12 Ways to Pray

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“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest.”

 Matthew 11:28 ESV

As I sit here mulling over all the uncertainties in my personal life, the future of those I love, our nation, and the world, I hear the Spirit whispering, “Come to me…. Come to me with your brokenness, your heartaches, your fears, your concerns, and your questions.” He is inviting me to enter His presence in prayer. If I run into the shelter of His wings, I will find solace there.

It can be difficult to know how, or what, to pray when our hearts are overwhelmed. But Christ implores us to come to Him to find all that we need. If you are struggling with praying today, here are 12 prayer prompts to inspire your prayer life, along with Bible verses to read and encourage your heart as you pray.

  • Read Philippians 4:19: Name the most pressing need in your life––be it physical, spiritual, emotional, mental, or financial––and ask God to provide it. 

  • Read Psalm 25:9 & James 1:5: Think of any decisions you need to make right now and ask God for wisdom and guidance. 

  • Read John 6:44 & Acts 26:18: Name family members and loved ones who do not know Jesus as their personal Savior and ask God to speak to their hearts, show them His great love, and open blind eyes to His salvation. 

  • Read 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 & 1 John 1:9: Ask God to show you if there is any anger, bitterness, or unconfessed sin in your life. Then ask Him for forgiveness and walk in freedom. 

  • Read Isaiah 26:3 & John 14:27: Recognize any anxiety you are feeling and ask God to replace it with His perfect peace. 

  • Read 1 Peter 2:9: Pray for Christians to stand firm and boldly proclaim the truth of God’s Word, display His love, and shine bright in a world of darkness. 

  • Read Psalm 80:17-18: Pray for church leaders, pastors, and missionaries to faithfully deliver the Word of truth, and to have protection, provision, and guidance from the Lord. 

  • Read 1 Timothy 2:1-2: Pray for our nation, our leaders, and our government to stand for truth and justice. 

  • Read Psalm 46:1: Pray for those in our world who are hurting and despairing to find refuge and hope in the Presence of the Lord. 

  • Read Philippians 4:6-7: Praise Him for what He has done by making a list of 5 things you are grateful for today. 

  • Read John 10:27: Take a moment (or several) to sit in His Presence and listen to Him. He wants to speak to you.  

Remember, prayer is simply talking to God. You can take time away in a quiet place to meet with Him, but you can also talk to Him while you walk, while you drive, and while you tidy the house. He is always with you, ready to listen, and wanting to speak to your heart.

 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, 

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13 ESV