John Piper preached a message he titled “Be Devoted to Prayer.” He invented an acronym – “F.A.D.E.S.” Each letter stood for a couplet of two complementary aspects of prayer that need to be balanced in order to keep our vulnerable prayer lives vital. “F” stood for Free and Formed; “A” stood for Alone and Assembled; “D” stood for Desperate and Delighted; “E” stood for Explosive and Extended; and “S” stood for Spontaneous and Scheduled.*
While developing the “F” (free and formed) part of the acronym, he broke it into several sub-points relating to the formed aspect of prayer. While the free aspect of prayer is also important – our words should flow freely from our minds through unplanned and unstructured expressions – counter balancing freedom in prayer is the use of “form.” Formed prayers are structured or modeled after patterns. Formed prayers follow outlines. Formed prayers do not rely on the mind’s capacity for self-expression.
My guess, based on my own experience, is that most evangelicals rely on and value freedom in prayer more than form. People like me embrace freedom, self-expression, and “genuine” experiences. This preference is even stronger in people who grew up in dry, liturgical, religious environments, where their disappointing experience with lifeless and formulaic prayer now makes formed prayer repulsive to them. Nevertheless, I think there is great value in embracing certain kinds of form in prayer. I’m not suggesting that praying in a formed way, without an engaged heart, is valuable. But in as much as my mind is weak, and my understanding of God is shallow, using forms to help me pray can deepen and strengthen my experience in prayer.
For example, I have found that in my prayer life, if I try and start off with free prayers I easily get distracted and therefore stop praying. In the weakness of my distracted mind I can’t seem to think of much to pray about. I get stuck in ruts and find my mind wandering. However, when I work up to prayer by using helpful forms such as devotional books, prayer guides, and prayer letters, my prayers go deeper, extend themselves and become more focused.
I have found that using forms, at least at first, tends to deepen and strengthen my prayer life. This leads to free prayer, and the deepest kind of free prayer – joyful communion with God expressed in spiritual praise. Conversely, I have found that my prayer, when I start off freely, rarely leads to deep communion with God.
As a result I have become deliberate as I use forms in prayer. Scripture itself is the best form for guiding prayer. Specifically, New Testament examples of prayer are extremely potent forms that elicit and enable depth and freedom in my prayer life. For example, Paul’s prayer captured in Ephesians 3:16-19 is chock full of fuel for prayer:
For this reason, I bow my knees… that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
As I meditate on the words in this passage and begin praying them for myself and for those who come to mind, a strong current of prayer builds. There is so much depth here, so much to ask for, so many promises held out, so much to strive after, so much to attain. There is just no way that I could ever form such prayer requests from the ground of my own free thoughts.
My deepening experience of prayer, using biblical forms, led me to take down some notes. I jotted down all the New Testament scripture references I could find that contained examples of prayer. I added to my list verses that, although not prayers in themselves, taught about prayer or referred to prayer. I have been using this list as a helpful tool for strengthening, guiding, deepening and vitalizing my prayer life. Of course the entire Bible can be used this way. The Word of God is like an oil well sitting on top of an endless reservoir of fuel for prayer. I limited my list to verses that either are prayers, or speak of prayer because I have found that are the “driest kindling” for stoking the fires of prayer. Once the flame catches, just about any passage thrown in will fuel the fire.
This document is a compilation of these verses. Rather than just listing them however, I have added some organization and structure to help use them. Some interpretation was necessary in structuring and categorizing, but I tried to do as little as possible. Most “directions” are simply restatements of the verses re-written in the form of a directive. For example in the Lord’s Prayer “give us this day our daily bread,” the direction is simply, “pray for practical daily needs.” Most of these directions are self-explanatory but I have learned not to underestimate how dry, tired, and deadened my mind and spirit can become, especially early in the morning! Simple statements to guide my prayers can be helpful when my mind is prone to distraction or eager to go back to sleep.
In addition to providing simple directions, I have done a bit of grouping. Many of the verses in this list contain common themes. By grouping verses together under similar themes they can become “prayer accelerators.” I think the effect of reading a series of verses, all oriented around a common theme, work like the electro-magnets that are used to propel roller coasters. By orienting a series of magnets in the same direction, as the coaster passes by, it is accelerated to intense speeds. As I pray along a particular theme and then meditate on a series of similar verses, my prayers often get pushed along and accelerate in terms of focus and intensity.
