Prayer is so powerful because of who is at the other end of the conversation. Imagine the difference between talking to the postman and talking to the President. Everything changes when we realize who is listening. We are able to talk to the Creator of the heavens and the earth.
But prayer’s impact goes so much deeper than just having our requests answered. Talking to God is like talking with a friend because it is about relationship. The most important thing in a relationship is getting to know the person we are talking to.
There aren’t any special words or required phrases necessary to communicate directly to God through prayer. In fact, when Jesus taught about prayer He also warned against using any kind of formula. Matthew 6:7 says, “And praying, do not use vain repetitions like the pagans, for they think that in their many words they will be heard.”
As you begin to pray, it may help you to think of prayer as simply a conversation with a close friend – be vulnerable and share your daily struggles and needs, believing and knowing that God hears your prayers.
Here are a few sample prayers to help you start. These are intended as helpful prompts that you can tailor to fit your own personal needs. No matter what time of day or night you want to communicate with God, He listens. Just express your heart, your hurts, your disappointments and your needs.
(Click each link below to view sample prayers.)
Depression
Health Concerns
Financial Struggles
Feeling Brokenhearted
Self-Hatred
Feeling Confused
Afraid or Fearful
Anxiety
Experiencing Grief
Relationship With God
God’s greatest desire is to have a personal relationship with you. A conversation through prayer is the perfect way to begin that relationship. He is waiting to hear from you. He is waiting to have a relationship with you. He is waiting to give you a full and abundant Life. To find out how, visit EncounterLife.com.
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When Jesus lived on earth, He said His purpose was to give everyone a full and complete life. He said that He, Himself, is life. Consider encountering life by encountering Jesus at EncounterLife.com.
Father, my heart feels so heavy and I need new hope for my life. Please lift my broken spirit today and bring focus to my life again. Amen.
Psalms 3:3 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
Deuteronomy 31:8 … It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
God, I’m afraid and feel so vulnerable because I don’t know what will happen to me. I ask for healing and that you will give me comfort and peace of mind. Amen.
Jeremiah 29:11 I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.
Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Heavenly Father, I feel so overwhelmed financially. It seems like I’m always struggling. Please bless me with your riches and guide all of my decisions. Amen.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Jeremiah 29:11 I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.
Lord, I feel so much emotional pain inside and can’t even express how I feel out loud. You understand my pain so I ask for your comfort as I struggle to make sense of this. Amen.
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope.
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
God, I feel worthless and some days I don’t even feel like living because I don’t know where I belong. Please show me I’m amazing in Your eyes and remove the shame I feel inside. Amen.
Jeremiah 29:11 I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.
Heavenly Father, I am really struggling to make sense of decisions in my life. It’s frustrating to feel so unfocused and alone in this struggle. Please bring me clear thinking to help me know which direction I should go. Amen.
II Corinthians 4:8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
II Thess. 3:16
God, I feel so afraid. Sometimes I don’t even know why, but fear takes over and I can’t move forward. Please release me from this feeling and show me that you are always with me, so I have nothing to be afraid of.
II Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Father, I don’t even know why this frightening anxiety settles on me and won’t leave. Please calm my thoughts and my heart; bring stillness to my mind. Amen.
Philippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Father, I feel so numb and empty inside – I don’t know how to move forward in life. Please help me to find comfort each day as I grieve this huge loss. Amen.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest.
Father God, I want to know You and experience my life with Your presence and purpose in it. Please bring me knowledge about who You are and guide me toward learning that helps me love you more and more each day. Amen.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.