52 Prayers from the Bible

The Beginning of Prayer

²⁶ A son was born to Seth also, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to call on the name of the LORD. (Genesis 4:26)

1. What do you suppose it meant to call on the name of the Lord?
2. Are there any clues in Genesis of why the inclusion of this verse is important?
3. How would this be similar to today?
4. How would this be different to today?
5. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer of Frustration

Read the context passage: Genesis 15:1-6

² But Abram said, "Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" ³ Abram continued, "Look, You have given me no offspring, so a slave born in my house will be my heir." (Genesis 15:2-3)

1. What is the tone of Abraham’s prayer? Complaining? Inquisitive? Angry? Polite? Or other?
2. Why was this important to Abraham?
3. What situation in your life today would elicit a similar tone of prayer?
4. How did God answer Abraham?
5. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for Mercy

Read the context passage: Genesis 18:16-33

³² Then he said, "Let the Lord not be angry, and I will speak one more time. Suppose 10 are found there?" He answered, "I will not destroy [it] on account of 10." ³³ When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, He departed, and Abraham returned to his place. (Genesis 18:32-33)

1. What is happening in this passage?
2. What was Abraham’s concern?
3. Was God taking council from Abraham?
4. Why might have God revealed his plans to Abraham in the first place?
5. Do you think God was trying to impress anything on Abraham as a result of this conversation with him?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

God Hears a Little Boy Cry

Read the context passage: Genesis 21:14-21

¹⁷ God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What's wrong, Hagar? Don't be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy from the place where he is. ¹⁸ Get up, help the boy up, and sustain him, for I will make him a great nation." ¹⁹ Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the waterskin and gave the boy a drink. ²⁰ God was with the boy, and he grew; he settled in the wilderness and became an archer. (Genesis 21:17-20)

1. What are the events leading up to these verses?
2. Why was Hagar afraid?
3. What were her options?
4. What does it mean that God opened her eyes?
5. Can you describe a situation where God opened your eyes?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for a Bride

¹² "LORD, God of my master Abraham," he prayed, "grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. ¹³ I am standing here at the spring where the daughters of the men of the town are coming out to draw water. ¹⁴ Let the girl to whom I say, 'Please lower your water jug so that I may drink,' and who responds, 'Drink, and I'll water your camels also'-let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master." (Genesis 24:12-14)

1. What are the events leading up to these verses?
2. What was Abraham’s servant’s prayer?
3. Is this type of prayer a good model?
4. Why might have God responded to this type of prayer?
5. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Vow Made in Prayer

Read the context passage: Genesis 28:12-22

¹² And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the ground with its top reaching heaven, and God's angels were going up and down on it. ¹³ The LORD was standing there beside him, saying, "I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your offspring the land that you are now sleeping on. ¹⁴ Your offspring will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out toward the west, the east, the north, and the south. All the peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. ¹⁵ Look, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. I will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." (Genesis 28:12-15)

1. What kind of a man was Jacob?
2. Where was he going when he had this encounter with God? Why?
3. Did Jacob ask for what God promised him in these verses?
4. Why might have God promised him all this?
5. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

God’s Response to His People’s Prayers

²³ After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned because of their difficult labor, and they cried out; and their cry for help ascended to God because of the difficult labor. ²⁴ So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. ²⁵ God saw the Israelites, and He took notice. (Exodus 2:23-25)

1. Why were the Israelites groaning?
2. How did they get to Egypt?
3. How long had they been in Egypt?
4. Why might God wait so long to rescue them?
5. Can you share a request in your life for which you have groaned about for a long time?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

God’s Allowance for a Man’s Reluctance

Read the context passage: Exodus 4:1-17

¹⁰ But Moses replied to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent--either in the past or recently or since You have been speaking to Your servant --because I am slow and hesitant in speech." ¹¹ The LORD said to him, "Who made the human mouth? Who makes him mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? ¹² Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say." ¹³ Moses said, "Please, Lord, send someone else." ¹⁴ Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses, and He said, "Isn't Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, he is on his way now to meet you. When he sees you, his heart will rejoice. (Exodus 4:10-14)

