INTRODUCTION
Prayers 4 U began with the seed of an idea planted and nurtured by the Lord. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, members and speakers of the Ladies' Meeting, John Street Baptist Church, Stroud, England and other friends, both locally and further away, have contributed their own prayers to share with you. Bible prayers and the prayers of Jesus have been included, also hymns and poems of thanksgiving, praise and petition.
Words of Scripture contain many prayers of all types. Most of them are specific, direct and brief. Abraham prayed for an heir, Elijah for rain, Hannah for a child and King Solomon asked God for wisdom. There are many prayers in the Bible for healing and for the forgiveness of sin.
The booklet, Prayers 4 U, has been compiled to help
people pray and as a Christian witness. Yes, we say our prayers but there
are times when we feel we can't pray - in times of bereavement, illness,
depression, and unemployment or disaster. Perhaps at times like these, a
little book of other people's prayer offerings will be a light in the darkness,
giving the strengthening support of God's protection and comfort. For those,
in such hard circumstances, unable to cope with reading prayers, we pray
in concern and faith that the Lord will uphold and carry them through their
troubles, trials and testing until such times pass.
When we say our prayers, remember to thank God for His goodness; to praise Him for His greatness and to worship in spirit and in truth our Heavenly Father for His holiness. Such words of thanksgiving and praise, in the name of Jesus, grant us access into His presence. God is all-knowing, so we can be sure our prayers will be heard and when we call, they will be answered - although not always as we would like!
By faith we must remember the Lord indeed knows what is best for His children.
Prayers 4 U booklet begins with the prayer Jesus taught His disciples. The LORD'S PRAYER includes all we need to know about prayer to our Heavenly Father; from acknowledgement of His holiness in worship and the coming of His Kingdom, through petition for our daily needs, confession of sin and subsequent forgiveness to the final words in praise of God's everlasting power and glory.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Lord, teach us to pray....
When you pray, say:
Luke 11: 1, 2
Our Father Who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For Yours is the kingdom and the power
and the glory for ever. Amen.
Matthew 6: 9 - 13
Yes, Lord Jesus, teach us also to pray:
When you pray, go to your room and, closing the door,
pray to your Father, Who is in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret,
will reward you in the open.
Matthew 6: 6
Do not multiply words, for your Father knows what you need
before you ask Him.
Matthew
6: 7-8
For everyone who keeps on asking receives; who keeps on seeking finds; and
who keeps on knocking, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7: 8
Whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith
and really believing, you will receive.
Matthew 21: 22
When you pray, if you have anything against anyone forgive,
that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you.
Mark 11:25
Pray that you may not enter into temptation;
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
Mark 14: 38
The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few.
So pray to the Lord of the harvest for labourers into His harvest.
Matthew
9: 37, 38
Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer life, being both alert
and intent in your praying with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4: 2
Be unceasing in prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5: 17
Give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5: 18 (NIV)
MORNING PRAYER
In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice,
in the morning I lay my requests before You, and wait in expectation.
Psalm 5: 3 (NIV)
The Bible records Jesus rising early in the morning to pray.
In the morning, long before daylight,
He got up and went to a deserted place, and there He prayed.
Mark
1: 35
A PRAYER AT DAWN
O God my Father,
I thank you that I have opened my eyes to the dawning of a new day.
I humbly pray that as the darkness departs and the light increases, so You
will graciously take away the darkness in my soul and increase to me the
light of Your loving presence.
I do not know what this day holds, but I ask for Your strength and fortitude
to face whatever trouble may come and the compassion to touch all whom I
may meet with Your love.
Make me, Lord, a blessing to someone today.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
It is a good and delightful thing to give thanks and praise to the Lord,
to sing praises to Your name, O Most High,
To show forth Your loving-kindness in the morning
and Your faithfulness by night.
Psalm 92: 1, 2
I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications.
Psalm
116:1
PRAISE FOR THE GREATNESS OF GOD'S CREATION
Father, our God and Saviour,
You're everything
and in everything.
We see You in Creation,
the wonders here on earth.
We see You in the eyes of Your people
and in the creative minds and hands
of those who work for You and Your kingdom.
You have never hidden Yourself from us.
If we look we will see.
