Prayer as instructed by Jesus

The Bible provides several instructions and examples of things to pray for. Here are some key categories of prayer requests that God has instructed or encouraged us to pray for:

1. God's Will to be Done

• Matthew 6:10 (KJV): "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."
  • Jesus teaches us to pray for God’s will to be fulfilled, aligning our desires with His divine plan.

2. Forgiveness of Sins

• Matthew 6:12 (KJV): "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."
  • Jesus encourages us to seek forgiveness for our sins and to forgive others.

3. Daily Provision

• Matthew 6:11 (KJV): "Give us this day our daily bread."
  • We are instructed to depend on God for our daily needs and sustenance.

4. Deliverance from Temptation and Evil

• Matthew 6:13 (KJV): "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
  • Pray for protection from temptations and the schemes of the enemy.

5. For Healing

• James 5:14-15 (KJV): "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."
  • We are called to pray for physical and spiritual healing.

6. For Wisdom and Guidance

• James 1:5 (KJV): "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
  • Pray for wisdom to make righteous decisions and discern God's will.

7. For Peace and Protection

• Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV): "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
  • Pray for God’s peace to guard your heart and mind in every situation.

8. For Strength in Times of Trial

• Ephesians 6:18 (KJV): "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
  • We are instructed to pray for perseverance and strength for ourselves and others.

9. For Laborers in the Harvest

• Matthew 9:38 (KJV): "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."
  • Jesus commands us to pray for more workers to spread the Gospel.

10. For Others (Intercessory Prayer)

• 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV): "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
  • We are called to pray for others, including leaders and those in authority.

11. For Spiritual Growth

• Colossians 1:9-10 (KJV): "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God."
  • Pray for spiritual growth, fruitfulness, and understanding of God's will.

12. For the Salvation of Others

• Romans 10:1 (KJV): "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved."
  • Paul shows an example of praying for the salvation of others.

13. For Unity Among Believers

• John 17:20-21 (KJV): "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."
  • Jesus prayed for unity among His followers.

14. For Boldness to Share the Gospel

• Acts 4:29 (KJV): "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word."
  • Pray for boldness in proclaiming the Word of God.

These passages offer a comprehensive overview of what the Lord instructs us to pray for. They focus on aligning our hearts with God’s will, interceding for others, seeking personal and communal growth, and praying for protection and provision.

Jesus provided several additional instructions on prayer, offering both teachings and examples to guide us in how to pray. Below are some key instructions:

1. Pray with Sincerity and Humility

• Matthew 6:5-6 (KJV): "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
  • Jesus emphasizes that prayer should be a sincere, private communication with God, rather than a public display to gain attention or praise from others.

2. Avoid Repetitious or Empty Phrases

• Matthew 6:7-8 (KJV): "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him."
  • Jesus warns against using empty or repetitive phrases, highlighting that God already knows our needs before we ask.

3. Pray in Faith, Believing You Will Receive

• Mark 11:24 (KJV): "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
  • Jesus instructs us to pray with faith, trusting that God will answer our prayers according to His will.

4. Pray for God's Kingdom to Come

• Matthew 6:9-10 (KJV): "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."
  • Jesus teaches us to pray for the advancement of God’s kingdom and for His will to be done on earth, aligning our desires with God's eternal purpose.

5. Pray Persistently and Don’t Lose Heart

• Luke 18:1-8 (KJV): "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint."
  • Jesus encourages us to pray persistently, illustrating this with the parable of the persistent widow, who continued seeking justice until her request was granted. We should not give up in prayer, even when answers seem delayed.

6. Pray for Your Enemies

• Matthew 5:44 (KJV): "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."
  • Jesus teaches us to pray not only for friends and loved ones but also for those who oppose or persecute us, reflecting the love and forgiveness of God.

7. Pray in Jesus' Name

• John 14:13-14 (KJV): "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."
  • Jesus instructs us to pray in His name, meaning we should pray with His authority and in alignment with His character and will.

8. Pray for Forgiveness and Be Willing to Forgive Others

• Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV): "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
  • Jesus teaches that our prayers for forgiveness are connected to our willingness to forgive others. If we hold grudges or refuse to forgive, it hinders our relationship with God.

9. Pray in Agreement with Others (Corporate Prayer)

• Matthew 18:19-20 (KJV): "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
  • Jesus emphasizes the power of praying in agreement with other believers, assuring us that God is present when we gather and pray together.

10. Pray to Avoid Temptation

• Matthew 26:41 (KJV): "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
  • Jesus instructs His disciples to pray for strength to resist temptation and overcome the weaknesses of the flesh.