1. What is the setting for this story?
2. What does God want Moses to do?
3. What is Moses response? Why?
4. What does it mean that God’s anger burned against Moses?
5. Can you describe a situation where God’s anger may have burned against you?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer of Pleading

Read the context passage: Exodus 8:9-15

¹² After Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh, Moses cried out to the LORD for help concerning the frogs that He had brought against Pharaoh. ¹³ The LORD did as Moses had said: the frogs in the houses, courtyards, and fields died. ¹⁴ They piled them in countless heaps, and there was a terrible odor in the land. ¹⁵ But when Pharaoh saw there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said. (Exodus 8:12-15)

1. What is the setting for this story?
2. What kind of position is Moses in?
3. Do you think it means that Moses "cried" out to God?
4. Do you think Moses was concerned that God may not answer?
5. Are you praying and hoping for anything now that you know God will most certainly do?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Intercessory Prayer (Part 1)

¹¹ But Moses interceded with the LORD his God: "LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a strong hand? ¹² Why should the Egyptians say, 'He brought them out with an evil intent to kill them in the mountains and wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from Your great anger and change Your mind about this disaster [planned] for Your people. ¹³ Remember that You swore to Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel by Yourself and declared to them, 'I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky and will give your offspring all this land that I have promised, and they will inherit [it] forever. ' " ¹⁴ So the LORD changed His mind about the disaster He said He would bring on His people. (Exodus 32:11-14)

1. Why was God angry?
2. What was the basis for Moses appeal to God?
3. Think of your recent prayers, what is the basis or your appeals?
4. Did Moses change Gods mind?
5. How likely are you to want to change Gods mind?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Intercessory Prayer (Part 2)

Read the context passage: Exodus 32:30-35

³⁰ The following day Moses said to the people, "You have committed a great sin. Now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I will be able to pay for your sin." ³¹ So Moses returned to the LORD and said, "Oh, this people has committed a great sin; they have made for themselves a god of gold. ³² Now if You would only forgive their sin. But if not, please erase me from the book You have written." (Exodus 32:30-32)

1. What was the great sin they committed?
2. How did Moses intend to pay (atone) for their sin?
3. How might it help to understand the previous question by seeing the word for atone used in Genesis 6:14 referring to "pitching" the ark?
4. Was the people’s sin atoned for?
5. If no, why not? If yes, how?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Praying for God’s Presence

Read the context passage: Exodus 33:12-23

¹³ Now if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, please teach me Your ways, and I will know You and find favor in Your sight. Now consider that this nation is Your people." ¹⁴ Then He replied, "My presence will go [with you], and I will give you rest." ¹⁵ "If Your presence does not go," Moses responded to Him, "don't make us go up from here. ¹⁶ How will it be known that I and Your people have found favor in Your sight unless You go with us? I and Your people will be distinguished [by this] from all the other people on the face of the earth." ¹⁷ The LORD answered Moses, "I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name." (Exodus 33:13-17)

1. What was Moses' concern in these verses? Why?
2. Why was the presence of God so critical?
3. How much do you need for the presence of God in your journey?
4. How do you express your need for God’s presence?
5. Why did Moses find favor with God?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Levitical Prayers

Read the context passage: Leviticus

¹ The LORD spoke to Moses: ² "Speak to the entire Israelite community and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy. ³ "Each of you is to respect his mother and father. You are to keep My Sabbaths; I am the LORD your God. ⁴ Do not turn to idols or make cast images of gods for yourselves; I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:1-4)

1. How many prayers can you find in Leviticus?
2. What is the point of Leviticus?
3. Who is responsible for your holiness?
4. How did holiness happen in Leviticus?
5. How does holiness happen today?
6. How does the book of Leviticus inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Prayer of Blessing

²² The LORD spoke to Moses: ²³ "Tell Aaron and his sons how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: ²⁴ The LORD bless you and protect you; ²⁵ the LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; ²⁶ the LORD look with favor on you and give you peace. ²⁷ In this way they will put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them." (Numbers 6:22-27)

