Before you say, “I don’t believe.” Chapter 33

Do you sometimes wish you knew what to pray?

God, who brought all things into being, delights to hear us pray. Prayer is not superstition, like crossing our fingers and hoping for the best. It is not deluding ourselves with false hopes, like reading horoscopes. Neither is it vainly repeating set words. Rather, it is speaking to God, who is Lord of all.

Jesus encouraged us to pray, and promises that God will answer the prayers of His children when they pray according to His plans and purposes.

Prayer for us is very easy – we simply talk to God. It is so straightforward for us is that it was costly for God. He paid the greatest price of all so that we can pray to Him … anytime … anywhere … and about anything.

When Jesus was crucified, He actually took on Himself all the wrong of which we are guilty, so that if we believe on Him, we can be forgiven and come to know God. Once we have trusted the risen, living Jesus as our Lord, Saviour and Friend, it is natural to pray, to talk with Him. God is always ready to listen.

I have written some prayers you may find helpful to pray and personalise for your own situation.

A prayer of thanksgiving and praise

Dear God,

I worship you that you are God and that there is no one else like you.
I praise you Heavenly Father for the wonder of all creation, the sun, moon and stars, as well as the sparkling life around us. Thank you for life, and the purposes you have even for me.
I worship you, Lord Jesus, that even though I have sinned in thought, word and deed, you love me. I bless you that you came to earth as a baby and were willing to go to the cross and die for my sin. Thank you that you rose from the dead and are alive today.
Thank you, God, for the Holy Spirit, who is at work in our world today, pointing people to all that you have done. Thank you that He lives in all who receive your mercy and forgiveness.
For all you have done for me, and mean to me, I praise and worship, counting my blessings and rejoicing in your goodness. Amen.

A prayer for all times

Dear all-knowing God,

Thank you that you are God. Thank you that you are all powerful, that you know all things, that you are everywhere, and never change. I worship you the one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Thank you for the life you have given me. You are God, and Lord over all. I am so thankful for who you are and all you have done. I take comfort from the Bible’s teaching that one day, every knee will bow before you and acknowledge your rule and goodness.
I praise you that you the Father sent Jesus the Son, to be the Saviour of the world. Help me to be truly sorry for all that is wrong in my life. I am so grateful that Jesus carried my sins in his own body on the cross. It is wonderful to me that Jesus paid the penalty for my sin, for I know that I do not deserve to be with you eternally, but Jesus has made a way back to yourself by His sacrifice on the cross. Thank you that Jesus rose again, and is alive today as the loving Saviour and Friend of sinners.
I am grateful that the Holy Spirit is working in the world today. Thank you that He helps men, women and children believe and trust in Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
I pray for those I know and love, and ask that you would be with them to protect and strengthen them in all that they do, wherever they will be today.
Help me to do the things that I should. May I know peace and joy, your companionship and guidance moment by moment. Make me someone who always wants to help others without meddling in their affairs. And those in particular need, please draw near to them at this time.
I pray these prayers in the name of Jesus. Amen.

A morning prayer

Dear God,

Thank you for a safe night’s sleep and a now a new day. I need your help as I face all that the day has in store for me. May I experience your grace, guidance and gladness, your strength and companionship, your help in everything I do and say. I praise you that nothing that happens today will surprise you, for you know all things. Help me to cast all my cares upon you, for I know that you care for me.
Help me in all I do to show kindness and love to those around, and honour you in the things I say, and do. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Amen

An evening prayer

Dear God and Saviour,

Thank you for this past day, and the life you have given me to enjoy. Thank you for those I have met, for friends and family. Thank you for the food, drink and activities I have enjoyed. Thank you for all who have shown care for me and helped me in so many ways. Thank you for the beauty of the world around, and the wonder of creation. Thank you too, that this life is not all there is. Thank You that there is eternity to be lived with you. Thank you for the place where there are no tears, no death, no mourning or crying, nor pain, for the former things have passed away.
Please forgive all the sins of this past day. I praise you that Jesus has paid the price for all that is unworthy of you in my life. Cleanse me from all that is wrong, and help me to live as I should, loving you and loving others,
I pray for a good night’s sleep. Please watch over me, and keep me safe.
In Jesus’ name, Amen

A prayer for your nation

Dear Heavenly King and Lord of all,

I thank you for my country, its heritage and culture, its beauty and diversity. I pray for those who are in authority both nationally and locally, that they would worship and obey you, and that they would govern with honesty and integrity. I pray that there would be godliness and righteousness in our land, and that all would be able to live quiet and peaceable lives. I pray that injustice and violence, impurity and all that is false would be done away with.
I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

A prayer for your family

Dear Heavenly Father,

I bless you for families, and for whom I love and have known.
I pray for the elderly in my family circle (you may like to name them), that in their old age you would help them today. Keep them from cynicism, and grumbling, from loneliness and frustration, but help them to trust in you and find strength in you.
I pray for children (again, name as many as you know and love). Thank you for their joy and energy, their willingness to learn and ability to cheer. Keep them from evil: evil people, evil circumstances, and evil influences. Help them today, and to grow to trust, love and serve you with selflessness and joy.
I pray for those close to me (naming them). May they know that peace that comes from knowing you, and living the life you want them to live.
Unite my family that we might know joy and harmony, experiencing your help day by day.
Hear these prayers, which I pray because of Jesus. Amen.