11. Pray with Thanksgiving

• Luke 17:15-16 (KJV): "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan."
  • Jesus highlights the importance of gratitude in prayer, as exemplified by the one leper who returned to thank Him after being healed. We should remember to give thanks to God for His blessings and answered prayers.

12. Pray for Strength to Stand in Difficult Times

• Luke 21:36 (KJV): "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
  • Jesus instructs His followers to be vigilant and pray for strength to endure trials and remain faithful until the end.

These teachings of Jesus give us a clear framework on how we should pray: with sincerity, faith, humility, persistence, and a heart aligned with God’s will. Jesus' emphasis on forgiveness, persistence, and praying for others, including enemies, helps shape our approach to a life of prayer that draws us closer to God and others.

Prayer : 


Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, I come before You with a heart full of humility, reverence, and gratitude. You are holy, You are sovereign, and You alone are God. I praise You for who You are—the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who spoke life into existence. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the God who was, who is, and who is to come. I thank You, Lord, for the privilege of coming into Your presence through the blood of Jesus, for I know that it is only through Him that I can boldly approach Your throne of grace.

I stand in awe of Your majesty, O Lord, for You are exalted above the heavens, and Your glory fills the earth. There is no one like You, Father—none who compares to Your greatness, Your power, or Your wisdom. You are the One who holds all things together by the power of Your Word. You created the stars and called them by name. You stretched out the heavens like a curtain and set the earth on its foundations so that it should never be moved. The earth is Yours, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. You are the God who created all things, and by Your will, they were created and have their being.

Father, I praise You for Your holiness. You are a holy God, and Your holiness is beyond human comprehension. You are set apart from all that is sinful and unclean. You are pure, perfect, and righteous in all Your ways. Your Word declares that You are holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. The whole earth is full of Your glory. The angels in heaven bow before You, worshiping You day and night, crying out, "Holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!" I join with the angels in heaven to declare Your holiness, O Lord. I worship You in the beauty of holiness, for You are worthy of all honor, glory, and praise.

You are a God of justice, righteousness, and truth. Your Word is true, and everything You do is just and right. You are the Righteous Judge of all the earth, and I thank You that Your judgments are always fair and just. You are a God who defends the weak, upholds the cause of the oppressed, and brings justice to the fatherless and the widow. I worship You for being a God of righteousness, for in You there is no shadow of turning, no deceit, and no injustice. You are perfect in all Your ways, and I trust in Your righteous rule over all creation.

Father, I worship You for Your infinite wisdom and understanding. Your wisdom is unsearchable, and Your knowledge is beyond human comprehension. Your Word says that You are the God who knows the end from the beginning, and nothing is hidden from Your sight. You see all things, You know all things, and You understand all things. Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts, and Your ways are higher than my ways. I trust in Your wisdom, O Lord, for You are the One who leads me on paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. I thank You that You have promised to give me wisdom generously when I ask for it. I ask for Your wisdom today, Lord, that I may walk in the knowledge of Your will and live a life that is pleasing to You.

I praise You, Father, for Your power and might. You are El Shaddai, God Almighty, and there is nothing too hard for You. You are the God who created the universe with a word, who calms the storms with a whisper, and who holds the entire world in the palm of Your hand. I thank You that there is nothing You cannot do, for You are the God of the impossible. You are the One who makes a way where there seems to be no way. You are the God who parted the Red Sea, who brought down the walls of Jericho, and who raised Jesus from the dead. I worship You for Your mighty power, and I trust in Your ability to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I can ask or imagine.

Father, I worship You for Your steadfast love. Your love is unfailing, unconditional, and eternal. Your Word says that You are love, and everything You do is motivated by love. I thank You for the great love with which You have loved me, for while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me. Your love is patient and kind; it does not envy or boast; it is not proud or rude. Your love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Your love never fails. I thank You, Father, that nothing can separate me from Your love—not death nor life, not angels nor demons, not the present nor the future, not any power, height, depth, or anything else in all creation. I am secure in Your love, and I worship You for the great love You have lavished upon me.

I praise You, Lord, for Your faithfulness. You are a covenant-keeping God, and Your promises are sure. Your Word says that You are faithful to all Your promises and loving toward all You have made. Even when I am faithless, You remain faithful, for You cannot deny Yourself. Your faithfulness is my shield and rampart, and I trust in Your steadfast love. You are the God who has promised never to leave me nor forsake me, and I worship You for Your unwavering commitment to Your Word. I thank You, Father, that You are not a man, that You should lie, nor a son of man, that You should change Your mind. What You have spoken, You will do; what You have promised, You will fulfill. I stand on Your promises today, knowing that You are faithful to complete the good work You have begun in me.

Father, I worship You for Your peace. You are Jehovah Shalom, the Lord my peace, and I thank You that in You, I find rest for my soul. Your peace surpasses all understanding, and it guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. In a world filled with chaos, confusion, and fear, I thank You that I can rest in the perfect peace that comes from knowing You are in control. Your Word says that You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on You because they trust in You. I choose to fix my eyes on You, Lord, and I receive Your peace today. I cast all my anxieties upon You, for I know that You care for me. I trust in Your promise that You will never leave me nor forsake me, and I rest in the assurance of Your peace.

I praise You, Father, for Your grace. Your grace is amazing, and I thank You that it is by grace that I am saved, through faith in Jesus Christ. I thank You that it is not by works, so that no one can boast, but it is by Your grace alone that I am redeemed. Your grace is sufficient for me, and I thank You that in my weakness, Your power is made perfect. I thank You for the grace that strengthens me, sustains me, and empowers me to live a life that is pleasing to You. I ask for more of Your grace today, Father, for I know that without Your grace, I can do nothing. I thank You for the grace that covers me, the grace that saves me, and the grace that sustains me every day of my life.

Father, I worship You for Your mercy. Your Word says that Your mercies are new every morning, and I thank You for the mercy You have shown me. You are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. You do not treat me as my sins deserve, nor do You repay me according to my iniquities. As far as the east is from the west, so far have You removed my transgressions from me. I thank You for the mercy that covers me, for the forgiveness of my sins, and for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. I worship You for the mercy that has spared me from the punishment I deserve, and I praise You for the kindness and compassion You have shown me. I ask for Your mercy today, Lord, and I trust in Your unfailing love.

I thank You, Father, for Your provision. You are Jehovah Jireh, my Provider, and I thank You that You have promised to supply all my needs according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. I do not have to worry about what I will eat or drink or wear, for I know that You know my needs even before I ask. Just as You provide for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, I trust that You will provide for me. I thank You for the food on my table, the clothes on my back, and the shelter over my head. I thank You for Your faithfulness to provide for all my needs, and I trust that You will continue to provide for me in the days to come. I cast all my cares upon You, knowing that You care for me, and I trust in Your promise that You will supply my every need.

Father, I worship You for Your protection. You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Your Word says that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against me in judgment, You shall condemn. I thank You that You are my shield and my strong tower. I run to You, and I am safe. I thank You for the protection You have given me against the schemes of the enemy. I put on the full armor of God, knowing that You have given me everything I need to stand firm against the devil's attacks. I thank You for Your angels, whom You have commanded concerning me, to guard me in all my ways. I trust in Your protection, Lord, and I know that You are watching over me day and night.

Father, I come before You in thanksgiving. I thank You for Your goodness, for Your mercy, and for Your grace. I thank You for the many blessings You have poured into my life, both big and small. I do not take any of them for granted, and I thank You for Your faithfulness in every season of my life. I thank You for Your provision, for Your protection, and for Your guidance. I thank You for the gift of salvation, for the cross, and for the resurrection. I thank You for the forgiveness of my sins and for the gift of eternal life. I thank You for Your presence in my life, for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and for the guidance and comfort that Your Spirit provides. You are my Good Shepherd, and I trust You to lead me beside still waters and restore my soul.

I thank You, Father, for Your Word. Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I thank You that Your Word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. It is a guide for my life, and I thank You that I can rely on the truth of Your Word in every situation. I thank You for the promises contained in Your Word, for they are a firm foundation on which I can stand. I ask that You would give me a hunger and thirst for Your Word, that I may meditate on it day and night, and that it may dwell in me richly. I thank You for the wisdom and guidance that Your Word provides, and I ask that You would help me to apply it to my life each day.

I thank You, Father, for Your Spirit. I thank You that You have given me the Holy Spirit to be my Comforter, my Counselor, and my Guide. I thank You for the power of the Holy Spirit, who strengthens me, equips me, and enables me to live a life that is pleasing to You. I thank You for the gifts of the Spirit, for the fruit of the Spirit, and for the work of the Spirit in my life. I ask that You would fill me afresh with Your Spirit today, that I may walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and live a life that reflects the character of Christ.

Father, I come before You in repentance. I acknowledge that I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed. I confess that I have not always loved You with my whole heart, and I have not always loved my neighbor as myself. I ask for Your forgiveness for the times I have strayed from Your path, for the moments I have chosen my own way instead of Yours. I repent of my pride, of my selfishness, and of my disobedience. I ask that You would cleanse me from all unrighteousness and create in me a clean heart. I ask for the grace to walk in obedience to Your Word and to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in every area of my life.