1. Circle the action words (verbs) in this passage that refer to what God intends to do?
2. How many are there? And what are they?
3. Why do you think this blessing is still used today?
4. Is it appropriate to use this blessing today?
5. How can you make sure this blessing is applicable to your life?
6. How can this blessing inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer of Humble Mercy

Read the context passage: Numbers 12

¹³ Then Moses cried out to the LORD, "God, please heal her!" (Numbers 12:13)

1. What has happened in the story?
2. What did God say about Moses to them?
3. What was God thinking about Miriam and Aaron?
4. What was the main sin of Miriam and Aaron?
5. What is your response to criticizers?
6. What was the response of Moses?
7. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

When God Says No

Read the context passage: Deuteronomy 3:23-29

²³ "At that time I begged the LORD: ²⁴ Lord GOD , You have begun to show Your greatness and power to Your servant, for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can perform deeds and mighty acts like Yours? ²⁵ Please let me cross over and see the beautiful land on the other side of the Jordan, that good hill country and Lebanon. ²⁶ "But the LORD was angry with me on account of you and would not listen to me. The LORD said to me, 'That's enough! Do not speak to Me again about this matter. ²⁷ Go to the top of Pisgah and look to the west, north, south, and east, and see [it] with your own eyes, for you will not cross this Jordan. (Deuteronomy 3:23-27)

1. What was Moses' request?
2. Why was it denied?
3. Why do you suppose Moses asked repeatedly?
4. Why do you suppose God responded as he did?
5. Have you ever pleaded with God for something and had him say no?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Forgetting to Pray

¹⁴ Then the men [of Israel] took some of their provisions, but did not seek the LORD's counsel. ¹⁵ So Joshua established peace with them and made a treaty to let them live, and the leaders of the community swore an oath to them. ¹⁶ Three days after making the treaty with them, they heard that the Gibeonites were their neighbors, living among them. ¹⁷ So the Israelites set out and reached the Gibeonite cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. ¹⁸ But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the community had sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. Then the whole community grumbled against the leaders. (Joshua 9:14-18)

1. Where were the people at this time?
2. Why was the community grumbling?
3. Why was the leader’s mistake serious?
4. Can you share a situation where you should have asked God for direction and did not?
5. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer of Hopelessness

¹³ Gideon said to Him, "Please Sir, if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened? And where are all His wonders that our fathers told us about? They said, 'Hasn't the LORD brought us out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and handed us over to Midian." ¹⁴ The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and deliver Israel from the power of Midian. Am I not sending you?" ¹⁵ He said to Him, "Please, Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Look, my family is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father's house." ¹⁶ "But I will be with you," the LORD said to him. "You will strike Midian down [as if it were] one man." (Judges 6:13-16)

1. Why did God come to Gideon?
2. What was happening in Israel?
3. Why was Gideon reluctant to obey?
4. What was God’s answer?
5. Has God ever told you to do something you thought you could not do?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for a Child

Read the context passage: 1 Samuel 1:1-17

⁹ Hannah got up after they ate and drank at Shiloh. Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the LORD's tabernacle. ¹⁰ Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. ¹¹ Making a vow, she pleaded, "LORD of Hosts, if You will take notice of Your servant's affliction, remember and not forget me, and give Your servant a son, I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and his hair will never be cut." (1 Samuel 1:9-11)

1. What was Hannah’s dilemma?
2. What did she promise God?
3. What did the priest think of her?
4. What did the priest tell her?
5. How did he know this?
6. How is Hannah’s prayer a good model?
7. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for Direction

Read the context passage: 1 Samuel 23:1-6

¹ It was reported to David: "Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and raiding the threshing floors." ² So David inquired of the LORD: "Should I launch an attack against these Philistines?" The LORD answered David, "Launch an attack against the Philistines and rescue Keilah." (1 Samuel 23:1-2)

1. What was all the fighting about?
2. What was David’s prayer?
3. What did God say?
4. How did God answer him? (dream, visitation, etc.)
5. Has David prayed other prayers like this?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for Leadership Wisdom

Read the context passage: 1 Kings 3:5-10

⁶ And Solomon replied, "You have shown great and faithful love to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and integrity. You have continued this great and faithful love for him by giving him a son to sit on his throne, as it is today. ⁷ "LORD my God, You have now made Your servant king in my father David's place. Yet I am just a youth with no experience in leadership. ⁸ Your servant is among Your people You have chosen, a people too numerous to be numbered or counted. ⁹ So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" (1 Kings 3:6-9)

1. What are the national events in Israel surrounding this story?
2. Why did God make this offer to Solomon?
3. What specific things did Solomon ask for?
4. Is this episode likely to happen in your life today?
5. If God gave you the same option he gave Solomon, what would you ask for and why?
6. How can this blessing inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for God to Show Himself Mighty

Read the context passage: 1 Kings 18:36-37

³⁶ At the time for offering the [evening] sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached [the altar] and said, "LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, today let it be known that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that at Your word I have done all these things. ³⁷ Answer me, LORD! Answer me so that this people will know that You, Yahweh, are God and that You have turned their hearts back." ³⁸ Then Yahweh's fire fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. ³⁹ When all the people saw it, they fell facedown and said, "Yahweh, He is God! Yahweh, He is God!" (1 Kings 18:36-39)

1. What is happening nationally in the story?
2. What is the nature of the contest?
3. Why is the contest important?
4. How did Elijah know what to do in setting it up?
5. What did Elijah ask God for?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for Healing

Read the context passage: 2 Kings 20:1-7

¹ In those days Hezekiah became terminally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came and said to him, "This is what the LORD says: 'Put your affairs in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover. ' " ² Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, ³ "Please LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and wholeheartedly and have done what is good in Your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly. (2 Kings 20:1-3)

1. What was happening in Israel at this time?
2. Why did God send the prophet to Hezekiah?
3. What was the prophet’s message?
4. What was Hezekiah’s response?
5. What was God’s response?
6. Did God change his mind?
7. Do you have any personal stories similar to what happened to Hezekiah?
8. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

The Prayer of Jabez

¹⁰ Jabez called out to the God of Israel: "If only You would bless me, extend my border, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not cause any pain." And God granted his request. (1 Chronicles 4:10)

1. Have you heard of this prayer before?
2. Why do you think the prayer of Jabez gained such notoriety?
3. Why do you suppose God included this footnote about Jabez in a genealogy list?
4. What is the essential message of the prayer?
5. Why did he make his request?
6. What is the general motive in your prayers
7. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer of Humility

¹⁰ The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they didn't listen. ¹¹ So He brought against them the military commanders of the king of Assyria. They captured Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze [shackles], and took him to Babylon. ¹² When he was in distress, he sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. ¹³ He prayed to Him, so He heard his petition and granted his request, and brought him back to Jerusalem, to his kingdom. So Manasseh came to know that the LORD is God. (2 Chronicles 33:10-13)

1. What is the national scene look like at this time?
2. What does "they didn’t listen" mean?
3. Did God punish Manasseh, the people, or both?
4. If God evaluated how we as his people today are listening, what do you think he would say to us?
5. Why did God respond to Manasseh’s prayer?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for Safety

²¹ I proclaimed a fast by the Ahava River, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us, our children, and all our possessions. ²² [I did this] because I was ashamed to ask the king for infantry and cavalry to protect us from enemies during the journey, since we had told him, "The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who abandon Him." ²³ So we fasted and pleaded with our God about this, and He granted our request. (Ezra 8:21-23)

1. What was the nature of their journey in this story?
2. Why was it important to Ezra to not use the king’s resources?
3. When did Ezra know that God answered his prayer?
4. Do you think fasting was important?
5. Have you fasted ever? Lately? Often?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer of Complete Trust in God

²⁰ Then Job stood up, tore his robe and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, ²¹ saying: Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will leave this life. The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Praise the name of the LORD. ²² Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything. (Job 1: 20-22)

1. What has been happening to Job?
2. Why did this happen?
3. When did Job figure out what was going on?
4. What was Job’s response to his calamity?
5. How have you responded to disaster in your own life?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer of Confession

