9; Luke 1:51; Hebrews 1:3.

When the enemy attacks her, let her faith in You protect her so that she may stand her ground. Bring your Word to her mind so that she may turn aside his assaults and fight the good fight. Help her to remember that You give us the victory through Christ. Ephesians 6:10–18; 1 Timothy 6:12; 1 Corinthians 15:57.

You have conquered and disarmed the spiritual powers, and everything is in complete submission to You. Because of the cross, my wife is a new creation, and nothing can separate her from Your amazing, unfailing love. Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 3:22; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:38–39.

The enemy is defeated. You have crushed his head. Genesis 3:15.

  1. Build Her Love.
    Father, You loved us first—so much so that You sent Your Son to take our place. How incredible it is to think that while we were sinners, Christ died for us. Nothing we do could ever compare to the riches of Your grace. 1 John 4:19; John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:7.

Help my wife to grow first in her love for You. May she be increasingly in awe of Your power, beauty, and grace. May she know more each day about the depth and width of Your love and respond with increasing love of her own. Psalm 27:4; Ephesians 3:18.

Help her to love me through all my failures while I learn to love her as Christ loves the church. May we see each other as You see us, and may we enjoy fulfilling each other’s desires in our marriage. Ephesians 5:25; 1 Corinthians 7:2–4.

Please give her a growing love for others in all that she does. Show her how to be Christ’s ambassador in the world and to be a woman defined by love so that others may glorify You. Because of that love, may she share the gospel with everyone. 2 Corinthians 5:20; Matthew 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:8.

Pray for your husband.

Through God’s work in your heart, You will discover the importance of praying for your husband and the power of praying for him. Over the years, God has shown me his work in my marriage through prayer time and time again. Prayer is a life-changing, uninterrupted connection to our heavenly Father and oh how he loves to hear his children pray! Check out these 10 prayers to pray over your husband using God’s Word.

  1. Pray for his work.
    “Lord, I pray that You would bless my husband’s work. That he would be diligent and prosperous. That You would give him wisdom and discernment. God, I pray You would give him strength to walk the opportunities you provide. Thank you, Lord.”

Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of the unknown. Proverbs 22:29

  1. Pray for his heart, soul and mind.
    “Father, I praise You for my husband, Your unique creation. Please guard his heart and mind, Jesus. Protect him from temptation and fill him up with the good things he needs. You’ve promised to fill his soul with what he needs and I ask You to do just that.”

For he has satisfied the thirsty and filled the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:9

  1. Pray for healing from the past.
    “God, would You heal the wounds of my husband’s heart? You’ve promised healing to those who submit to You. Lord, please smooth the scars of past hurts and brokenness. May Your healing permeate his being, inside and out.”

Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for you are my praise. Jeremiah 17:14

  1. Pray for courage.
    “Lord, You are gracious and merciful, yet You are all-powerful and understanding. This world can be a fearful place and I pray that You would give my husband courage. Lord, infuse his character with courage for daily decisions and the difficult ones as well.”

The fear of the Lord leads to life; one will sleep at night without danger. Proverbs 19:23

  1. Pray for his leadership.
    “God, You have provided Your Word and I am so grateful. May Your Word guide my husband as the leader of our home. May his leadership skills be empowered by your wisdom. I trust that You will lead in his hand and heart in our relationship, his work, our home, community and church.”

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. James 1:5

  1. Pray for wisdom in finances.
    “Lord, money yields the greatest potential to cause problems in a home. Please give my husband wisdom as he seeks to honor You with finances. I praise You for the blessings You’ve provided and I pray that You would help him, help us, to always honor You first.”

Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. Hebrews 13:5

  1. Pray for a heart for the Lord.
    “Father, please give my husband a pure heart for You. May he seek to love You and trust You with everything he has and is. Protect him from opinions intended to sway him from Your Word.”

Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart. Ephesians 6:6 CSB

  1. Pray for his speech.
    “Father, in a day when the world speaks with complete corruption, keep my husband’s words pure before You. I pray that he would use his words just as You would have him to. I praise You for his personality and pray for purposeful conversations in our marriage.”

No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

  1. Pray for his friendships.
    “Lord, I pray that You would provide encouraging friendships for my husband. That he would know he is never alone because You are with him, but I ask for others to speak into his life and sharpen him as he sharpens them.”

Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

  1. Pray for your husband to be a good father.
    “God, I thank You that You are the good, good Father. Would you help my husband’s parenting to reflect You? May his children know Your heavenly love personally and experience it through their earthly father.”

Pray for your children & grandchildren.

We all want to know that what we are doing for our children makes an impact on their lives. There is nothing more powerful that you can do in the life of your child than pray for them. You can train them and teach them every trade you know. You can give them experiences in sports, music, art, and charitable deeds. But if you do not talk to God about your child, you are missing a dynamic piece of the puzzle. God holds each of our lives in His hand. He holds the power to change a heart and heal a mind.

With mental illness on the rise, temptations looming at every turn, and a sinful world begging for the heart of our children, we have an advocate that can help. No matter if you are waiting to conceive, anticipating delivery, or are on the other side of parenting awaiting grandchildren, it’s never too early or too late to lift a child’s life before the throne of God.

Today I’m offering ten simple prayers to pray over your child no matter what age or stage they are at. Simply pray. With each prayer is a verse to proclaim. Speak it out loud and trust God to work on the heart of the child you are praying for.

  1. Lord, I pray my child would believe in you with a devoted heart.
    “I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever” (Psalm 145:1).

It’s not enough to believe. The Bible reminds us that even the devil believed. But pray that your child would fully and completely devote their hearts to God.

  1. Lord, I pray my child would let you transform their life.
    “I will give them a heart to know that I am the LORD, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart” (Jeremiah 24:7).

Life change is what we all desire to see in our child. We want the old to be made new. And we want our children to walk in truth. We can force our children to follow rules and tow the line. But there will come a day when they will step outside the boundary of home and decide for themselves what the rules look like. Rather than pray that they would obey a list of unwritten rules, pray that they would let God grab hold of their hearts and mold it into the masterpiece He wants them to become.

  1. Lord, I pray my child would get caught when sin creeps in.
    “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Hebrews 12:6).

This might seem like a harsh thing to pray for someone that you deeply love. But this is one of the most loving things you could ask God for on behalf of your child. Sin’s result is always destruction, devastation, disappointment, and a lack of discernment. If your child gets caught when sin creeps in, they will be less likely to continue to let sin abound. If they never get caught, they may never quit the thing that has a grasp on them.

  1. Lord, I pray my child would get caught doing right.
    “Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness” (Psalm 37:3).

Just as much as you pray that your child would get caught doing wrong, pray they would get caught doing right. Children are a result of what they believe they are. If they believe they are worthless, they will respond with actions that lack value. But when we see them doing right and tell them what a great job they are doing, they will be more prone to want to continue doing right. Praise goes a long way.

  1. Lord, I pray my child would believe the truth about who they are in Christ.
    “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Identity is foundational to each of us. Most of us take on an identity early in life and many times it sticks with us for life. It could be as simple as the school drop out, the pastor’s kid, the tall one, or the most popular. What if kids learned early that they are a child of the Most High God? What if they really believed they are chosen, and loved by Almighty God? Their identity will live with them for a long time. Pray that they would believe the truth about who they are in Christ.

  1. Lord, I pray my child would listen to your still small voice.
    “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28).

We are bombarded by noise. Social media has swallowed us up into a land where it’s hard to hear from God. Pray that your child would be sensitive to the still small voice of God. Pray that when they hear they would respond and tune their ear to listen to what God has to say over what the world is telling them.

  1. Lord, I pray my child would make wise choices in the face of peer pressure.
    “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Peer pressure is not something new. We had to deal with it growing up too. The sins are the same, just with different ways to access them. Pray that your child would stand strong against the pressure to give in and let other people sway their beliefs and decisions.

  1. Lord, I pray my child’s mind would be protected from evil.
    “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

Protection is something we seem to naturally ask God for when it comes to the people we love. We can put kids in a bubble and guard them for a while, but eventually they will emerge and live in the real world. Pray that God would do the protecting while you do the preparing. Prepare them to live in the real world and trust God to protect them from the forces of evil.

  1. Lord, I pray my child would have compassion on others.
    “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10).

The pride of life might be our biggest struggle in this generation. Sometimes we believe that if we could just teach our kids more about loving others, then maybe they wouldn’t be so selfish. But the only thing that can transform a selfish heart is the Savior. Trust God to do what only He can do.