Two Primary Categories – How and What
Conspicuously absent from my two main categories, “How” and “What,” is the “Why” category. The purpose of this list is to provide practical help for Christians who want to pray. This list is fuel for the effort of prayer not an argument to persuade people that they ought to pray or a theological rationale for prayer, although those purposes are urgent if they are lacking.
Both the “How to Pray” list and the “What to Pray” list have some verses in common. This is because many verses can be applied both ways. Nevertheless, it has been helpful to me to separate them out into the two broad themes. “How” often functions as my motivational list. It helps me orient my heart and recognize the urgency and effort necessary in prayer. It helps me get my heart, mind and spirit into position. It girds me up and exhorts me to pray. Meditating on these verses from the “How” perspective gets me moving.
Once I find that my mind, heart and spirit are engaged, I use the “What” list. The “What” list provides practical, yet very spiritual subjects for prayer. One heart-warming example of how something practical can also be very spiritual is seen in how Paul often prayed for his times of reunion with the saints. He prayed that he would see and be restored to his beloved brethren, and not only that he would be restored, but that their reunion would result in joyful refreshment, encouragement, and the impartation of spiritual gifts. Wow! That kind of praying can really go to work on a heart, building up love for the saints, and enrich meaningful Christ-glorifying fellowship.
Within the “How” and “What” lists there are my personal sub-categories. I’m certain that better, more useful categories could be developed. Regardless, I think simple categorization can be useful when we need to pray for certain things and in particular circumstances. The categories with the “How” and “What” lists are different from each other. The “How” list is broken into fifteen sub-categories. “How” are we to pray? We are to pray: alone, intimately, humbly, intensely, persistently, with belief, boldly, corporately, with praise, thankfully, alertly, happily, earnestly, desperately, and from a pure heart. The “What” list is broken into nine sub-categories. “What” are we to pray for? We are to pray for: love, God’s will, our needs (supplication), preservation, mission, direction, edification, power, and communion.
Form in prayer can provide help for God’s people, such that the incense (that is, the prayers of the saints) which will one day be presented before the Lamb will be increased.
* You can access the full manuscript of Piper’s sermon “Devoted to Prayer” on the Desiring God website, www.desiringgod.org/library/sermons/02/122902.html.
How to Pray list… | What to Pray list…
How To Pray
PRAY ALERTLY
Pray for alertness and perseverance as you pray and make petition for the saints.
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints…” Ephesians 6:18
Be of sound judgment and of a sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
“The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7
PRAY ALONE
Pray privately to your Father, in secret.
“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:6
Arise early and seek solitude for prayer.
“In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.” Mark 1:35
Pray alone.
“But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.” Luke 5:16
PRAY WITH BELIEF
Pray with faith that, believing in God, you will receive what you ask.
“Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” Mark 11:24
Pray in faith that with God all things are possible.
“And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” Mark 14:36
Draw near with sincere hearts and in full assurance of faith.
“…let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22
Pray with faith, not doubting.
“But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6
PRAY BOLDLY
Pray in Jesus’ name so that the Father will be glorified when the prayer is answered.
“Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13-14
Pray according to the riches of God’s glory.
“…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man…” Ephesians 3:16
Pray at all times, in the Spirit.
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints…” Ephesians 6:18
Confidently draw near to the throne of grace to find mercy and help in time of need.
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Pray confidently based upon the fruit of your life, which by God’s grace, is being lived out, at least in some measure, consistently with your confession, such that your life is characterized by keeping His commandments and doing the things that are pleasing in His sight.
“Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:21-22
Pray according to God’s will, with confidence that He hears us.
“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” 1 John 5:14-15
PRAY CORPORATELY
Be devoted to corporate prayer.
“Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me…” Acts 1:4
Be continually devoted to corporate prayer.
“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
Pray with corporate unity.
“And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM..” Acts 4:24
Pray fervently as a church.
“So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.” Acts 12:5
Gather with many to prayer in times of distress.
“And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.” Acts 12:12
PRAY DESPERATELY
Pray when suffering.
“Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.” James 5:13
PRAY EARNESTLY
Pray with deep genuine concern.
“For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.” Colossians 4:13
Pray most earnestly night and day.
“…as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?” 1 Thessalonians 3:10
Pray with proper motives.
“You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” James 4:3
Pray earnestly and continually.
“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.” James 5:17-18
Pray anxiously waiting for the coming of the Lord.