O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!
You have set Your glory above the heavens.
When I view Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars,
which You have ordained.
What is man that You are mindful of him
and the son of man that You care for him?
You made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet:
All sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field.
The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea
O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8: 1, 3, 4, 6-9
In Your presence is fullness of joy.
Psalm 16: 11
O Praise the Lord, all you nations! Praise Him, all you people!
For His mercy and loving-kindness are great toward us,
and the truth and faithfulness of the Lord endure forever.
Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
Psalm 117
LORD, hear Your praises in the words of this hymn
Almighty God, the Lord of all Creation,
You formed the earth, the spacious starry sky;
Maker of seas and the deep ocean's vastness,
Green hills and vales and snow-clad mountains high.
Creator God, we praise Your name, most holy,
Name above all, we laud and magnify.
O Father God, You rule in earth and heaven,
You are our judge and God of righteousness.
Eternal One, You change the times and seasons,
Your mighty deeds make known Your faithfulness.
All Your great works reveal Your truth and glory,
Your steadfast love and gift of peacefulness.
Merciful God, You sent us the Redeemer,
And Jesus came to bear our sin and shame;
For unto us Your Holy Child was given
His perfect life to take away our blame.
At Calvary, He shed His blood to save us
Low at the cross, we thank and praise Your name.
O Lord of Hosts, we worship You, most holy,
The Triune God, our gracious sovereign Lord.
We bow the knee, a vast and countless number,
To bless Your Name, for evermore adored.
Creator God, We worship You rejoicing
Hallelujah! We sing with one accord.
Tune: Finlandia
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING
Jesus prayed: Father, I thank you that You have heard Me.
Yes, I know you always hear and listen to Me.
John 11: 41, 42
Psalm 100
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise!
Be thankful to Him and bless His name!
For the Lord is good;
His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting,
His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.
Psalm 100: 4, 5
OPENING HYMN OF THANKSGIVING (Ladies' Meeting 2002-3)
Father, thank you for Your goodness,
Blessings from above;
Keep me in the name of Jesus
In Your love.
Father, thank you for Your Spirit,
Ever keep me true;
Guard and lead me in Your power
Serving You.
Father, thank you for Your presence,
Ever with me stay;
Resting in the peace of Jesus
Day by day.
Resting in the peace of Jesus
Day by day.
Tune: Westridge (Jesus, Friend of little children)
I will praise the name of God with a song
and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69: 30
At all times and for everything giving thanks
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Ephesians
5: 20
THANKSGIVING FOR FRIENDS
Thank you, Father, for friends -
Friends that listen instead of talk,
Friends that have time
instead of rushing away,
Friends that really care about others more than themselves,
Friends that have the compassion of Jesus.
Thank you. Amen.
We come to You, Lord,
because we are small
and You are mighty,
because we are afraid
and You are not,
because we worry
and You have the answers,
because we are sick
and You are the Healer,
because we are lonely
and You call us - friend.
GIVING THANKS BEFORE MEALS
A Children's Grace
As Thou did bless the loaves and fishes,
Bless this food upon our dishes;
As the sugar hides in tea,
May we hide ourselves in Thee.
As You blessed the loaves and fishes,
By the Sea of Galilee;
Bless this food upon these dishes,
That we will eat for our own Tea.
We thank You, Lord, for this our food,
And more because of Jesus' blood
May manna to the soul be given;
The Bread of Life sent down from Heaven.
A SCHOOL GRACE
(As a witness to the Lord Jesus Christ, this
short Grace was used in a Primary school in England for many years.)
Heavenly Father,
We give You thanks for the Gift of food to Your Children.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed to
the people; so also with the fish, as much as they wanted.
John 6: 11
Jesus said:
I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
that You have concealed these things (concerning salvation)
from the wise and revealed them to babes
Luke10:21
PRAYERS FOR DAILY HELP
Dear Lord, please make whole my mind, my body and soul.
Fill me with Your Holy Spirit in body, mind and soul
that I may think in the Spirit, see in the Spirit, hear and walk in the
Spirit throughout today. Take me and use me to Your great glory.