  1. Lord, I pray my child would love you with their heart, soul, and mind.
    “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’” (Matthew 22:37).

This is a challenge for most people so it should be no surprise that it’s a challenge for our kids. Ask God to specifically help your child love God with all their heart, soul, and mind. This covers their entire being.

I know this may overwhelm you as you think of all the things you want for your child. But if you invest in this one area, you are doing an amazing thing. Give your child the gift of prayer. Don’t just read this and move on. Take time to let your child hear you pray. Try printing this out and praying one prayer each day. God hears and wants the best for your child. Ask Him.

Prayers to Help You Exchange
Fear and Anxiety for Peace

Listen to even one televised news report and fear or anxiety may capture your thoughts and grip your heart. We do not overcome the effects of ‘the news’ by denying or ignoring the evil in our world that causes such intense emotions, but rather by applying scriptural truth to circumstances and responding biblically.

But it doesn’t take a newscast to stir up fear. The enemy, Satan, wants God’s children to live in constant fear and anxiety as they stockpile worries and are burdened by cares. The Bible says such temptation is “common” to mankind (1 Corinthians 10:13). Even the strongest Christ-followers can experience the temptation to fear and worry.

What does the Bible say about fear and anxiety; and what might we pray to the Lord based on those Scriptures that can help us exchange toxic emotions for God’s wondrous peace? Here are 10 prayers you might find comforting.

Remember: God is not the source of fear.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7

Father God, I know you are not the source of fear and anxiety. That is Satan’s realm, and he delights in causing your children pain. You do not torment us with worrisome thoughts or burden our hearts with fretfulness. You are the God of peace. You desire to give me power over my worries as I count on your love and trust in your sovereign care.

Help me remember, when fears and anxiety come knocking at my heart’s door, to answer with powerful Scripture—to remember you are a good God and faithful, and you will help me challenge my worries with life-building truth instead of destructive thoughts. Your peace will guard my heart and mind in Jesus’ name.

Take your concerns to the Lord.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6

Dear Lord, Sometimes it seems like I take my worries everywhere except to you. I hear people say, “God’s got this!” But how often do I live like I believe it?

I know you hear me, Lord, when I bring my concerns to you. You care about what is going on in my life, and I know you want to give me a clear, sound mind. Forgive me when I allow anxious thoughts to cloud my thinking. Help me take my anxieties to you in every circumstance, believing you will intervene and work out your eternal purposes. Give me a thankful heart—a heart that says, “I am grateful for your lovingkindness to me, Father. I know you will work out your plans for my growth, others’ good, and your glory.”

Leave anxious thoughts with Jesus.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7

Dear Jesus, I am grateful for your sacrifice on the cross to give me life and bring me true freedom. Sometimes I still feel chained to fears and worries when I focus on situations rather than you, my Savior.

Teach me to throw all my anxieties where they belong—into your loving arms. You understand the temptation to fear and worry, and you can handle my concerns. You cared so much for me, you died to enable me to overcome the power of sin, my selfish flesh and Satan’s lies. I can come to you with confidence, giving you all my cares, knowing that you loved me on the cross, love me still, and will love me forever. As I cast my cares on you, you will sustain me with your love and not allow my confidence in you to be shaken.

Count on God’s presence.

“Have I not commanded you? 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

Father, Sometimes I feel afraid in the tough trials of life. Sometimes the darkness overwhelms me, and I grow discouraged as I face the uncertainties of life, wearying temptations, or scary attacks from the enemy. But this is not what you have for me, and my victory comes from you.

Satan wants me to believe I fight my spiritual battles by myself. Help me remember I am not alone in my battles. Your Word is clear. You have commanded me to be strong and take courage in you, and that is my desire. I can count on your presence wherever I go, and rely on the power and provision of your presence in my times of deepest need. Thank you for being near, for walking with me every day.

Don’t borrow worries.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34

Lord, Sometimes I’m such a ‘worry wart.’ I fuss about all sorts of things—what I will eat and wear today, and the many choices I can make. But worse, I stew over things on tomorrow’s calendar—concerns that aren’t even here yet! That is so foolish.