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.” Jude 1:20-21
PRAY HAPPILY
Pray with joy in every prayer, especially intercessory prayer.
“…always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all..” Philippians 1:4
Remembering your friends in prayer.
“I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day…” 2 Timothy 1:3
Thankfully mention people in prayer.
“I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers…” Philem. 1:4
PRAY HUMBLY
Pray from a forgiven, cleansed, and debt-free heart.
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Matthew 6:12
Pray with utter humility.
“But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:13-14
Pray with groans too deep for words when you don’t know how to pray.
“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words…” Romans 8:26
Pray that through groans the Spirit will intercede on behalf of the saints.
“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words…” Romans 8:26
PRAY INTENSELY
Pray hard with fasting for power against the spiritual forces of darkness.
“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:21
Pray fervently.
“And He said to them, ‘This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.’” Mark 9:29
Pray long and hard when facing intense circumstances and big decisions.
“It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12
Be devoted to prayer and the Word.
“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.” Acts 6:4
Cry out in prayer during times of distress.
“And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying…” Acts 9:11
Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert and thankful.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving…” Colossians 4:2
Always labor earnestly in prayer.
“Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.” Colossians 4:12
Pray with loud cries and tears.
“In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety.” Hebrews 5:7
Pray remembering that our prayers are presented before the lamb as golden bowls full of incense.
“When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” Revelation 5:8
Pray remembering that our prayers will one day be combined with angelic incense in the last days.
“Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.” Revelation 8:3-4
PRAY INTIMATELY
Pray to God intimately as your abba (papa) Father. (cf. Romans 8:15)
“Pray, then, in this way: `Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.’” Matthew 6:9
Pray remembering that the Jesus loves us and gives us eternal comfort and good hope by grace.
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace…” 2 Thessalonians 2:16
Draw near to God in prayer through Christ.
“Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 5:7
PRAY PERSISTENTLY
Pray with perseverance in order to overcome the weakness of your flesh.
“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
Pray with persistence, not giving up.
“I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.” Luke 11:8-10
Pray day and night.
“…now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?” Luke 18:7
Pray night and day.
“I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day…” 2 Timothy 1:3
Pray in the middle of the day.
“On the next day, as they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray.” Acts 10:9
Unceasingly make mention of people as you pray. (cf. 1 Sam. 12:22)
“…how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you.” Romans 1:9-10
Do not cease praying.
“…do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers…” Ephesians 1:16
Pray without ceasing.
“…pray without ceasing…” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray constantly as you bear in mind the work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope that saint’s have in the Lord Jesus Christ.
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father…” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Pray diligently (especially encourage widows to be diligent in prayer).
“Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.” 1 Timothy 5:5
Keep yourself in the love of God by praying in the Spirit.
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.” Jude 1:20-21
PRAISE GOD IN PRAYER
Pray and praise during times of distress.
“But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them…” Acts 16:25
Thank God that even though He gives us the strength to work, yet He still considers us faithful and puts us into His service.
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service…” 1 Timothy 1:12
Lift up your hands in prayer.
“Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.” 1 Timothy 2:8
Through Christ continually offer a sacrifice of praise.
“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15
Bless our God because He is our Savior.
“…to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 1:25
Bless our God because He has all glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time, now, and forever more.
“…to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 1:25
Pray in an unhindered way having searched your heart for any way in which you might not be considerate and understanding with your wife.
“You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7
PRAY THANKFULLY
Pray with thankfulness in view of the grace given to the saints.
“I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus…” 1 Corinthians 1:4
Pray thankfully as you make mention of the saints.
“…do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers…” Ephesians 1:16
Pray prayers of supplication with thanksgiving for all requests.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
Pray thankfully that we’ve been qualified to share the inheritance of the saints.
“…giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.” Colossians 1:12
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What To Pray
PRAY FOR COMMUNION WITH GOD
Pray for joy and peace in believing.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Pray that God will give the saints the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ.
“…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Ephesians 1:17
Pray that the eyes of our hearts will be enlightened.
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints…” Ephesians 1:18
Pray that we will know the hope of His calling.
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints…” Ephesians 1:18
Pray that Christ would dwell in our hearts by faith.
“…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love…” Ephesians 3:17
Pray that the saints will be filled up to all the fullness of God.
“…and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19
Pray for joyful patience.
