Samples of Prayer
Happy Mother’s Day, (Mother’s Day)
Mother, thank you for your time and the endless love you pour into my life. Thank you for your countless prayers you pray for me. Thank you for passing down your gifts and teaching me about our Lord and Savior. I know there must be times that you feel weary, but that doesn’t keep you from caring and providing. Please know how much I appreciate you and your love! 2 Kings 4:30 (NIV) promises, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” I pray that I am blessed to be the kind of mom to my children that you are to me! God bless you, Mom, today and always!
Happy Father’s Day, (Father’s Day)
Dad, my hero, thank you for your patience and hard work to provide for our family. Thank you for taking the time from your work to make me feel special. Thank you for loving Mom and for teaching me values that matter to God. Thank you for always looking out for me and noticing when I don’t know you are watching. I pray for the Lord to bless me with a husband that loves the way you love! John 15:9 (NIV) declares, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.” God bless you, dear Dad!
Dear God, (birthday blessing)
I pray blessings upon you, my friend, as you celebrate the life the Lord has given you. May your spirit be filled with hope and joy. May you prosper in all your ways, use the gifts you’ve been given, praise God in all His glory, and be a blessing to those you encounter. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV). In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Heavenly Father, (baptism)
May You pour out Your blessings on my grandchild who has been baptized in Your precious name. May he receive Your wisdom and be guided all the days of his life. May he always choose the path of righteousness, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and be an example of Your unconditional love. Acts 16:31 (NKJV) promises, “So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’” I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Dear God, (First Holy Communion)
Please bless this child on their First Holy Communion. Teach them what they need to know. Help them to grow in Your love. May they give their struggles to You. May they always be thankful for Your provision. May they experience the light of You, Jesus. May they feel Your peace. May they spread God’s Word, for Exodus 24:8 (NIV) says, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.” I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (confirmation)
Thank You for the blessing of Your Holy Spirit. We pray for a blessing over our daughter on her confirmation that she would be filled with the joy of the Lord, be strengthened in her faith, and be a constant follower of her Creator. Grow her, Lord, in her spiritual walk with You. Open her eyes to the gifts she has been given. May she embrace them and may she use them to be a blessing to others. Bless her with wisdom to do what is right. Set her on the path of righteousness. John 8:12 (KJV) “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (new school year)
I lift my grandchild to You in prayer as they enter a new school year. May he thrive on learning. May he have a good relationship with his teacher and classmates and may he look forward to each new day. May Philippians 4:13 (KJV), “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me,” encourage him. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (graduation)
I pray blessings over this child of Yours as they celebrate the accomplishment of graduation! May they know and love You with all their heart. May they be led by Your Holy Spirit and accomplish all that You have planned for them. May they keep their focus on You when life’s challenges come their way and may they lead others to You to experience Your amazing love, mercy, and grace. Ephesians 3:20 (KJV) declares the good news, “Now unto him that he is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (entering college)
Please bless my child who’s entering her first steps into college. I pray her heart is open and draws near to You. Let Your Holy Spirit guide her to make wise choices and to use this time to discover the gifts and talents You gave. Protect her from danger and those that may lead her astray. Give her endurance to keep pressing forward to be who You created her to be. May Matthew 5:16 (NIV), “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,” inspire her. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (child leaving home)
My son left home to embark on his college career. I’m grateful for the opportunity he’s been given. But I’m struggling with his absence. I feel so alone without him. Help me to understand that You are the source of my joy, peace, and hope. Romans 15:13 (NLT) declares, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will find you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him.” I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Congratulations on your new career! (new career)
May you excel in the adventure of your new path! May it grow you in many ways and lead you to your God given dreams. May it bless you and encourage you to be a blessing to others. Be inspired by Matthew 25:23 (NIV), “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” God bless you!