Your words were clear, Jesus. I am never to worry about what’s going to happen tomorrow, because you haven’t given me the grace to bear up under tomorrow’s concerns until I get there. So I will not borrow worries from the future, Lord. Rather, I will invest in faith. I will choose to look for your hand working on my behalf today—and trust you, in simple faith, for my future.

Eliminate any misplaced fear.

“Therefore, we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
Hebrews 13:6

Father God, I am so human-focused sometimes. I know it’s natural to be concerned about what others think, but you want me to live supernaturally, living according to your truth instead of the changing whims of the culture. I need to get rid of misplaced fear. You want me to fear you—to live in reverential awe of you, desiring to do your will—and not to fear man.

I know as I trust you fully, I will not give in to my distresses. I will not live in fright or dread or terror. You go before me to cast down all the giants that would make me be afraid or cause me to live with anxiety. Lord, make me bold in facing my fears, knowing you are my heavenly helper!

Find peace beyond your circumstances.

“‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’”
John 16:33

Dear Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. You came to give us your peace. It’s nothing like the world gives. It is peace born in the freedom we have in you, a gift to all God’s children—to guard our hearts and minds.

I can’t escape the troubles of this world. I may face financial difficulties, relationship breakdowns, a health crisis—so many scary challenges. But you tell me to “take heart,” to be encouraged, because you have overcome the world. You have overcome all the things that would discourage and defeat us. I am grateful for your peace that is beyond all my circumstances.

Cast out fear with love.

“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”
1 John 4:18

Lord, I know you do not want us to be paralyzed or depressed by fear of judgment from you. You want us to be confident that you will accept us in Christ on Judgment Day. Your complete love abides in us to bring us this confidence. When we walk in the light, your love is perfected in us.

Teach me how to live in that perfected love of your sacrifice for me. When I am tormented by fears about my sins or my future, remind me of your great love for me. Show me how my love-walk with you, Abba Father, confirms the authenticity of my faith and casts out my fears.

Run to your eternal refuge.

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’”
Deuteronomy 33:27

Dear Father, Sometimes I just want to run and hide. Fears come, anxieties rise up within me, and I feel overwhelmed by my circumstances. So many hide in temporary ‘fixes’—addictive habits and foolish, harmful choices; but nothing is a permanent solution.

But you, Father, are an eternal refuge for me. You carry me in your loving arms and show me how to live. Not only that, you make my “enemies” run, and you destroy their hurtful influence in my life. You are my rock of refuge where I can always flee, and I know you will overcome my fears and anxieties by your command. Thank you for being my strong dwelling place.

Let the peace of Christ rule.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15

Dear Lord, Help me remember you are indeed Lord of my life. You have the right to rule all that I think, believe and do. When I allow my mind to run to places that destroy my peace, remind me these are unauthorized thoughts. You do not want me to dwell on thoughts and emotions that contribute to unreasonable fears.

I know my mind will remain in perfect peace as I fix my thoughts on you; so Lord Jesus, let your peace rule in my heart. Remind me of the peace I have in your family, and teach me how to be thankful for those circumstances that cause me to run to you, focus on you, and abide in you. I never need live with fearful, anxious thoughts. The truth is, you are in control!

Beautiful Prayers
for the World We Live In

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Heaven is home for God’s children. The world’s pressure to fit us into its mold is suffocating. Paul encouraged, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world” (Romans 12:2). One of the greatest survival tactics we’ve been given is prayer, an open channel of communication with the one true God. He has the power to move in our lives and through our circumstances. Prayer allows us to unload the burdens of this world into His capable hands and plugs us into peace here on earth. Praying the word of God is a powerful tool of comfort in the world we live in.

Here are three beautiful prayers for the world we live in:

A Prayer for the Fallen World We Live In

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15)

Father, The state of our world convicts us and causes us to cling to You for dear life. The volatile history of mankind’s fallen nature is recorded in Scripture. Human history is scarred. The deplorable conditions of our world continue to increase.

Bless and heal the world, Father. Come, Lord Jesus. May Your love comfort every soul as only You can. Bring hope to the hopeless and unity where there is conflict.