I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
A PRAYER FOR PATIENCE
Dear Lord, give me patience for the daily duty,
Keep me humble, never seeking praise,
Make me conscious of the things of beauty
As I go about my quiet ways.
Make me wise for there are problems pressing,
Make me calm amidst the storm and strife,
Make me worthy to receive Your blessing;
Glad and grateful for the joys of life.
I ask in Jesus' name.
Amen.
Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.
Psalm 37: 7 AV
GUIDANCE DAY BY DAY
Lord Jesus, You are the King of kings,
Reign over my life, Lord
and guide me in all my decisions today.
Help me to be Your faithful witness,
at home, with my family,
with friends and neighbours
and any stranger that I may meet.
May I be loving and gentle to all,
not hurting anyone by a thoughtless remark or deed;
and not to be easily offended myself.
I need all the help that You can give me.
Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen
The Lord will guide you always.
Isaiah 58: 11 (NIV)
DAY BY DAY
Strength for this day is all that I ask,
Food for my hunger and zest for my task.
Health for my body, a roof o'er my head,
And when I am weary, a rest, a warm bed.
Give me a job and a place in Life's scheme,
Give me a moment in which I can dream.
Give me a hand that is willing to share,
Each little happiness this is my prayer.
Give me a glimpse of some beautiful thing,
Flowers in the sunshine or birds on the wing.
Give me a mind on good purposes bent,
Give me a heart that is quiet and content.
Not to have riches, position or fame,
But to be useful, let that be our aim.
Look not to the future, but pray
Just for the things that we need day by day.
In Jesus name, Amen.
God will liberally supply your every need according to His riches in glory
in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 19
PRAYER OF JABEZ
Oh, that You would bless me,
and enlarge my border,
and that Your hand might be with me,
and You would keep me from evil
so it might not hurt me!
And God granted his request.
1 Chronicles 4: 10
A PRAYER FOR HUMILITY
Help me, Lord,
to praise the work of others and to be ready with a cheering word.
Give me humility, desire for service, ever eager, helping others through,
Never seeking glory for the little things I do.
May I listen when somebody gives me good advice,
And before I answer, Lord, please help me to think twice.
Make me kind and gentle in my actions and my speech,
Give me understanding of the truth life has to teach.
Help me to be silent when I'm hurt or in distress,
May I be contented with a quiet happiness.
In Jesus name, Amen.
In humility consider others better than yourselves.
Philippians 2: 3 NIV
THE PRAYER OF MOSES
FOR GOD'S PRESENCE WITH THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL
I pray You, if I have found favour in Your sight,
show me now Your way, that I may know You.
If Your Presence does not go with me,
do not carry us up from here!
I beseech You, show me Your glory.
And God said, I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will
proclaim My name,
THE LORD, before you
but My face shall not be seen.
And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed,
The Lord! The Lord!
A God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving-kindness
and truth.
Exodus 33: 13, 15, 18, 19a, 23a 34: 6
ARROW PRAYERS FROM THE PSALMS
Hear the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You do I pray.
Ps. 5: 2
Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is none to help.
Ps. 22: 11
Hear, O Lord, have mercy and be gracious to me!
O Lord, be my helper!
Ps. 30: 10
Hear my pleading and my prayer, O God;
give ear to the words of my mouth.
Ps. 54: 2
O God, be not far from me!
O my God, make haste to help me!
Ps. 71:12
Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come to You.
Ps. 102:1
In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He answered me.
Ps. 120: 1
Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness
answer me, and in Your righteousness.
Ps. 143: 1
DAVID'S PRAYER FOR DELIVERENCE
In You, O Lord, do I put my trust and seek refuge.
You are my God.
My times are in Your hands;
deliver me from my foes
and those who pursue me and persecute me.
Let Your face shine on Your servant;
Save me for Your mercy's sake and in Your loving-kindness.
Psalm
31 (selected verses)
DAVID'S PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast
love; according to the multitude of Your tender mercy and loving-kindness
blot out my transgressions.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
For You delight not in sacrifice, or else would I give it.
My sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart with
sorrow for sin, such, O God, You will not despise.
Psalm
51 (selected verses)
If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray and
seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven,
forgive their sin, and heal their land.