¹⁰ God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ¹¹ Do not banish me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. ¹² Restore the joy of Your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit. ¹³ Then I will teach the rebellious Your ways, and sinners will return to You. (Psalms 51:10-13)

1. What is the nature of this Psalm or prayer?
2. What is he praying for exactly?
3. What does “Do not banish me from your presence” mean?
4. What does it mean to have the joy of salvation restored?
5. Where is the level of joy at in your salvation?
6. What are the barriers to your joy?
7. How is sin a barrier to joy?
8. How can this prayer inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for God’s Mighty Works

¹⁶ "After I had given the purchase agreement to Baruch, son of Neriah, I prayed to the LORD: ¹⁷ Ah, Lord GOD ! You Yourself made the heavens and earth by Your great power and with Your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! ¹⁸ You show faithful love to thousands but lay the fathers' sins on their sons' laps after them, great and mighty God whose name is the LORD of Hosts, ¹⁹ the One great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men in order to give to each person according to his ways and the result of his deeds. ²⁰ You performed signs and wonders in the land of Egypt and do so to this very day both in Israel and among mankind. You made a name for Yourself, as [is the case] today. (Jeremiah 32:16-20)

1. What is happening nationally?
2. What has Jeremiah just done?
3. Why did he do this?
4. What are some of the attributes of God that Jeremiah is extolling?
5. Why is this significant?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Confession and Pleading for God’s Favor

Read the context passage: Daniel 9:4-19

⁴ I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: Ah, Lord--the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps His gracious covenant with those who love Him and keep His commandments -- ⁵ we have sinned, done wrong, acted wickedly, rebelled, and turned away from Your commandments and ordinances. ¹⁷ Therefore, our God, hear the prayer and the petitions of Your servant. Show Your favor to Your desolate sanctuary for the Lord's sake. (Daniel 9:4,5,17)

1. What is happening nationally?
2. Why is Daniel praying?
3. Who has sinned?
4. What happened after his prayer?
5. Have you ever had anything like that happen?
6. How can this prayer inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Prayer of Repentance and Renewal

Read the context passage: Jonah 2

¹ Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from inside the fish: ¹⁰ Then the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (Jonah 2:1,10)

1. Where is Jonah when he prays this prayer and why?
2. Did this story really happen?
3. What kind of things did Jonah pray for at this time?
4. Has God ever put you in a situation that forced you to submit to him?
5. Does God still respond to disobedience like he did to Jonah?
6. How can this prayer inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

The Lord’s Model Prayer

⁹ "Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy. ¹⁰ Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. ¹¹ Give us today our daily bread. ¹² And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. ¹³ And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.] (Matthew 6:9-13)

1. What is the setting, and to whom did Jesus suggest this prayer?
2. What are the key components of the prayer?
3. Are there any components of this prayer that are generally lacking in your own?
4. Should we pray this exact prayer on a regular basis?
5. How can this prayer inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for the Church (Part 1)

⁴ I always thank my God for you because of God's grace given to you in Christ Jesus, ⁵ that by Him you were made rich in everything--in all speaking and all knowledge -- ⁶ as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, ⁷ so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁸ He will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ God is faithful; by Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:4-9)

1. What does Paul pray for this Church?
2. Would he have any reason to not be thankful for these folks?
3. On what does he base his confidence?
4. What does it mean “you were called?”
5. How do you generally pray for the church?
6. How can this prayer inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for the Church (Part 2)

¹⁵ This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶ I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. ¹⁷ [I pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. ¹⁸ [I pray] that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength. (Ephesians 1:15-19)

1. What does he pray for this church?
2. Why are these requests important?
3. What is the core component of his request?
4. What does an answer to this prayer show?
5. What would it look like to have God answer this prayer in our church?
6. How can this prayer inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for Inner Strength

¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees before the Father ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. ¹⁶ [I pray] that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, ¹⁷ and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. [I pray that] you, being rooted and firmly established in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and width, height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the Messiah's love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think --according to the power that works in you-- ²¹ to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21)