Motivate us by love to work together, gathering souls for Christ. Show us our place, Father, and embolden us to obey Your direction. While our world is crumbling, You remain the same loving, defending, and protecting Father. Amidst the rebellion and destruction, You reached down to restore us to the light of Your presence through Jesus.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Light pierces the darkness. We do not have to succumb to the doom-and-gloom reality of our society because we have the power of the living God in us through salvation in Jesus Christ. Your love forges a path for us, illuminating the way and adjusting our perspective to see past destruction to hope.

You are a personal, saving God, creating each of us with a purpose, allowing us to feel Your love and extend it to others. May Your love rule our hearts, because all life flows through it.

Forgive us for allowing the ways of the world to overwhelm us. Help us to be a consistent source of light for all those around us.

You see us, God. You hear us. You are good and You are fair. Prepare our hearts, Lord who goes before us. Repair our wreckage, God of our memories. Bless and empower us with Spirit-fueled confidence, Lord of our hearts. May all we do bring glory and honor to You—as shards of light piercing the darkness.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Prayer for People All over the World to Come to Christ

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” (Titus 2:11-12)

Father, Creation sings of Your majesty. Created in Your image, we are a direct reflection of You. Every good thing comes from You. Every note of love and goodness we feel and extend is rooted in Your great love for us.

Whether we know Jesus yet or not, we know love. We all know what it feels like to love and be loved. It is this commonality that supplies the empathy we need to see each other for the people You created us to be. Help us to find the good in every person You place in our lives and on our paths, Father. You are not a God of coincidence.

You watch over us, encourage us, and love us perfectly. You are faithful to hear us and answer our prayers. You are close to the brokenhearted.

Father, we are in awe of how you orchestrate the days of our lives and the individual love You have for each of us and our purposes. We are all unique, every person, and it brings You joy when we recognize each other for the people we are in You. Love leads us to love others for You. The Great Commission, to spread the gospel, starts with love.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Father, today we pray for every soul on earth to embrace Jesus Christ. His selflessness is reflected in our lives when we follow Him in faith, allowing others to catch a glimpse of who He is. We pray to be good representatives of love on earth, Father.

Give us the courage to live our faith boldly and consistently. Clean hypocrisy out of our hearts and wipe away prejudice and favoritism. Give us strength and sight. Help us to look at each other through the lens of love.

It is in this way God’s alive and active Word will travel to every far corner of earth. All will have a chance to hear the gospel, and we praise You for that! Bless this world and bring the hope of Jesus into every corner of every heart.

Just knowing who You are is not enough. Telling of You is not enough. Help us to live boldly and selflessly, to model love accurately and completely, to anyone and everyone.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Prayer for Stewardship over Our Earthly Gifts

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11)

Father, We praise You for Your provision, and for propelling us into our callings by unveiling our strengths and weaknesses. Help us to listen, learn, and seek You in all we do, for we desire to steward our gifts well.

Every good gift comes from You, Father. Let us not look to the right or to the left but upwards to You and through Your perspective of love. Protect us from idols and remain seated on the throne of our hearts. All good things we do flow from You and Your Love.

Father, in this insane world You have a good plan for us. Help us to remain calm on days that don’t line up with our plans. Forgive us, for we fail so often to submit them to You and run great risk of following the ways of the world.

Daily, protect us from distancing ourselves from Your voice. May we be stirred to seek You first and listen to Your wise leading on our lives. We are built to crave You, Father. It’s Your presence that drives us, whether we realize it or not. We want more of You. This world is not our permanent home, for we are citizens of heaven.

Remind us, in moments of frailty and desperation or lack of confidence, that You hold us in the palm of Your hand. You are unchanging, and we can overcome the world when we put on the armor of God.

“…‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’” (Mark 16:15)

May everything we do lead us one step closer to You. Let the witness of our lives lead others to Jesus. Heal us, Father.

This world is hard, but not impossible with You. May we bear witness to many miracles in our lives and sing of the glory each brings to You. Let us honor You with our gifts, loving the people You place in our lives. Help us to submit to You and work diligently for You. Bless our lives with truth and love. Lead us and be with us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

10 Prayers God Always Answers

  1. “Use me to glorify you.”

One of the Lord’s greatest desires is to use us to glorify him. Sometimes it can be hard to know what to do or where he is directing us. Simply ask him and he will answer. It could be something as big as starting a non-profit for a specific cause or something small, but just as powerful, like buying a homeless person a meal. It could also be using the unique talents he has given you to reach other people for him.