2
Chronicles 7: 14
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1: 9 AV
DANIEL'S PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS OF THE
LORD'S PEOPLE
DURING THEIR BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY
I set my face to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications,
with fasting and sackcloth and ashes;
And I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession and said,
O Lord, the great and dreadful God, Who keeps covenant, mercy, and loving-kindness
with those who love Him and keep His commandments.
We have sinned and dealt perversely and done wickedly and have rebelled,
turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances.
And we have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God by walking in His laws
which He set before us through His servants the prophets.
O Lord , hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, give heed and act!
Do not delay, for Your own sake, O my God, because Your city and Your people
are called by Your name.
Daniel 9: 3,4,5,10,19
PRAYER FOR THE JEWS - GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! Psalm 122:
6
Father God, thank You for Your great love for all
mankind.
Graciously hear this prayer for your Chosen
People, the Jews.
Bring peace to the land You call 'My Land,' where You chose to place Your
Name and gave as an everlasting covenant to the seed of Abraham. According
to Your set times, hear prayer for Your plans and purposes to restore peace
to Israel and the cessation of struggle and strife between its peoples -
Jew and Palestinian.
Please protect all believers in Christ - the minority fellowships in Israel
of Messianic Jews and Arab Christians, especially those suffering persecution.
In the mercy of Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords bring peace and rest
to the land of the Prince of Peace, making Jerusalem a praise and divine
blessing to the whole Earth as You have promised in Your Holy Word.
LORD, arise and have mercy upon Zion;
for the time to favour her, the set time, is come.
Psalm 102: 13A.V.
LORD, in the name of Jesus 'Do as You have said.'
2 Samuel 7: 25
KING SOLOMON'S PRAYER FOR WISDOM
'Give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart to judge
Your people, that I may discern between good and bad.
For who is able to judge and rule this Your great people?'
It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.
God said to him,
'Because you have asked this and have not asked for long life or riches,
nor for the lives of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding
to recognize what is just and right.'
'Behold, I have done as you asked.
I have given you a wise, discerning mind, so that no one before you was
your equal, nor shall any arise after you equal to you.
I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honour, so
that there shall not be any among the kings equal to you all your days.'
1 Kings 3: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
Jesus said:
'Someone greater than Solomon is here.'
Matthew 12: 42
The Beatitudes, the words spoken by Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount,
are sometimes called the beautiful attitudes.
PRAYER
O LORD, our attitudes precede our actions; help us by Your Holy Spirit,
to remember, 'The Beatitudes,' and ever to be in these attitudes of Jesus
and grow to be like Him.
Amen.
Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3: 18a
JESUS' HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER
Jesus prayed to the Father that -
He may give eternal life to all whom You have given Him.
John 17: 2
My joy may be in them.
John 17: 13
I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will
keep and protect them from the evil one.
John 17: 15
I have given them Your Word - make them holy by Truth.
John 17: 14
Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
.
John
17: 18
Neither for these alone do I pray, but also for all those who will ever
come to believe in Me through their word. That they all may be one,
as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us,
so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.
John 17: 20, 21
I have given to them the glory which You have given Me,
that they may be one as We are one.
John 17: 22
I have made Your Name known to them, that the love You have bestowed upon
Me may be in them in their hearts and that I may be in them.
John 17: 2, 15, 26
Just before Jesus went to Gethsemane and the Cross,
He said to His disciples:
I will do whatever you ask in My Name, so that the Father may be glorified.
John
14: 13
Up to this time you have not asked a single thing in My Name;
but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive,
so that your joy may be full.
John 16: 24
PASSOVER WEEK
Jesus prayed:
Father, save Me from this hour of trial and agony.
But it was for this very purpose that I have come to this hour.
John 12: 27
THE LAST SUPPER
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and when He had
broken it, He gave it to the disciples and said,
'Take, eat; this is My body.'
Matthew 26: 26
He took a cup, and when he had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying,
Drink of it, all of you;
For this is My blood of the new covenant which is poured out for many for
the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 26: 27,28
THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE
Abba, Father, everything is possible for You.
Take away this cup from Me;
Yet not what I will, but what You will.
Mark 14: 36
CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH OF JESUS
Jesus prayed, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Luke 23: 34
My, God, My God, why have You abandoned Me?
Matthew 27: 46
Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!
Luke 23: 46
The separation from His Father, when Jesus bore away our sins on the Cross,
was His greatest suffering.
Christ's abandonment by His Father means we, whom He
died to save, are not abandoned.
God, Himself, has said: I will not leave you nor forsake you!
Hebrew 13: 5b
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His
life a ransom formany.
Mark 10: 45 (NIV)
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS
Because Jesus lives forever He has a permanent priesthood.
Therefore He is able to save
completely those who come to God through Him,
Because He always lives to intercede for them.
Hebrews 7: 24, 25 (NIV)
GOD'S GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE
God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes
in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3: 16
God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
1 John 5:11
Jesus said: I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the
Father except by Me.
John 14: 6
ETERNAL LIFE
O Lord, that I can come to You
And know that my eternal life is safe in Your hands.
For you hold the key of the kingdom,
The kingdom of our God
With whom we shall live forever.
To know You Lord, to worship You,
To praise forever Your holy name
For in You alone is life and love,
For You are all things wonderful.
Your beauty is the light of the world.
It shines through the hearts of those who know You,
Lighting the dark places, bringing Your love and peace.
O mighty God, my shelter, my covering,
Hide me from evil, take me to Your secret place;
There I can rest with my Lord in peace,
Knowing He cares for me, and will let no harm come to me.
I will hide in Him, He is my secret place, my rock, my salvation.
When I am weary He will give me rest.
Jesus said: Come to Me, all you who are weary
and I will give you rest.
Matthew
11: 28
A PRAYER FOR THE BEREAVED
Heavenly Father, please comfort all who mourn.
Give Your strength and support in their bereft loneliness in the loss of
their loved one. (name of spouse, a baby, a child, relative or friend).
When the separation is like an amputation and their spirit feels numb sustain
them by your Holy Spirit. Please bring into their lives the support
and comfort of someone who understands ---family member, friend, myself or
even a stranger. Above all else, Lord Jesus, may they know Your peace
and presence day by day; Your resurrection power and the certainty that You
will never leave nor forsake them.
In the name of Your only Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted!
Matthew 5: 4
PRAYER OF THE EARLY CHURCH AFTER PETER AND JOHN
WERE RELEASED FROM PRISON
They lifted their voices together with one united mind to God and said,
'O Sovereign Lord, You are He Who made the heaven and the earth
and the sea and everything that is in them.
Lord, observe their threats and grant to Your bond servants full freedom
to declare Your message fearlessly,
While You stretch out Your hand to cure and to perform signs and wonders
through the authority and by the power of the name of Your holy Child and
Servant Jesus.'
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken;
and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak
the Word of God with freedom and boldness and courage.
Acts 4:24, 29-31
PRAYERS FOR PRISONERS
Dear Father God please put Your loving arms around the families of
those in prison. Support them in their loneliness, help them to find
true friendship. Be with the children give them courage to visit
fathers / mothers in the prisons and help them to keep their love for them.
Bless them in the circumstances they find themselves in. Amen.
Loving Father please hold and support the inadequate folk in prison
because they were swept in their weakness by others pretending friendship.
Protect them in prison from the verbal and physical attacks of their fellow
prisoners. Help them to accept responsibility for their actions and
to accept the help offered by their counsellors.
Give them peace and love in their hearts. Amen.
(Both prayers used by a prison counsellor in UK.)
'HEAR MY cry, O God; listen to my prayer.'
Ps. 61:1
STEPHEN'S PRAYER - THE FIRST CHRISTIAN MARTYR
While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed,
'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!'
And falling on his knees, he cried out loudly,
'Lord, fix not this sin upon them.'
And when he had said this, he fell asleep in death.
Acts 7: 59,60
PAUL'S PRAYER IN THE LETTER TO EPHESIANS
I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.
For I always pray to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation and knowledge of
Him.
Ephesians 1: 16, 17
PAUL AND TIMOTHY'S PRAYER FOR THE COLOSSIANS
We continually give thanks to God the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ as we are praying for you. We
have not ceased to pray asking that you may be filled with the full knowledge
of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
That you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him,
bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
We pray that you may be strengthened with all power
according to the might of His glory, to exercise every kind of endurance
and patience with joy.
Colossians 1: 3,9,10,11
COLLECT FOR SAINT ALBAN THE FIRST ENGLISH MARTYR
Father, by Your grace, Saint Alban gave himself up for his friend and was
the first in the land to shed his blood for Christ. May we, after his
example, endure all suffering for the love of You and seek You with all our
hearts, for You alone are the source of life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
MORE PRAYERS FROM 21ST CENTURY CHRISTIANS
My heavenly, loving Father,
I come into Your presence in the precious name of Jesus, Who has made it
possible through Calvary. Firstly, I want to give thanks for the many
blessings You have bestowed upon me and to praise You for Who You are; the
Creator, the King of kings, my Redeemer and my Friend.
Also, to thank You for Your great love that never changes.
'You are the same yesterday, today and for ever.'
In my heart, I know You always want what is best for me. I am often
impoverished through my own fault. You have everything I need and You
want me to avail myself of the riches that are found in Christ Jesus.
Even now as I pray, You know my truest need better than I do.
Please make up the lack in me as I humbly ask You now.
My desire is that You may be glorified in all that I do, in the daily routine
as well as in the Red Letter days. You are always with me wherever
I go. This gives me confidence knowing You are in control. You
have said: 'Casting all your care upon You.' Please keep me with
my eyes upon You.
I love You because You first loved me. Thank you for everything!
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
(Eva Clayfield's prayer)
'PRAYERS 4 U' has been dedicated to Eva.
Lord Jesus,
feed me with the 'Bread of Life'
That I may be spiritually strong.
Lord Jesus, let me drink the 'Water of Life'
That I may be spiritually fresh.'
Lord Jesus, fill me with the 'Spirit of Life'
That I may be spiritually alive,
So that all I think, say and do
Will honour and glorify You. Amen.
Pray at all times in the Spirit with all prayer.
Ephesians 6: 18
PRAYER FOR THE GOSPEL ARMOUR
Sovereign Lord and Heavenly Father -
Help me live a life that pleases and honours You
and is a blessing to others according to Your will and way.
In Your mercy and my need today, -
please put on me Your Belt of Truth,
Your Robe of Righteousness,
and Shoes of Your Gospel of Peace.
Give me Your strength to lift up the Shield of Faith,
to take the Helmet of Your Salvation,
and the Sword of Your Spirit, which is the Word of God.
In my need, in Your service today, as I keep my eyes on You, grant the blessing
of a double portion of Your Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father, I pray in the name of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,
Who shed His blood and died for me.
Thank You, Lord, in faith and expectancy. Amen.
Ephesians 6: 13-18
O Lord, help us to prepare the ground.
We trust in Your providence.
Bring out goodness
to the benefit of those in poverty
and kindness to those lost.
Give faith to the weak-hearted,
give hope to the young
and vision to their instructors.
Give joy to the peacemakers.
Amen.
Thy Word, O Lord, is food for my soul,
nourishment for my spirit,
a stimulant for my mind
and a challenge for my body.
As I feast upon Your Word, O Lord,
grant that I will become more like You,
my Saviour, Lord and coming King.
Amen.
Your Word is Truth.
John 17: 17
Thank You, LORD, for The Bible,
the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
Amen.
The Spirit helps us in our weakness:
for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes
for us with sighs too deep for words.
And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit,
because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans
8: 26, 27 (RSV)
I am speaking, LORD.
Are You listening
or are my prayers unheard?
I am pleading, LORD,
are You listening
or am I alone?
It is very dark, LORD.
Can You see me,
or don't You know I am here?
I am speaking, child.
Are you listening
or is My voice unheard?
I, too, am pleading, child
are you listening
or am I being ignored?
I know it is dark, child.
Can you see Me
or don't you know I am here?
PRAYER FOR PEOPLE IN THE DARK PLACES
Heavenly Father, I pray for the people whose lives have been traumatized
by illness, suffering and disaster and imprisonment - even as hostages; for
those starving and in poverty in the Third World; those living in squalor
and surviving on rubbish dumps.
Lord, hear prayer for Your servants witnessing and working in many ways
for Your Kingdom, especially for those sick and imprisoned or injured in
these days for believing in You. Dear Lord, please give Your comfort
to all who are downcast in bereavement and living in the dark places.
