Prayer is an important part of the Christian’s life. 1st Thessalonians 5:17 encourages Christians to pray without ceasing. How can we know what words to pray? Scripture gives us seven examples:
- Adoration
Psalm 18:2 – The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 62:2 – He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
- Confession
Psalm 51:3 – For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Romans 7:24 – Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
- Supplication
Psalm 25:4-5 – Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
Psalm 39:4 – “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!”
- Intercession
Isaiah 64:1 – Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence
Ephesians 6:24 – Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
- Thanksgiving
Psalm 40:5 – You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.
Psalm 116:12 – What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me?
- Dedication
Psalm 116:9 – I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
Psalm 116:16 – O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds.
- Doxology
1st Timothy 1:17 – To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Romans 16:27 – to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Chris is a Christian, husband to Alyssa, works as Executive Director of The Gospel for OC and Writer and Editor at Blue Letter Bible. Chris and his wife Alyssa worship and serve at Reverence Bible Church in Mission Viejo, California. He is the author of The Two Fears: Tremble Before God Alone.