  1. “Forgive my sins.”

We serve a loving and merciful God and every one of us are sinners. There is no such thing as a perfect Christian. We all stumble and sometimes backslide, but by opening our hearts and confessing our sins we can be redeemed. The Lord died to save us from our sins. Not just that day on the cross, but every day of our lives.

  1. “Reveal yourself to me.”

In the busyness of live, it can be hard to see and hear where the Lord is leading us. If we simply stop and ask him to reveal himself to us, he will, and it’s usually in awesome, amazing ways. He reveals himself in different ways to each one of us. To some of us, he is an inner voice, to others he speaks through visions and dreams. He also speaks at times by revealing the job, opportunity,or resources we need exactly when we need them.

If you’re really struggling, take some time during the day to just get quiet and ask him to reveal himself in your life. Then get into the habit of noticing the smallest of things during your day. He doesn’t always reveal himself in big ways. Sometimes he reveals himself in small ways as well.

  1. “Give me your wisdom.”

As the Bible tells us, we are not to lean on our own understanding. This can be especially hard in difficult times. When you are facing a situation where you don’t know what you should do, ask him to give you his wisdom. It may help to speak with your pastor or a trusted friend as well. Sometimes when we are all stressed out and “in our own minds” he will speak through a trusted clergy member/friend as to what you should do. Other times he will speak to you directly.

  1. “Strengthen my obedience.”

We all know that when the Lord asks us to do something, we need to be obedient. However, at times it can be very, very hard. For example, if we are waiting for something to happen, it can be hard not to take matters into our own hands. When you have days of anxiety and doubt, ask the Lord to strengthen your obedience. Ask him to help you to do what you have been commanded to do. For me, whenever I hear or see the phrase, “Be still and know that I am God.” it reminds me to be still and obedient. For he is working even if I can’t see it.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.
He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 (NLT)

  1. “Help me spread your love.”

Our world is a crazy place, full of opinions and thoughts and ideas. We know the best way to interact with people is to show the love of the Lord, but sometimes it’s hard to know how to do this. When you ask him to help you spread his love, he will. You may find a Christian non-profit or charity to volunteer at or you may do something on your own, like help a single Mom pay for her groceries or drive an elderly neighbor to a doctor’s appointment.

  1. “Give me clarity.”

Walking this path called life can be difficult and muddled at times. The last thing the Lord wants is for you to go down the wrong path or make the wrong choice. It may take time and patience, but the Lord will always answer a prayer for clarity.

“For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6

  1. “Help me find peace.”

Our own lives can be chaotic let alone all the things that are going on in the world. With everything going on, finding peace can seem almost impossible. The Lord does not want us living in a state of anxiety and peril, he will always answer and help us find peace.

“In those days you will pray and I will listen. If you seek me wholeheartedly
you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NLT)

  1. “Align my heart with yours.”

This world can be a mean spirited place and it can be hard sometimes not to hold judgment, resentment, or other feelings in our hearts. By asking the Lord to align our hearts with his and asking for forgiveness, he can cleanse us of the toxic things that build up in our hearts and be more aligned with him. He loves us and wants us to be more like him so this is a prayer he will always answer.

  1. “Align my mind with yours.”

Our minds are bombarded by images, thoughts, opinions, and information every day. As we all know, what goes in is what comes out. Still, we can’t just totally shut ourselves off from society and the media. We all falter in our thoughts from time to time. In this situation, it is best to ask the Lord to align our mind with his.

Let’s pray:

Dear Lord,
I want to grow in you and have more of you in my life. I pray that you will strengthen me in using me and my talents to glorify you. I thank you for loving me and forgiving my sins each day, every day. I pray you will reveal yourself in my life. Give me your wisdom as to what I should do in every situation and strengthen my obedience in what you ask of me. Show me the right path to travel and correct my ways if I stray. Show me ways to show and spread your love to those around me. Clear my mind to receive crystal clear clarity when you speak. Help align my heart and mind in their purest form to be an imitation of you. Thank you for answering all my prayers in your perfect timing with your perfect answer, even though I may not always understand. In your name, I pray. Amen.

%d bloggers like this: