The Practice of Private Prayer

Prayer is an important part of the Christian’s life. 1^st Thessalonians 5:17 encourages Christians to pray without ceasing. How can we know what words to pray? Scripture gives us seven examples:

1. 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.

2. 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?

3. 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!”

4. 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.

5. 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?

6. 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.

7. Doxology

1^st 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.