1. What is the essence of this prayer?
2. What does it look like to have it answered?
3. How do we get to the place where this prayer is asking to for God to take the church?
4. What would it look like for you to be there?
5. How can this prayer inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for Boldness

¹⁸ With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and stay alert in this, with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. ²⁰ For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should. (Ephesians 6:18-20)

1. How are we to pray?
2. What does it mean to pray in the spirit?
3. How does Paul asked to be prayed for?
4. Why does his request require constant, alert intercession?
5. How bold are we? How bold are you?
6. How can this prayer inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer of Joy for the Saints

³ I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, ⁴ always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. ⁶ I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6)

1. What was the source of Paul’s joy?
2. What was the source of his confidence?
3. What is the source of your joy?
4. What is the source of your confidence?
5. Do you think anyone in the church ever was mean or hurtful to Paul?
6. What should we do if someone in church seriously disappoints us?
7. How can this prayer inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Praying for an Open Door

² Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah --for which I am in prison -- ⁴ so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak. ⁵ Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the time. ⁶ Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. (Colossians 4:2-6)

1. What does “devote yourselves to prayer” mean?
2. What was the “open door” Paul asked for them to pray about?
3. Have you heard contemporary talk of God shutting and opening doors?
4. Is this the same thing Paul was referring to?
5. What is the mystery of the messiah?
6. What does “as I am required to speak” mean?
7. How can this prayer inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Praying in the Joyful Memory of Past Service

² We always thank God for all of you, remembering you constantly in our prayers. ³ We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁴ knowing your election, brothers loved by God. (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4)

1. What things was Paul thankful to God for regarding the Thessalonians?
2. What does constantly mean in verse 1?
3. What is a work of faith?
4. What is a labor of love?
5. What is the endurance of hope in Jesus Christ?
6. Which one of the previous three items should you work on in your own life, and why?
7. How can this prayer inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for Increase and Overflow

¹¹ Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. ¹² And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we also do for you. ¹³ May He make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen. (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)

1. What does Paul pray for the church in these verses?
2. What did he mean by “direct our way to you?”
3. Can the Lord cause you to overflow and increase in love? How?
4. Is there a difference in increase and overflow?
5. How do we love one another? everyone?
6. How does God make your heart blameless?
7. How can this prayer inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Rejoice Always!

¹⁶ Rejoice always! ¹⁷ Pray constantly. ¹⁸ Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ¹⁹ Don't stifle the Spirit. ²⁰ Don't despise prophecies, ²¹ but test all things. Hold on to what is good. ²² Stay away from every form of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22)

1. What does it mean to pray constantly?
2. Is this a command or a suggestion?
3. How many commands are in verses 16-22?
4. What are the other commands in the verse?
5. Is there a connection of prayer with joy and thanks?
6. Read verses 23-24. What is God’s part, and what is our part of sanctification?
7. Which of the commands in above passage do you need to work on the most and why?
8. What would be your first step in this?
9. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Pray for the Spread of the Gospel

¹ Finally, pray for us, brothers, that the Lord's message may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you, ² and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not all have faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and guard you from the evil one. ⁴ We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do what we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts to God's love and Christ's endurance. (2 Thessalonians 3:1-5)

1. What things does Paul ask prayer for in the above verses?
2. What does it mean “that the Lords message may be honored?”
3. What does it mean to be delivered from wicked and evil men?
4. The Lord is faithful, what will he do?
5. Whose commands are the Thessalonians obeying? Why?
6. How can this prayer inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Pray for Everyone

¹ First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, ² for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. ³ This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, a man, Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself--a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time. ⁷ For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-7)

1. Who are we to pray for?
2. What are we to pray for them for?
3. Why are we to pray this?
4. If God wants everyone to be saved, why aren’t they?
5. How can this prayer inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Right Attitude in Prayer

⁸ Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. ⁹ Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense; not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, (1 Timothy 2:8-9)

1. How does this verse say men are to pray?
2. What does it mean to pray without anger?
3. What does it mean to pray without argument?
4. Which of the previous might you be more prone to?
5. What step could you take to help to do have a better attitude, if any?
6. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer of Thanks for Faithfulness

