Praying for…
Sometimes when my heart is hurting, I have a hard time knowing what to pray. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit intercedes (Romans 8:26). However, I wanted to speak words that would honor God and give voice to my concerns. We are told “God—His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” ~ Psalm 18:30 (HCSB) God’s word contains the power of The Word. When His Word is spoken, His power is released.
Using the word of God, I comprised two prayers for things that laid heavy on my heart. Will you join me in praying for the lost and praying for these difficult times?
Praying for the lost.
Heavenly Father, You are gracious, righteous, merciful, compassionate, slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. Peter wrote that You are patient not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Oh Father, my heart is heavy for the lost. I lift up to You _____________________________. Please save them in Your great mercy and love. Grant them eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. For You so love them that You gave Jesus that they might believe and not perish but have eternal life. Oh Father save them, please!
“Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate.” ~ Psalm 116:5 (NASB)
“The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.” ~ Psalm 145:8 (NASB)
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. “ ~ 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” ~ John 17:3 (NASB)
“so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” ~ John 3:15-17 (NASB)
Praying for these tumultuous times.
Heavenly Father, thank You that You silence the roar of the seas, waves, and the tumult of the nations. Thank You that You are with me, You are my God, You will help and protect Your children. Help me to be strong and courageous, remembering You are with me wherever I go. Thank You that You will not fail me or forsake me. Thank You that no weapon forged against me will prosper and every tongue that accuses me in judgment, will be condemned. Thank You that You vindicate Your children. Help me to remember not to fear man, but to keep a holy reverence for You. Thank You that Your peace gives me the ability to keep my heart untroubled and without fear. Father, I lift up my concerns for this troublesome world into Your strong hands so that I may have Your peace which passes understanding.
“You silence the roar of the seas, the roar of their waves, and the tumult of the nations.” ~ Psalm 65:7 (HCSB)
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish. You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them, those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent. For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’” ~ Isaiah 41:10-13 (NASB)
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:6 (NASB)
“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me, declares the Lord.” ~ Isaiah 54:17 (NASB)
“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” ~ Matthew 10:28 (NASB)
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” ~ John 14:27 (NASB)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
“God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world, the better the world will be and the mightier the forces against evil everywhere. Prayer, in one phase of its operation, is a disinfectant and a preventive. It purifies the air; it destroys the contagion of evil.” ~ E. M. Bounds
What is deep in your heart? Use God’s word to voice your prayer. Keep praying, friends. Keep praying!