Dear God, (marriage)
Today we unite as husband and wife. We pray for Your blessings upon our marriage. May we never take each other for granted. May we be quick to forgive and to lift each other up instead of tearing down. May we show unconditional love, kindness, patience, trust, respect, and understanding toward each other. May we be blessed with children to love and care for, and may You always be the center of our marriage. “Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:8 (NIV). In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (marriage)
Please bless this couple as husband and wife. Watch over them, protect them, provide for their needs, and guide their actions. May they build each other up and always look for the good in each other. May they turn to You each day and keep You at the center of their lives, for Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV) declares, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (difficult marriage)
My husband and I have been struggling with our marriage. We invite Your Holy Spirit to rebuild what’s been damaged. Help us to forgive each other’s offenses. Strengthen us to fight for our marriage rather than battle against one another. Help us to show kindness and compassion toward each other and keep You in the center of our lives. Proverbs 10:12 (NIV) says this: “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers all wrongs.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (marriage after divorce)
My wedding day is soon arriving. Please give me a sign of confirmation that I’m making the right decision, for this will be my second marriage and I’m struggling with condemnation. Cleanse me, please, of my past mistakes and use the lessons I learned to be an inspiration and encouragement to others. Romans 8:1 (KJV) offers this encouragement: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, Healer of all things, (divorce)
Since my divorce, I feel hopeless and alone. I never expected to be in this situation. I don’t know where to start with picking up the pieces. Surround me with Your love, please. Strengthen my faith in You. Lead me in the direction to go, for Genisis 50:20 (NIV) declares, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (divorce)
He’s having such a difficult time with the divorce. Please lift any burden of guilt he may be carrying and replace it with hope and confidence of Your tender and merciful love and grace. Refresh his soul with Your promises. May he receive the gifts You have in store for him. Psalm 32:1 (KJV) says, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (broken relationship)
Her heart’s been broken. She doubts she’ll find true love. She blames herself for his unfaithfulness. She wonders what more she could have done. Speak truth into her heart, dear Lord. Teach her the characteristics of a godly man. Grow her from the pain she’s endured and give her hope for a brighter tomorrow. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Congratulations to you on your pregnancy! (pregnancy)
We pray that the Lord will protect and nurture your baby and that it arrives safely into the world. We pray your baby is blessed with unconditional love and that it may know the goodness of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) encourages, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear Lord, (pregnancy)
Thank You for the precious gift of the life growing inside of me. Please protect my baby and me. Prepare me for parenthood. Give me strength when I am weary. Grant me a safe delivery and bless me with wisdom to teach my child the things that align with Your Word. Jerimiah 1:5 (NIV) promises, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Congratulations on the birth of your baby! (birth of a baby)
May you demonstrate the Lord’s love as you care for your blessing from above. May you take pleasure every day in being a parent and never forget the importance of giving of yourself. May you look to the Lord for guidance and wisdom and may you encourage and teach the goodness of the Lord. Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV) says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Amen and God bless!
Dear God, (anniversary)
Thank You for the love that my husband and I share. Thank You for the years You have blessed us as husband and wife. We pray for Your continued guidance and provision. We ask for wisdom to teach our children and grandchildren Your ways. May we continue to be an example of Your love to others, and may You bless us with more years together to serve You by serving others as taught in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV), “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (parents’ anniversary)
Please bless my mom and dad on their anniversary. Thank You for blessing me with their love and care. Help me to learn by their example and to teach my children what they have taught me. Help me to continue family traditions I have been blessed to experience. May You bless my parents with many more years together. Thank You for the encouragement of Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV), “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dearest Mother, (note to Mom who’s passed away)
You have been my best friend. No matter the time, I could always count on you to be there for me. My heart breaks that you are no longer with me. Yet, I rejoice that you are with the Lord and no longer suffering. Thank you for your constant and steady love. Thank you for the prayers you prayed for me during all my struggles and for rejoicing with me during my joys. I thank God for you and the beautiful memories He’s given me with you. I will cherish the times we danced, baked, laughed, sewed, gardened, walked, and talked together. I am sorry if ever I hurt you. It was never my intention. My love for you will live forever in my heart. I give glory to God that I will be reunited with you in His Kingdom. Psalm 30:5 (KJV) offers hope, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” I love you forever and always, Mom.
Dearest Dad, (letter to Dad who’s passed away)
I thank God for you, Dad, and for the time I have had with you to grow our love for each other and for the Lord. We learned a lot about each other. I will cherish these memories forever and hold your tender love in my heart. Thank you, Dad, for not holding back on sharing the joys you’ve experienced as well as the fears you’ve battled. Thank you for all your help and for providing for my needs. You are a man of honor that I love dearly. My heart cries today, but I give God the glory that the day will come that I will be with you again. John 14: 3-4 (NIV) encourages, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” I love you forever and always, Dad.
