We all talk about the power of prayer and the importance of prayer. But what we pray matters. It’s true that we can tell God anything. He listens and He cares. He also wants us to experience the fullness of life with him. And so, Scripture gives us instruction and examples of prayers that make a difference.
1. Lord, thank you.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say this – “ Psalm 107:1-2a
When we say “thank you” to God, we plant the seeds of gratitude in our hearts. We force ourselves to look around and see that God has already been good. This can do two things. It builds our faith. We know we can trust God’s goodness because we’ve seen it in the small and large blessings of life. And in trusting him, we know we can come to him again. Secondly, it shapes our attitudes. It tempers a demanding spirit and keeps us humble before him.
So, make sure a genuine, thoughtful, “thank you” is included in your prayers.
2. Lord, forgive my sin.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
God invites us to bring our sin to him. Rather than hiding in our sin, or trying to hide our sin from God, he wants us to live in a reconciled relationship with him. Our prayers will not be effective if we are harboring sin. It’s crucial we come, trusting in his love to forgive, heal, and restore us.
“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.” Psalm 32:1-2
3. Here I am, Lord. Send me.
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8
This prayer of Isaiah was shared by the disciples who left their nets and followed Jesus. It was also demonstrated by Jesus in the Garden when he prayed to the Father, “Not my will, but yours be done.”
This is a prayer of someone who has yielded their hearts and wills to God’s desires and purposes. It’s this willing heart that opens us up to God’s instruction, direction, and empowerment. This is the prayer of the “open hand.” We say, “Lord, take my life and let it be for you.”
4. Lord, fill me with your Spirit.
“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13
If we have Christ, we have the Spirit of God with us. Praying for his filling is praying for the Spirit to take leadership in our lives. If he is active and moving, we will be sanctified. We will be growing in faith. We will enjoy deep fellowship with him. And we will be empowered by him.
The best gift God can give us is the gift of himself through the Holy Spirit. And out of love, he gives us the freedom to ask!
5. Lord, give me your wisdom.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” James 1:5-8
We all face situations that are beyond our understanding. And we’re told to ask God for his wisdom. He doesn’t blame us for asking. He promises to meet us where we are and lead us to the place he has for us. Don’t leave asking for wisdom for last. Ask for wisdom in the way we pray. Ask for wisdom in the way we do our jobs and interact with others. Ask for wisdom in the way we love and serve. He is waiting to give it! Believe it.
6. Lord, let me rest in you.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3a
One of the greatest gifts God gives is rest for our souls. The things of this life can sap life from us. We need to know that God will happily quiet us. He will give us his comforting presence, if and when we seek it.
It’s easy to think God is most concerned about our performance. But as our Good Shepherd, he is most concerned with our well-being. He wants us to experience his shalom (perfect peace). And so, quiet yourself and ask for him to give your spirit rest within you.
7. Lord, I praise you.
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11
When we take time to praise God for who he is, this worship resets our hearts. We stop to realize the One we love and serve is no less than the One who has created all things and he alone is worthy of our praise.
True praise keeps us from fashioning other idols. It keeps us from holding onto sin. It keeps us from wanting to spend every prayer request on ourselves. We want what will bring him glory.
7 Prayers for 7 Days
As you reflect on these prayers, where is the hole in your praying? What might God do if you allowed these examples to reshape your prayer life? I encourage you to take these seven prayers, write them on the inside cover of your Bible and use them as your guide for 7 days. Let’s try 7 prayers for 7 days and see if God will move in ways we haven’t seen ever before, or at least in a while!
My prayers are with you. What are your challenges in praying? What have you seen God do through prayer. Let’s encourage one another!