God’s Word tells us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV). And one way to put that command into practice is through daily prayer. By praying every day, you’ll grow closer to God with every word. Not sure what to pray for? We’ve got you covered.
Here, you’ll find 7 powerful prayers (with videos!) that are perfect for whatever your day brings. Plus, you’ll learn a bit about the importance of prayer and what Jesus has to say about it.
What’s Here:
- Prayer for Strength
- Prayer for Peace
- Prayer for Family
- Prayer for Anxiety
- Prayer for Hope
- Prayer for Wisdom
- Prayer for Protection
- Other FAQs About Prayer
What to Pray For: 7 Prayers for Daily Life
Day-to-day life is full of highs and lows. In one moment, we may be grinning from ear to ear. And in another, we may find ourselves anxious and in need of peace. But one of the most beautiful things about prayer is this: God wants to hear about it all.
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. — Jeremiah 29:12-13, NIV
You can come to God at any time, day or night, to share your joy, worry, needs and fears. Like a best friend, he’s always there. Let that truth inspire you to pray daily!
Below you’ll find seven powerful prayers you can pray along with us. Add these to your daily prayer routine and bookmark them for when you need to come back to them.
1. Prayer for Strength
No matter what your day throws your way, God is your source of strength. When you feel weak, lean on him. After all, his power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV).
2. Prayer for Peace
In John 14:27 (NIV), Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Why? Because he gives us peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7, ESV). With Jesus, we can have peace in the midst of any storm, no matter how strong the wind or waves.
3. Prayer for Family
God didn’t create us to be alone. In fact, in Genesis 2:18 (NIV), after God made Adam, he said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” God made families as sources of strength, support, guidance and love. We should cherish our families and pray that God will bring us closer together.
4. Prayer for Anxiety
Day-to-day life brings many things that cause us to worry, from sickness to finances. But 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” When you’re feeling anxious, you can give those anxieties over to Jesus, trusting that he’ll help you through. No worry is too great or too small — he cares for them all.
5. Prayer for Hope
Having hope means being confident in God’s promises and his faithfulness to fulfill them, despite your circumstances. No matter what your day brings, you can have hope that God is working all things together for good for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). And that’s you!
6. Prayer for Wisdom
Do you have an important decision to make? Need to know which next step to take? God’s Word tells us that if we ask for wisdom, it will be given to us (James 1:5). God is faithful to guide you according to his perfect will for your life.
7. Prayer for Protection
Sometimes, those around us need protection, such as our family, friends and even children living in poverty. If you’re worried about the safety of someone you love, know this: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NIV).
Other FAQs About Prayer
What Is the Importance of Prayer?
Prayer is powerful. It’s how we talk to God, praise him for what he’s done, thank him for what he’s going to do and ask him for the things we need.
Prayer helps us build a relationship with our heavenly Father, allowing us to enjoy his presence. And in his presence, we find peace, joy, forgiveness, love and freedom.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. — 2 Corinthians 3:17, NIV
What Did Jesus Say About Prayer?
Jesus prioritized prayer. During his ministry on earth, he often went out on his own, alone, to pray to the Father (Luke 6:12, Mark 1:12, Mark 14:32). And because Jesus knew the power of prayer, he taught his disciples how to pray in Luke 11:2-4 (NIV):
He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
Jesus spoke about prayer many other times too. Here are some other examples throughout Scripture:
- “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” — Matthew 6:6 (NIV)
- “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV)
- “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” — Luke 11:9 (NIV)
- “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” — Matthew 21:21-22 (NIV)
What Is the Meaning of Prayer in the Bible?
To better understand the biblical meaning of prayer, let’s dive into the Hebrew and Greek, two of the original languages of the Bible.
In Hebrew (used in the Old Testament), “prayer” is tᵊp̄illâ,which means intercession or supplication. Intercession means to intervene on behalf of someone, especially someone in need. And supplication means to “plead humbly” for something.
In Greek (used in the New Testament), “prayer” is proseuche,which means a prayer addressed to God specifically. In both definitions, prayer means communicating with God, whether that’s to stand in the gap for the vulnerable or to ask humbly for what we need.
Remember to Pray for Children Living in Poverty
Millions of children around the world face the challenges of poverty, from hunger to a lack of medical care. But prayer can change the lives of these little ones!
As you pray each day, remember these children. Ask the Father to protect them, provide for them and help them grow up happy and healthy. And if it’s on your heart to stand in the gap for children in need, partner with us in prayer.
Keep Praying: Join Us for 30 Days of Prayer
Grow even closer to God by continuing to pray daily using these inspiring guided prayers.
