Are you a new Christian and wondering how to get started in your prayer life?
Or, maybe you’re a seasoned Christian and want to spend more time with the Lord?
Regardless of your situation, we all could use some biblical ideas on things to pray for when we don’t know where to start or our mind goes blank.
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What Does God Want Us to Pray For
The Bible spells out what we should pray for — we should pray for everything!
In 1st Thessalonians 5:17, it clearly tells us to pray without stopping. In other words, it’s pretty clear that we should always be praying about anything and everything.
But, obviously, it helps to have a starting point because “everything” is a lot of stuff! Here are some hints on how to ensure you are staying on top of your prayer life.
Are you looking for some tools and tips to boost your prayer life? If so, be sure to visit our Prayer Resources Library where you’ll find everything you need to become a powerful prayer warrior!
Things to Pray For
First of all, before we begin, there are some points to consider.
Peter warns us in Matthew 6:7 to not use vain repetitions. If we just repeat a prayer without thinking about it, we are just like the world.
Instead, every word we say should be carefully coveted as a plea to the Lord with seriousness and sacredness.
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Matthew 6:7 NIV
In addition, we should be praying in the name of Jesus according to John 14:13-14.
If we ask in Jesus’ name, he will do it. Let’s discuss in prayer points how we can be more effective in our prayers.
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:13-14 NIV
Things to Pray for Daily
Since we established praying all of the time is beneficial, that means we should include a daily routine of prayer. What is the best time of day for you to pray?
Determine the best time to sit alone with the Father each day when it’s quiet and focus on sticking to a schedule.
Here are some things to pray for on a daily basis:
- Praise God for His attributes
- Thank Him for His blessings
- Confess your Sins
- Pray for Wisdom and Direction
- Ask for Daily Provisions
- Ask His Will Be Done
- Pray for a Forgiving Spirit
- Pray for Protection from Evil
Be sure to check our daily prayers library to find prayers to pray every day of the week!
Things to Pray for Weekly
While it would be great to pray for all of the spiritual needs daily, we only have so much time during the day!
So, here is a robust list of special requests we can take to the Lord on a weekly basis.
- Pray for Family’s Needs
- Pray for Your Local Church
- Pray for Neighbors’ Salvation
- Pray for the Lost & Hurting
- Pray for the World
- Pray for Personal Direction
Things to Pray for Others
James reminds us in James 5:16 that we must pray for each other. If we do pray for one another, there is a promise of healing.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. God gives us the authority to pray for our friends’ struggles, stresses, and burdens they carry.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 NIV
God has blessed us with much, let’s give back to those who are spiritually, mentally, and physically suffering.
Job is a great example — he prayed for his friends and the Lord restored all of his fortunes. In the same way, it is important for Christians to intercede through the Spirit on the behalf of others.
- Pray for Those Who Persecute You
- Intercede for Your Friends Needs
- Ask God to Help Friends Who Suffer
- Pray for Those Sick
- Pray for Those Committing Sin
- Pray for Your Enemies
- Ask God for Peaceful Life with Authority
Things to Pray for in the World
The Lord tells us to pray for those around the world.
In Matthew 28:19, He commands his followers to go teach all nations to spread the Good News and teach about His life and commandments.
Here are some ways we can pray for our nation and other nations and to strengthen the people’s faith who are spreading the gospel.
- Pray for World Leaders’ Salvation
- Ask God to Strengthen International Believers
- Pray for Church Missionaries to Spread the Good News
- Pray for the Persecuted Church in Hiding
- Ask God for Faithful Followers to Advance the Gospel
Are you looking for some tools and tips to boost your prayer life? If so, be sure to visit our Prayer Resources Library where you’ll find everything you need to become a powerful prayer warrior!
Things to Pray for Your Future Husband
If you are not married, you can prepare now for your future husband by praying for him! Commit every day to pray for guidance from God to find the spouse He chose for you.
Asking God for a partner that will seek God’s will and protect your family through trials and tribulations is key to a successful marriage.
Here are some ideas on how to pray for your future spouse:
- Pray He Puts God First In Everything
- Ask God to Strengthen Your Spouse in Courage
- Pray His Plans are God’s Plans
- Seeks God for Wisdom in All Decisions
- Pray He Leads His Future Family Biblically
- Pray He Puts on the Armor of God Daily
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV
Things to Pray for Yourself
Now that we’ve discussed powerful ways to pray daily, weekly, others, spouses, and our world, it’s time to dive into praying for ourselves.
As we struggle with daily obstacles, our first inclination is to pray for our own desires and needs.
Yes, problems in this world can seem overwhelming, yet, God tells us to pray for others and be selfless.
And, once we are obedient and put others first, it’s time to pray and ask God to use us in a mighty way for His glory.
- Shower the Lord with Adoration & Praise
- Ask for Forgiveness from the Holy One
- Thank Him for His Blessings
- Ask God for a Relationship with Him
- Pray for Spirit-Led Wisdom
- Seek His Will in Everything
- Ask Him for Specific Needs
- Pray for Protection from Evil
- Pray for Courage and Strength
Things NOT to Pray For
It may surprise you that there are things we should not pray for.
The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:5 to pray humbly, and not to do it as the hypocrites do — for their own glory.
Let’s talk about things we should NOT pray for.
- We Should Not Pray for Our Own Benefit
- We Should Not Pray for Our Own Will
- We Should Not Ask God to Curse Others
- We Should Not Pray for Unbiblical Things
- We Should Not Pray in Repetition
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39 NIV
As we close, prayer is an amazing tool to draw you closer to the Lord. Having a deep, intimate relationship with God will ultimately strengthen you physically, spiritually, and mentally.
There are many prayer tools to help you stay focused on the things of God. However, just remember to keep your thoughts and prayers on Him, and He will ultimately guide you on the right path.
