Praying Effectively (A Powerful Prayer – Nehemiah 1:1-11)
- Begin with thanksgiving and praise for who God is. We must pray as if we know God intimately; understanding His very character. Knowing His nature will comfort our heart.
- God is love – 1 John 4:8
- God is faithful – 2 Timothy 2:13
- God is creator – Colossians 1:16
- God is all powerful – Jeremiah 32:27
- Confess sin. Before we offer our request, we should honestly acknowledge sin; whether it be ours, our family’s, or our nation’s; and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness for iniquity.
- Seek grace – 1 John 1:6-10
- Seek mercy – Lamentations 3:22-23
- Seek righteousness – Psalm 23:3
- Recall the Word of God. Using God’s Word in prayer keeps us focused biblically; and makes us aware of how God applies His truth in different situations. Weave in the stories of the Bible into your prayer time that apply to your need or situation.
- Needing protection – Daniel 6:16-22
- Needing wisdom – 1 kings 3:5-12
- Needing perseverance – Philippians 4:11-13
- Sharing your heart. As you pray, understand that God already knows what you need before you ask; so just honestly share all that is on your heart; especially the things that are uncomfortable.
- Pray with confidence – Hebrews 4:16
- Release control – 1 Peter 5:6-7
- Do not fear – Isaiah 42:3
- Avoid generalizations. Be very specific before the Lord, and it will be easier for you to see how God is answering your prayer.
- Nothing is too small or too big- Philippians 4:6
- Watch for God to work – Matthew 6:6
- Praise God as He works – 1 Chronicles 16:8-12
Prayers of the Bible
- Praying for boldness – Acts 4:18-31
- Praying for restoration – Psalm 51
- Praying for favor – Genesis 24:12-27
- Praying for mercy – Exodus 32:9-14
- Praying for blessings – 2 Samuel 7:18-29
- Praying for relief – Jeremiah 14:7-22
- Praying for believers – Ephesians 3:14-21
- Praying for deliverance – 2 Kings 19:15-19
- Praying for righteousness – 1 Chronicles 29:10-19
- Praying for grace – Luke 18:9-14
- Praying for healing – Matthew 8:5-13
- Praying for victory – 2 Chronicles 14:10-12
- Praying for life – Acts 9:36-43
- The Lord Prays – John 17