⁴ I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, ⁵ because I hear of your love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. ⁶ [I pray] that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for [the glory of] Christ. ⁷ For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. (Philemon 4-7)

1. Who are the characters in Philemon?
2. Who is Paul writing to?
3. What is he thankful for?
4. How does participation in the faith become “effective?”
5. What does that mean?
6. What is Paul ultimately asking for in the letter?
7. Why does he appeal to his faith?
8. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for Wisdom

⁵ Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8)

1. What is the object of prayer in the verse?
2. Why? (see verses 2-4)
3. How does God respond to the prayer for wisdom?
4. Why?
5. Have you ever prayed for wisdom?
6. What happened?
7. What does doubting have to do with it?
8. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Praying with Right Motives

¹ What is the source of the wars and the fights among you? Don't they come from the cravings that are at war within you? ² You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask. ³ You ask and don't receive because you ask wrongly, so that you may spend it on your desires for pleasure. ⁴ Adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the world's friend becomes God's enemy. ⁵ Or do you think it's without reason the Scripture says that the Spirit He has caused to live in us yearns jealously? ⁶ But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:1-6)

1. What does this passage have to do with prayer?
2. Why were they not receiving what they asked for?
3. What was the core issue in the rebuke here?
4. What is the main point of the passage?
5. How can this scripture inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

The Prayer for One Another

¹³ Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they should pray over him after anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful. ¹⁷ Elijah was a man with a nature like ours; yet he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the land. ¹⁸ Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land produced its fruit. (James 5:13-18)

1. How many times is prayer mentioned in these verses?
2. What are some key points from this passage?
3. What does it mean to confess your sins to one another?
4. What is the point of the Elijah illustration?
5. How can this scripture inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Praying Unhindered

⁷ Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives with understanding of their weaker nature yet showing them honor as co-heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7)

1. What does “in the same way” (after husbands) refer to?
2. What does it mean to have your prayers hindered?
3. What is the cause of hindered prayer?
4. What does “their weaker nature” mean?
5. What does “live with in an understanding way” mean?
6. What is the “grace of life?”
7. Have you violated this admonition?
8. How can this scripture inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Prayer for Prosperity

² Dear friend, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. ³ For I was very glad when some brothers came and testified to your [faithfulness] to the truth--how you are walking in the truth. ⁴ I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3 John 2-4)

1. What do you think he means “prosper in every way?”
2. What does a prosperous soul look like?
3. What does faithfulness to truth mean?
4. Do you rejoice when others walk in the truth? Why or why not?
5. Looking at the whole book, why may Paul have written this letter (note?)?
6. How can these verses inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Eternal Prayer and Praise

⁹ And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals; because You were slaughtered, and You redeemed [people] for God by Your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation. ¹⁰ You made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth. (Revelations 5:9-10)

1. Who is “they?”
2. Who are “they” speaking of?
3. What has “he” done?
4. What will “he” do?
5. What does it mean that people were redeemed “for” God?”
6. Are you looking forward to the day in these verses?
7. How can this story inform our prayers today?

52 Prayers from the Bible

Eternal Prayer of Thanks

¹⁶ The 24 elders, who were seated before God on their thrones, fell on their faces and worshiped God, ¹⁷ saying: We thank You, Lord God, the Almighty, who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. ¹⁸ The nations were angry, but Your wrath has come. The time has come for the dead to be judged, and to give the reward to Your servants the prophets, to the saints, and to those who fear Your name, both small and great, and the time has come to destroy those who destroy the earth. (Revelations 11:16-18)

1. What is the setting for the scene in these verses?
2. What are they thankful for?
3. What does it mean he “has begun” to reign?
4. Why are the nations angry?
5. Who are those who destroy the earth?
6. How do they destroy it?
7. How can this story inform our prayers today?

Scripture courtesy of BibleGateway.com. All Scripture text is from the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved. "52 Prayers from the Bible" is Copyright © 2009 by Kevin Binkley and Emmanuel Baptist Church of Rochester, Minnesota.