Father God, hear my prayer in Jesus' name.
Amen.
A DARK PLACE
O Lord, my God, I am in such a dark place,
I cannot see You.
My own concerns fill my head,
That I cannot hear You.
Yet I know that You are there,
Because You have promised never to leave or forsake me.
The times I have shared with You seem so far away at this moment,
But I want to thank You for their memories.
They are so precious.
I know those times are still there.
When I get out of this place -
I will find you again.
I thank You, Lord, that Yours are not earthly relationships,
That can disappear forever.
I am so glad that you are not mortal but eternal.
The difficulties I face are mine
I don't have to face them alone.
You are concerned about everything that troubles me.
You know how hard it is to find You in the darkness.
You grieve about the loss of fellowship with Your people,
When they are distracted by worries -
This concerns You even more than it does us.
When we give up, reach the bottom,
It is as though You do not exist,
And yet we know that without Your upholding hand,
Our own very existence would be extinguished.
We may even cease to live in the natural,
But in the spirit-by your Spirit,
We have eternal life;
Bought by You, Father, through Your Son.
If You did not care for us,
You could have left us to die eternally.
When I think of what it cost You
How One so mighty comes to one so small,
I am thankful that I know You,
Even when I cannot find You in the darkness. Amen.
It is said that there are 365 places in the Bible where we can read
'Fear not' or 'Do not be afraid.' one for each day of
the year!
Dear Lord, there are so many things all around me that I am afraid of and
I also have many private fears which no one else knows about but You and
me. Will You please help me really to say: 'What time I am afraid ,
I will trust in You!
Thank You. Amen.
Do not have any anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and
petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
And God's peace which transcends all understanding shall guard your hearts
and minds in ChristJesus.
Philippians
4: 6, 7
A PRAYER FOR GOD'S SERVANTS WHO CAN'T PRAY
(A PRAYER FOR CARERS)
When the days of caring are long and hard,
When the Carer is now tired and care-worn,
And once bright eyes see only a blank wall
For the heart of gold is torn.
This is the time Your servant cannot pray
And even God seems far away.
LORD, help me instead for such to pray,
A pledge of prayer each coming day,
And give Your aid along the way
With words of faith that truly say:
'I see only one set of footmarks in the sand,
For Jesus is carrying you!
Your life is difficult for me to understand,
Yet, I believe He is carrying you
To rest at peace on His shoulder,
Upheld by His mighty right hand.
Yes, Jesus is carrying you!'
Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.
He cares for you.
1
Peter 5: 7
GOD'S FAITHFULNESS
It is from the pages of Scripture that we learn more about
God's faithfulness.
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.
Psalm
119: 18
Our loving heavenly Father, our faithful God, as we journey in faith through
a confused and sinful world, we look to Thee to make us strong for daily
service and witness. Help us to stand on Your promises and take up
the shield of faith as we trust and follow You.
For Jesus' sake. Amen.
We know all things work together for good to those who love God.
Romans
8: 28
Be strong, vigorous and very courageous.
Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever
you go.
Joshua
1: 9
The apostles said to the LORD, Increase our faith.
Luke 17: 5
GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IN PRAYERS FROM TWO OF THE PSALMS
Into Your hands I commit my spirit;
You have redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth and faithfulness.
Psalm
31: 5
Unto You, O Lord, do I bring my life.
I trust and am confident in You.
Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.
Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me,
for You are the God of my salvation.
Psalm
25: 1 2,4,5
Heavenly Father, help us live out our faith in You, our faithful God, by
acts of faithfulness great and small.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and His ears
attentive to their prayer.
1 Peter 3: 12a
PRAYER OF COMMITMENT
Here's a prayer you can pray now if you really mean to follow
the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart always; and become God's child.
'Heavenly Father I am sorry for all the wrong things I have done and said.
Forgive me Father God and thank You, Lord Jesus, for dying on the cross
to take away my sins.
Please come into my life with Your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus' name. Amen.'
Jesus said:
I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved.
John
10: 9
The Prayer of the Tax Collector in Jesus' Parable
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
Jesus said: This man went down to his home forgiven and in right
standing with God.