Father, I confess the sin of unforgiveness. I acknowledge that there have been times when I have held onto bitterness, resentment, or anger toward others. I confess that I have not always been quick to forgive, and I ask for Your forgiveness for harboring unforgiveness in my heart. I ask that You would give me the grace to forgive those who have wronged me, just as You have forgiven me. I release any offense, any hurt, and any bitterness to You, and I ask that You would heal my heart and help me to walk in love toward others.

I confess the sin of fear, Father. I acknowledge that there have been times when I have allowed fear to control my decisions, my actions, and my thoughts. I repent of allowing fear to take root in my heart, and I ask that You would replace that fear with faith. I ask that You would help me to trust in Your promises, to stand firm on Your Word, and to walk in confidence, knowing that You are with me and that You are for me. I cast all my fears upon You, Lord, for I know that You care for me. I choose to trust in Your perfect love, which casts out all fear.

Father, I repent of any idols I have allowed to take root in my heart. I acknowledge that there have been times when I have placed other things—whether it be possessions, people, or my own desires—above You. I ask for Your forgiveness, and I ask that You would cleanse me from any idolatry in my life. I ask that You would help me to worship You alone, to seek You above all else, and to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I surrender every area of my life to You, and I ask that You would be Lord over all.

Father, I repent of any doubt or unbelief in my heart. I acknowledge that there have been times when I have doubted Your promises, questioned Your faithfulness, or allowed unbelief to take root in my heart. I ask for Your forgiveness, and I ask that You would increase my faith. Help me to trust in You completely, to believe in Your Word, and to walk by faith and not by sight. I ask for the grace to stand firm in the face of uncertainty, knowing that You are faithful to fulfill every promise You have made.

Father, I come before You in intercession. I lift up my family, my friends, and my community to You. I ask that You would bless them, protect them, and draw them closer to You. I pray for those who are sick, that You would bring healing to their bodies, minds, and spirits. I pray for those who are grieving, that You would comfort them in their time of loss and give them peace that surpasses all understanding. I lift up those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or fear, and I ask that You would bring them peace, healing, and deliverance.

I intercede for those who do not yet know You, Father. I pray for the salvation of those who are far from You, that You would draw them to Yourself by the power of Your Holy Spirit. I ask that You would open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel, soften their hearts, and bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I pray for divine appointments and opportunities to share the love of Christ with those who do not yet know Him. I ask that You would give me boldness and wisdom as I share my faith, and I pray that You would prepare the hearts of those who hear the message of salvation.

Father, I pray for the global Church. I ask that You would strengthen Your Church, that we may be a light in the darkness and a city on a hill. I pray for unity within the body of Christ, that we may be one as You and Jesus are one. I ask that You would help us to put aside divisions and love one another deeply, just as You have loved us. I pray for spiritual revival in the Church, that we would return to our first love, Jesus Christ, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. I ask that You would raise up leaders who will shepherd the flock with wisdom and compassion, and I pray for pastors and church leaders who are weary and burdened. Refresh them, Lord, and give them the strength to continue the work You have called them to do.

Father, I intercede for missionaries and those who are spreading the Gospel in difficult places. I ask that You would protect them, provide for their needs, and give them boldness to share the message of Christ. I pray for their safety and well-being, and I ask that You would bless their efforts and give them favor as they share the Gospel. I ask that You would open doors for them to reach those who have never heard the name of Jesus, and I pray that many would come to know You through their ministry.

I lift up the persecuted Church, Father, and I ask that You would strengthen and sustain those who are suffering for their faith in Jesus. I pray for courage, endurance, and boldness for my brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing persecution. I ask that You would protect them from harm, comfort them in their trials, and give them peace that surpasses all understanding. I pray that their testimony would be a light to those around them, and that many would come to know Jesus through their faithfulness.

Father, I pray for the leaders of my nation and the nations of the world. Your Word instructs me to pray for those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. I ask that You would give wisdom to those in leadership, that they would govern with justice, integrity, and compassion. I pray for peace in our world, for an end to violence, war, and oppression. I ask that You would raise up godly leaders who will pursue righteousness and work for the good of all people.

Father, I surrender my will to Yours. Just as Jesus prayed in the garden, "Not my will, but Yours be done," I echo those words today. I trust that Your plans for my life are good, and I submit every area of my life to You. I ask for the strength to obey Your will, even when it is difficult or unclear. Help me to walk in faith, knowing that You are guiding my steps and working all things together for my good.

I pray for the advancement of Your kingdom, Father. Your Word tells me to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and I pray that Your kingdom would come, and Your will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. I ask that You would use me as an instrument of Your kingdom, helping to bring about Your purposes in this world. I pray for revival in the Church, for the spread of the Gospel to every nation, and for the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

In Jesus' Almighty name, I pray, Amen.