In the midst of a difficult season, it can sometimes be difficult to know how or what to pray. What a great power and comfort it is to know that we can use the words of Scripture to be our guide! Try using these Biblical passages and prompts to guide your prayer. And remember, that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don’t know what to pray! (Romans 8:26-27).
Why we can have confidence in Prayer
1 John 5: 13-15
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God [which represents all that Jesus Christ is and does], so that you will know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have eternal life. This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us. And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him.
7 Scripture Based Prayer Prompts
When you or someone you love is in distress
Read: Psalm 91, Romans 8: 31-32; 37-39, Luke 11: 5-13, 2 Kings 6:8-17, 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
Pray: Lord, be _______________’s refuge and strength. Cover her beneath the shadow of your wings as you promise in your word. Send your angels to surround her and protect her as you promise. Satisfy her with long life. Keep her from fearing the terror that comes at night and during the day as she trusts You in this season. You promise to be FOR us and not AGAINST us. I trust that you are for us in this difficult season. God you promise that we are MORE than conquerors through you, and nothing can separate us from your love. I trust and claim that you are a GOOD Father. You love ______________ and will work things out for their good and your glory. Help me trust even when I can’t see it.
When you are seeking guidance or wisdom
Read: Psalm 23, James 1: 5-8, Mark 9: 20-27
Father, your word tells me in James that you give wisdom generously to all. God please grant me your wisdom in _______________. God lead me in paths of righteousness for your name’s sake. Help me not to doubt, but give me faith to trust that you will give wisdom as you have promised. I believe Lord, help my unbelief.
When you are facing temptation, sin, shame, etc.
Read: Matthew 6: 9-13, Psalm 51, Lamentations 3: 19-27, Psalm 103: 11-14, Hebrews 4:15-16
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions. Forgive me for ________________. Thank you that your word tells me that if you wash me, I will be whiter than snow, that you remove my sins as far as the east is from the west. Thank you that your word tells us that you sympathize with our weakness, you understand what it is like to be flesh. Thank you that we can draw near to your throne of grace with confidence because you have stood in my place. Pour your grace and mercy upon me. Father, create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. Thank you for your sacrifice, your grace, your mercy that is new to me every day.
When you feel like you can’t face the day (facing hurt, grief, exhaustion, emotions, etc).
Read: Psalm 103: 1-5, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, Isaiah 40: 27-31, Psalm 147: 3-4, Psalm 17-22, John 11:35, Revelation 21:1-4
O Father you know that I am feeling ______________ today. Thank you that even Jesus wept – I don’t have to hide my emotions from you. Be my strength in my weakness today. Thank you that it is when I am weak – when I fully rely on you – that I am strong. Help me to humble myself and trust you today. May I see you working in and through me today. God renew my strength as your word promises. Help me to soar like the eagles. Thank you that you are close to the broken-hearted and hurting. You are not far off – you bind up and heal my wounds. Thank you that one day you will make all things new! You wipe each and every tear from my eyes. Heal me, restore me, hold me today, O Father. I am your child.
When you are facing anxiety or fear of the unknown.
Read: Phillippians 4: 4-9, 1 Peter 5:6-11, Luke 12:22-34, Psalm 139:1-12, John 1: 4-5, Romans 8: 31-32, Colossians 1:16-17
Father, help me in my anxiety today. I am anxious about______________. Thank you that your word tells me that I can be anxious for nothing. Your words says that when I bring my requests to you with thanksgiving I can have peace. God today I praise you and thank you for _________________. I trust that you are for me and not against me in this circumstance. YOU are in control. In YOU all things hold together. Help me to humble myself and not try to take control. I know that by worrying about _______________ it won’t add a single hour to my life. Father go before and behind me. Help me to focus on this day and this day alone – trusting tomorrow to you and your good, strong, capable hands. Shine your light in the darkness.
When you or someone you care about doubts, turns away from God, is unsaved, etc.
Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-6, 2 Peter 3: 8-9, John 6:44, Phillipians 1:6, 1 Thes. 5:23-24
Thank you Lord, that you desire all to come to know you as Lord and Savior. You are not slow to fulfill your promises, but are patient desiring all to come to you. I lift up _______________ to you today. Draw them to you. Thank you that you promise that when you begin a good, you will complete it!
Great scriptures to review and pray when you don’t know what to pray or are feeling frustrated in prayer!
Luke 18:1-8 – The Persistent Widow
Romans 8: 26-28 – The Spirit intercedes for us when we don’t know what to pray
Sometimes when words fail, I often pray through music. Check out my Spotify profile HERE for playlists to guide your prayer!
Take it inch by inch today, friends.