“…strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously…” Colossians 1:11
Pray that the Lord may direct our hearts into the steadfastness of Christ.
“May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5
Pray that the Lord of peace will continually grant us peace in every circumstance.
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Bless our God who makes us stand in the presence of His glory.
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy…” Jude 1:24
PRAY FOR GOD’S DIRECTION IN YOUR LIFE
Pray for specific direction in open decisions.
“And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen…” Acts 1:24
Pray in and around leadership and sending decisions.
“While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:2-3
During times of transition commend people to the Lord in prayer.
“When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” Acts 14:23
Pray for wisdom in making decisions.
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
PRAY FOR THE EDIFICATION OF THE SAINTS
Pray for insightful questions that will help others experience revelation from God.
“And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, ‘Who do the people say that I am?’” Luke 9:18
Pray that there would be fellowship among the saints that would result in encouragement and the impartation of spiritual gifts.
“For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established…” Romans 1:11
Strive in prayer that various ministries may be acceptable to the saints.
“…that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints…” Romans 15:31
Pray that in everything we will be enriched in Christ.
“…that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge…” 1 Corinthians 1:5
Pray that in everything we will be enriched in speech.
“…that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge… 1 Corinthians 1:5
Pray that in everything we will be enriched in knowledge.
“…that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge… 1 Corinthians 1:5
Pray that the saints will not lack in any spiritual gift.
“…so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ…” 1 Corinthians 1:7
Pray that the saints will be complete.
“For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete.” 2 Corinthians 13:9
Pray that we will know the rich inheritance in the saints.
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” Ephesians 1:18
Pray that the saints may approve things that are excellent.
“…so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ…” Philippians 1:10
Pray that we will be filled with the fruit of righteousness.
“…having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:11
Pray that we will have opportunity to see beloved brothers and sisters and have opportunity to help complete their faith.
“…as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith…” 1 Thessalonians 3:10
Pray that our hearts would be strengthened in every good work and word.
“…comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:17
Pray that the sharing of faith might have the effect of imparting the knowledge of every good thing we have in Christ.
“…and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.” Philemon 1:6
Pray that others may find much joy, comfort, love, and refreshment in Christ through us.
“For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” Philemon 1:7
Pray for the saints that they will be blessed with a good conscience, and good, honorable conduct in all things.
“Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.” Hebrews 13:18
Pray that loved brethren, who have gone out from us, will soon be restored to us.
“And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.” Hebrews 13:19
PRAY FOR GOD’S WILL IN YOUR LIFE
Pray that the name of God would be hallowed – treasured, cherished, and valued.
“Pray, then, in this way: `Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.’” Matthew 6:9
Pray that God’s kingdom would come here on earth (Maranatha!).
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10
Pray that God’s will be done here on earth.
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10
Pray that His will, not ours will be done.
“He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.’” Matthew 26:42
Pray that Jesus’ glory would make our joy full.
“But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves.” John 17:13
Pray that we would have unity with each other and with the Father and the Son.
“…that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” John 17:21
Pray that the world would know the glory of Christ.
“I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.” John 17:23
Pray that we would behold the glory of Christ.
“Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:24
Pray that the fruit of righteousness through Jesus Christ will bring glory and praise to God.
“…having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:11
Pray that we will be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and discernment
“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…” Colossians 1:9
Pray that we will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.
“…so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…” Colossians 1:10
Pray that we will please Him in all respects.
“…so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…” Colossians 1:10
Pray that we will bear fruit in every good work.
“…so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…” Colossians 1:10
Pray that the saints may stand perfect, fully assured in all the will of God.
“Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.” Colossians 4:12
Pray that we would gain the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ!
“It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 2:14
PRAY FOR LOVE
Pray for enemies and those who persecute you.
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” Matthew 5:44
Pray blessing upon those who mistreat you.
“…bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:28
Pray that the love of the Father would be in us.
“…and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:26
Pray together when departing.
“When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.” Acts 20:36
Pray that we would be rooted and grounded in love.
“…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love…” Ephesians 3:17
Pray that we may comprehend the breadth, length, height, and depth of God’s love.
“…may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Ephesians. 3:18-19
Pray that love will abound more and more, in real knowledge and discernment.
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment…” Philippians 1:9
Pray that the Lord will cause an abundant increase in the love of the saints.