Dear God, (reuniting with a loved one who’s passed)
I lost my mom and though I miss her, I rejoice knowing she is with You, and I will see her again. My prayer is for my dad who longs to be reunited with my mom. Please comfort him and fill his heart with joy that every day is one day closer to being with You and being reunited with the love of his life. Let my dad be encouraged by Romans 8:18 (ESV), “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” I pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
Dear God, (longing to go home to Jesus)
He’s been suffering and longing for You to take his hand, and gently and peacefully lead him to Your Kingdom where he awaits to be with You and loved ones gone before him. Comfort him in his pain and fill his heart with hope that at the right time, he’ll meet You face to face. Surround him with his offspring while he’s still here and let him know he is loved and cared for. May he be encouraged by Job 6:8 (NIV), “Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for.” I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (forgiveness)
For months now, I’ve been battling frustration and anger from being judged, ridiculed, and criticized for doing what I believe You have called me to do. While I know it is wrong to repay evil with evil, I admit bitterness, resentment, and even revenge have set in my spirit. Teach me please, to overcome the insults. Help me to forgive as taught in Matthew 6:12 (NMB), “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.” For I will be forgiven as much as I forgive others. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear Friend, (forgiveness)
My heart is heavy for the way I mistreated you. I was wrong and should have been more understanding and patient. I am terribly sorry. I miss you, and I long to reconcile the friendship we had. I pray that you will accept my apology, that you will find it in your heart to forgive, and that you will allow our friendship to grow. Psalm 86:5 (NIV) encourages, “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear Lord, (facing challenges)
May the family who receives this blessing invite You into the challenges they may be facing. May they experience Your unending love, mercy, and grace. May their home be filled with joy, peace, and laughter. May You fill their hearts with hope. May You provide for all their needs, for Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) promises, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (battling depression and anxiety)
I pray that You would heal and restore my child who’s been battling depression and anxiety. Destroy the enemy’s attack against my child by awakening her to Your armor described in Ephesians 6:11 (NIV), “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take stand against the devil’s schemes.” Please shine Your heavenly light, dear Lord, throughout my child’s mind, body, and spirit and make her whole. I pray this in Your holy name. Amen.
Dear God, (feeling overwhelmed and hopeless)
I’m weary and overwhelmed from battling a storm, feeling hopeless, and trying to fix what’s out of my control. Help me to look to You for help and strength. Help me to surrender and see things the way You do, Lord. Please reveal the truth to me, guide me in this storm, and give me wisdom to let go of anything that is not from You. Replace my doubt with Your promise found in Matthew 19:26 (KJV), “With God all things are possible,” and encourage me with Proverbs 3:5 (KJV), “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not on thine own understanding.” Thank You, Jesus, for Your amazing grace, mercy, and love. I pray this in Your holy name, Jesus. Amen.
Dear Lord, (facing a struggle)
Forgive me for asking, “God, where are You? Don’t You hear my prayers?” I’ve been praying and seeking an answer, but it seems You have been silent. I don’t understand. I’m barely hanging on and begging for a breakthrough. I feel overtaken by doubt and fear. I feel unworthy, inadequate, forgotten, and unloved. Please take this anxious and hopeless feeling from me. Give me strength for this day. Please give me a sign so that I can believe and have hope that Your promises are meant for me to embrace. Bless me so I can help others who suffer. Isaiah 58:9 (NIV) declares, “Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here I am.” I pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
Dear God, (self-worth and unworthiness)
She’s been struggling with her self-worth and believing she doesn’t matter. Fill her heart with hope that You care and want to bless her. Teach her to let go of attachments such as doubt, worry, and fear. Let these attachments from the enemy be replaced with Your promises and truth. Let the gifts she’s been given through Your glory shine brightly. Use the pain she’s endured to teach others of Your amazing love and may she continue to grow in Your goodness. May she know this truth from John 10:10 (ESV), “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (feeling ashamed)
My friend is feeling ashamed due to past mistakes he has made. He feels underserving and unworthy of Your love. Assure him, please, that Your love is merciful and unending and that You are waiting for him with open arms. May peace and hope fill his spirit as he experiences the freedom of condemnation. Luke 15:7 (KJV) assures, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (doubting self-worth)
I pray that You would bless my friend who’s doubting her self-worth. You know the hardships she’s endured. You know the desires of her heart. Please guide her on her journey and give her the courage and strength to follow Your will. May she look to You and Your promises for hope and for truth. May she know and trust that You care, You love, and You provide. May she know her value in You, dear Lord, and believe that she is worthy. May Psalm 139:14 (KJV), “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made,” ring true in her spirit. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (low self-esteem/inadequacy)
