Following are seven prayers from the bible that we pause to be prayerful about ourselves this week. Take a moment or two to make these prayers your own throughout the week, if not longer. Maybe even consider adding each prayer throughout the week so that by Sunday, you are calling upon God with all seven prayers.

Philemon 1:6

…pray that you may be active in sharing your faith…

In this prayer written to Philemon, the Apostle Paul points out that sharing our faith brings a fuller understanding of the good things we have in Christ. It is not just that others are blessed when we share Christ, we ourselves are blessed when we share Christ as well.

Lord, I pray that I may be active in sharing my faith with others and grow in my understanding of You.

Amen.

We step into this week celebrating You, Father, whose throne we approach in confidence;

We celebrate You, Jesus, who gives us confidence to approach safely in Your name;

We celebrate You, Holy Spirit,  who leads us to the Father and the Son;

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Luke 22:40

…pray that you will not fall into temptation…

God teaches in the bible that there is no temptation that is not common to man, and that Jesus himself was tempted as we are, yet was without sin. This encouragement to pray about temptation was directed at Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to his denials, but it is also included in the Lord’s Prayer given to us. Have you prayed it today?

Lord, I pray that I will not fall into temptation…

Amen.

Ephesians 3:16

...pray that out of his glorious riches He may strengthen you…

This is part of the Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Christians in Ephesus. Life under God is to be lived through the strength of God – and that strength is ours, according to Paul, through God’s Spirit. Power to live in God’s strength is a gift coming through the Holy Spirit; Are you feeling weak or depleted? Pray for the Spirit’s power and strength.

Lord, strengthen me (and others) out of Your glorious riches…

Amen.

Ephesians 3:17-18

…pray that you may have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…

The love of Christ working in people changes hearts, careers, lifestyles, families, destinies, etc – but most of all – life itself is changed. In coming to know Christ and His love, we pass from death to life (John 5:24). With that, as God continues to work in our lives by His Spirit and Word, He changes our lives to better reflect His heart and attitude toward people and life.

Lord, I pray that I may have power to grasp how wide & long & high & deep is the love of Christ…

Amen.

Jeremiah 42:3

…pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.

This prayer was requested of the prophet Jeremiah about an uncertain future, and God honored the request with an answer. I don’t know that God desires to be in the business of sharing people’s futures like some fortune teller, but He has reminded us that while we make plans, the Lord determines our footsteps and His will prevails (Proverbs 16:9 and 19:21). So it makes sense to pray:

LORD, lead us where we should go and show us what we should do.

Amen

3 John 1:2

…pray that you may enjoy good health…

This was John’s request for his Christian friends, and one that we would do well to copy. It is not merely physical wellness, but rather a wholeness of health that is spiritual, emotional, physical, psychological, intellectual, and even financial as well. As you pray today, dwell on each aspect of your life (and for others that you pray for, including pastor).

Lord, I pray that I may enjoy good health… and I pray that [list names of others] may enjoy good health as well…

Amen.

Ephesians 6:20

…pray that I may declare it (Gospel of Jesus Christ) fearlessly…

No question that the Apostle Paul was a disciple of Jesus. This was his prayerful request, seeking total boldness despite obstacles within and outside of himself. This is also Pastor Paul’s request as he seeks to live out his life of discipleship – in all places and at all times in our community. We hope that you see yourself as a disciple of Jesus and can make it your own prayer too – you are to “declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Live out your calling!

Lord I pray that I may declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ fearlessly…

Amen.