Luke
18: 13, 14
And Jesus said:
If you forgive men their trespasses, Your heavenly Father also will forgive
you, but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will Your Father
forgive your trespasses.
Matthew
6: 14, 15
Thank You Heavenly Father for making it possible for me to come to God through
Jesus, and to know that He is praying for me! Help me to believe that
this is really true, and that I may tell You about the things that trouble
me, like....
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For Jesus' sake. Amen.
Casting the whole of your care (all your anxieties, all your worries, all
your concerns) on Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5: 7
EVENING HYMN
Lord Jesus, hear my prayer in the words of this hymn:
Glory to Thee, my God, this night
For all the blessings of the light;
Keep me, O keep me, King of kings,
Beneath Thine own almighty wings.
Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son,
I, 'ere I sleep, at peace may be.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Thomas
Ken, 1637 - 1711, altd.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell
in safety and confident trust.
Psalm
4: 8
EVENING PRAYER
Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands
as the eveningsacrifice.
Psalm
141: 2
After Jesus had dismissed the multitudes,
He went up into the hills by Himself to pray.
When it was evening, He was still there alone.
Matthew 14:23, Luke
5: 16
Dear God You know all that has happened today. Please take that
which is good to Your great glory and that which is not right, You know what
to do with it. Take it away through Jesus Christ. Amen
Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep it to the end.
Psalm 119: 33
PRAYER TO LOVE LIKE JESUS LOVES
Heavenly Father, thank you for Your great love manifested in your beloved
Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Help us, Your children, to love like Jesus
loves.
Grant us, through your Holy Spirit, the grace to love each other from the
heart. We are members of Your Body, the Church; and in loving and serving
You, help us to be committed and respond with love to the needs of others.
Teach us, Lord, to show Your love in putting others first in our thoughts,
words and deeds. Give us firm resolve to think the best of others,
giving consideration and honour at all times. Keep us seeing You, Lord
Jesus, in the faces of others; serving them as if serving You. Help
us, O God, to love the lost in praying for them, with a holy fervour, to
seek Your great Salvation. Fill us with Your Spirit's power to endure,
as good servants of Jesus Christ, not counting the cost.
Lord God, help me to love like Jesus loves each one of us.
In His name we ask. Amen.
Love bears everything, believes the best of every person, hopes and endures
everything. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13: 7, 8
JOHN'S PRAYER ON THE ISLE OF PATMOS FOR JESUS' RETURN
The beloved disciple's prayer is recorded in the last two verses of the
Bible.
'Yes, come, Lord Jesus!'
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Revelation
22: 20, 21 A.V.
DOXOLOGY
Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless
before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God
our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.
Amen.
Jude 24, 25 A.V.
INDEX
Introduction
The Lord's Prayer - Lord, teach us to pray
Morning Prayers
Praise for God's Creation
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving for Friends - Graces
Prayers for Daily Help Patience
Guidance Day by Day
Prayer of Jabez .My prayer - Humility
Prayer of Moses - Arrow Prayers from the Psalms
King David's Prayers
Daniel's Prayer - Shalom
King Solomon's Prayer
Jesus' High Priestly Prayer
Prayers - Passover Week
Prayers - The Crucifixion and Resurrection
The Gift of Eternal Life - Prayer for the Bereaved
Prayer of the Early Church - Prayers for Prisoners
Prayers of Saints Stephen, Paul and Timothy
Collect for St. Alban - More 21st Century Prayers
Prayer for the Gospel Armour God's Word
Prayer for People in the Dark Places
A Dark Place
A Prayer for Carers
God's Faithfulness
Prayer of Commitment Prayer of the Tax Collector
Evening Hymn - Evening Prayer
Prayer to Love like Jesus Loves
John's Prayer on the Isle of Patmos
Doxology
Dedicated to the memory of the late Eva Clayfield - 1919-2002,
in recognition of her faithful service within the
Ladies' Meeting, John Street Baptist Church, Stroud, Gloucestershire, England.
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT
'Scriptures taken, unless otherwise
stated, from THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE,
Old Testament copyright, © 1965, 1987 by The Zondervan Corporation.
The Amplified New Testament copyright © 1958, 1987
by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.'