Prayer connects us to the heart, mind, and power of God.
Prayer invites the wisdom, favor, and kindness of God.
Prayer provides a deeper understanding of the grace, truth, and purpose of God.
The longer I trust God and lead in the local church, the more I realize I’m only beginning to grasp the true privilege and authority of prayer.
Prayer is personal, powerful, and absolutely life changing. We can know that intellectually, but when we practice it consistently, we gain the courage to live and lead on the frontlines of God’s purpose.
Nothing brings the presence and power of God like prayer. Prayer is learned through practice, fueled by faith, and anticipates God’s response.
Prayer is contemplative but also calls for action. How we live it out matters.
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16
All prayers are meaningful. All prayers count. All prayers matter to God. But there are certain prayers following biblical themes, when we pray them together — they connect with and move the heart of God.
Pray these prayers in your quiet moments, in groups, and larger gatherings. Pray them as the Holy Spirit guides you.
7 Life Changing Prayers:
1) A prayer for reconciliation
Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace, kindness, and mercy. We know that the foundation of reconciliation begins between you and each of us individually. But you have also called us to pursue reconciliation whenever we experience conflict or division with each other.
Forgive us Father for the division that exists in Your Church. Teach us to forgive each other as you have forgiven us. Help us to work through unresolved conflict and extend grace and kindness to one another.
We ask that the unity of the Spirit would prevail so that we could live in such a way that brings glory to your name and bears fruit in the body of Christ. Amen.
God calls us to reconciliation not regret, unity not division, and community not isolation.
2) A prayer for compassion
Jesus, we thank you for the compassion that you so lavishly and continually pour out upon us. Your Word makes it clear that you care deeply for those who are like sheep without a shepherd.
Your love is great for those in physical and financial need, for those who suffer, for the fatherless, for those who need healing, and so many more.
We pray Jesus that your spirit would prompt us to live out that same kind of compassion. May we do for one what we’d like to do for many. May we continue to grow as a compassionate, caring, and loving church. Help us who serve you and your church model this well.
When it comes to compassion, there should be only a small step between our prayers and action. Do for one what you would like to do for many.
3) A prayer for wisdom
God, thank you for the promise of your wisdom. Our human thoughts, ideas, and creativity have little to no eternal value without you.
Thank you, God, for the depth and richness of the wisdom that you so freely give. We pray for the courage to act upon that wisdom. May it help us as leaders in making good decisions.
Grant us the wisdom to more fully understand your will and purpose for the church, within the specific circumstances in which we serve. We seek your wisdom and guidance to lead the church in a way that brings glory and honor to you. Amen.
4) A prayer for redemption
Jesus, thank you for the price you paid on the cross that makes a way for the forgiveness of our sin. Your love and grace are overwhelming and extravagant.
We pray that our passion for those who are far from you would be contagious. We ask that our hearts would be broken for the lost like yours. May the expression of our love into the community be natural, joyful and compelling.
We desire to see a flood of decisions to follow you, and baptism stories that move the hearts of many. Amen.
Redemption through the love of God and by the blood of Jesus is the central theme of the Gospel and the true work of the Church.
5) A prayer for maturity
Heavenly Father, in the same breath that we ask for your favor in redemption, we know that it’s your desire for every believer to mature in their faith. Thank you that you provide your Word, the Holy Spirit and the Church to help that take place.
The pull of the world is strong, temptation is ever present, and the spiritual battle is real. Yet we know that you are with us and provide a way for us to grow, mature and live a life that is pleasing to you.
We especially pray that we may serve our children and students in such a way that our growing faith inspires them to follow in the same footsteps. Amen.
What do you believe are the characteristics of a mature Christian? (please leave your thoughts in the comment box below.)
6) A prayer for generosity
God, we could never out give you, but we want to give like you — generously. Thank you for all the good and perfect gifts you provide for us, and for the opportunities to advance the gospel.
We pray that our church would be generous with our time, finances, talents and abilities. We pray that we would be generous with kindness, patience, and encouragement.
We desire to be a church who genuinely cares about others and serves them well. We desire to serve because it’s a privilege to be part of your Kingdom work. We pray that a spirit of generosity would prevail both inside the church, and outside into the community. Amen.
Generosity that blesses and provides for others is close to the heart of God.
7) A prayer for transformation.
Jesus, this is our all-encompassing prayer, and we are convinced that it aligns with your heart. We pray for true transformation in the lives of the people we serve. Beginning with salvation, may there be tremendous life change!
We are asking for physical healing, marriages to be restored, people to be freed from addictions, and healing to take place in broken hearts. We pray for teens to rise into leadership in their schools, for our business leaders to speak boldly for you, and that each of us would see ourselves as an ambassador of your transforming power.
May we carry your name well Jesus and see many lives changed for the good. Amen.
Our world desperately needs God’s grace, salvation, and perspective. We need His peace to draw us together for honest conversations, and His love to help us value one another above our own agendas. May the Church rise to meet this moment.
Good morning Dan.
I have missed your inspirational and motivating messages and glad to read it once again.These are the prayers we need for our lives and in our churches.May God continue to enrich you as you strengthen us with these your resources.Thank you.