She’s been struggling with low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. Help her to see the beauty in her that You and I see. Let her know that her value doesn’t come from her accomplishments or even from what others say, but instead, from who You say she is. Give her confidence that she has been specially designed inside and out with gifts and talents to add value to others. May she know she is worthy and deserving of all You have in store for her. May she be inspired by Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV), “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (unworthiness)
He wants more out of life, but he’s been taught to settle. His undeserving mindset keeps him from believing he is worthy. Renew his mind, Lord. Give him confidence to come boldly to You and ask for the desires of his heart. Let him know he matters to You. Matthew 7:11 (KJV) encourages, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gift unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (control)
I struggle with wanting control of my life. Thank You that You are all-good, all-knowing, and all-loving. Please help me to surrender my circumstances to You. Remind me that You know what is best for my life. Help me to put my trust and confidence in knowing and believing You have everything under control. Let me find peace in Psalm 46:10 (NIV), “Be still, and know that I am God.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (military)
My husband is in the military fighting for our country. Our children and I miss him terribly. Please surround him with Your peace and protection. Please give him courage and hope that all will end well. Bring him home safely and let him feel Your presence. Psalm 144:1 (NIV) declares, “Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (salvation)
I come to You and accept You as my Lord and Savior. I surrender my all to You. Please forgive me for the mistakes I have made. Forgive me for the times I turned from You, thinking I could do it on my own. Help me to turn from my old ways and follow the path of righteousness. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and grant me the life You created me to live. Isaiah 12:2 (NIV) declares, “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (illness)
My friend is battling an illness. Please restore their body, mind, and spirit. May they feel Your presence and know You are with them. May You comfort them in their pain and may they find their hope and strength in You, Lord. For Psalm 41:3 (ESV) declares, “The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (loss of a home)
Our dear friend lost their home to the destruction of a fire. Thank You, God, for sparing their life. Though their belongings are gone, let them be encouraged that they haven’t lost You, the most precious gift they’ve been given. May they be blessed through the generosity of others. May all their needs be met and may their trust in You grow. James 1:2-3 (ESV) proclaims, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (loss of a job)
Please bless my friend who is down and out due to losing his job. Let him not grow weary or lose hope, but rather put his trust and confidence in You for a bigger and better opportunity. For Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) encourages, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear Lord, (loss of a job)
Please bless my friend who has lost her job. She is concerned about finances. She is a single parent doing her best to provide for her family. Please calm the fear in her anxious heart and let her experience Your faithfulness to provide a new and better opportunity from the door that has closed. Philippians 4:18 (NIV) declares, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (loss of a child)
My friend is heartbroken from the loss of their darling child. I lift them up to You as they cry out for comfort. Please wrap them in Your loving care as they grieve. Comfort their broken heart. Pour out Your peace that only You can provide. Supply them with Your strength and support from family and friends.
May they cherish the memories they made with Your precious gift, their beloved child. May they never doubt Your love or lose faith and hope in You, for John 16:22 (KJV) says, “You now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (temptation)
I’m struggling with the battle of temptation. I know it’s important to flee from the enemy. I pray that You would give me the strength to resist what I can’t fight on my own. If I fail, please give me the grace to forgive myself and to do my very best. Thank You, Father, for sending You Son to carry the weight of my sin. James 1:12 (KJV) declares, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (when God says, “No.”)
He’s frustrated that his prayer hasn’t been answered. Help him, please, to understand that when You say, “No,” it’s either not the right time or it’s because You have something better in store. May he trust that You know what is best. Give him strength and let him never give up on Your faithfulness. Isaiah 55:8 (NIV) encourages, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (fear)
My friend is living in fear. She’s afraid of taking the next step. She fears failure. Help her to look to You for courage and strength. Give her peace and confidence to move in the direction You want her to go. Surround her with the support she needs. Replace her fear with Your power. Reveal what is true, for 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) declares, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind.” I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God, (God given dreams)
I have a big dream in my heart that I have been praying for. Sometimes, I grow weary wondering how or if it will ever come true. Help me to be at peace not knowing what my future holds but trusting that it’s You who holds it and that You know what is best for me. Give me hope that if I ask, I will receive, for if I don’t ask, I won’t receive. Matthew 7:7 (NIV) promises, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.