“…and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people…” 1 Thessalonians 3:12
Pray thankfully that the faith and love of the saints will continue to be enlarged.
“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater…” 2 Thessalonians 1:3
Pray that the Lord may direct our hearts into the love of God.
“May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5
Pray for friends in the Lord who are far away, longing for joyful reunion.
“I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.” 2 Timothy 1:3-4
Thank God for the love and faith of the saints toward Jesus and one another.
“…I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints…” Philemon 1:5
Pray for good health and prosperity for those we love.
“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2
Pray that God’s love will be multiplied to us.
“May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.” Jude 1:2
PRAY FOR THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
Pray that the Lord of the Harvest will send out workers.
“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’” Matthew 9:37-38
Thank God for the faith of the saints becoming known.
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.” Romans 1:8
Pray for the salvation of the Jewish nation. (cf. Romans 11:15)
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.” Romans 10:1
Strive in prayer that missionaries will be delivered from those who are disobedient.
“…that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints…” Romans 15:31
Pray for missionaries that they will have times of joyful and refreshing reunion with the saints.
“…so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company.” Romans 15:32
Pray that the testimony of Christ will be confirmed in the saints.
“…even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you…” 1 Corinthians 1:6
Pray that the saints will do no wrong, but that they may do what is right.
“Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right…” 2 Corinthians 13:7
Pray that evangelists, preachers, and missionaries will be given bold utterance to make the gospel known.
“…and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel…” Ephesians 6:19
Pray for missionaries that God will open up doors for the gospel.
“…praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned…” Colossians 4:3
Pray missionaries that God will enable them to speak forth the mystery of the gospel.
“…praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned…” Colossians 4:3
Pray for missionaries.
“Brethren, pray for us.” 1 Thessalonians 5:25
Pray that God would count us worthy of our calling.
“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power…” 2 Thessalonians 1:11
Pray that God would fulfill our desire for goodness and the work of faith with power.
“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power…” 2 Thessalonians 1:11
Pray that the name of Jesus will be glorified in us, according to grace.
“…so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:12
Pray that the word of God will spread rapidly and be glorified.
“Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you…” 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Pray that missionaries will be rescued from perverse and evil men.
“…and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith.” 2 Thessalonians 3:2
PRAY FOR THE SPIRIT’S POWER
Pray for miraculous demonstrations of the power of God.
“And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him.” Acts 28:8
Pray that we will abound in hope by the power of the Spirit.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Pray that we will know the surpassing greatness of His power toward believers.
“…and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might…” Ephesians 1:19
Pray that the saints will be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, according to the riches of His glory.
“…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man..” Ephesians 3:16
Pray that we will be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might.
“…strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously..” Colossians 1:11
Pray with faith as you pray for healing concerning those who are sick.
“…and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him…” James 5:15
Pray that we may be healed.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:16
PRAY FOR THE PRESERVATION OF FAITH
Pray for protection from and escape from evil and temptation.
“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6:13
Pray that our faith might not fail.
“…but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail…” Luke 22:32
Pray that we will be kept and preserved in His name.
“While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.” John 17:12
Pray that we would be sanctified by the word of truth.
“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” John 17:17
Pray that the saints will eagerly await the revelation of Jesus Christ.
“…so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ…” 1 Corinthians 1:7
Pray that the saints will be confirmed to the end, blameless in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ.
“…who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:8
Pray that we will be sincere and blameless until the day.
“…so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ…” Philippians 1:10
Pray for deliverance for saints in distress.
“…for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ…” Philippians 1:19
Pray that we will attain to all steadfastness.
“…strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously…” Colossians 1:11
Pray that God will establish our hearts, keeping them blameless and holy until the coming of the Lord.
“…so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” 1 Thessalonians 3:13
Pray for those that we see commit sins that “do not lead to death.”
“If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this.” 1 John 5:16
Bless our God who keeps us from stumbling.
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy…” Jude 1:24
Bless our God who keeps us blameless with great joy.
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy…” Jude 1:24
Pray thankfully for brethren loved by the Lord because He chose us from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”
2 Thessalonians 2:13
MAKE SUPPLICATION
Pray for practical daily needs.
“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11
Be on the alert, persevering in making petition for all the saints.
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints…” Ephesians 6:18
Pray for authorities and rulers.
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Pray that everything that we enjoy will be sanctified by the means of the word of God and prayer.
“…for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.” 1 Timothy 4:5
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