Prayer

38 lessons from God's Word for a powerful prayer life for believers!

by Maarten Vroegindeweij — 25 December 2024

Download as PDF

Greek

• Δεησιζ de-esis: 1) need, want, privation, poverty 2) a request, supplication to God or to man
• ευχομαι /euchomai: 1) to pray to God 2) to wish, to pray for, to entreat

2 Timothy 3:16 Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,

We try to learn what God's Word teaches us about prayer! And especially what it means in practice! It is aimed at Christians, not at unbelievers.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.

What a wonderful picture! God's Word gives light and clarity on our path!

Luke 11:1 It happened, that when he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples."

We must ask Jesus this! Teach us to pray! As born-again Christians we are followers, disciples! He is our (teaching) Master!

Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don't know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can't be uttered.

This is fantastic news! The Spirit prays for you with such power and words that we cannot utter!

1. Follow Jesus' example! Seek a lonely / quiet place.

Mark 1:35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.

Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Practical:

• Walk around outside;
• Sit in the laundry room;
• Go to work early so you are alone in the office;
• Park your car in a quiet place;

It is important that you can pray aloud and cry out!

2. Follow Jesus and David: Rise early in the morning!

Psalm 5:3 In the morning, Lord, you will hear my voice.
In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly.

Romans 8:13 For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Practical

Get up for example 30 minutes earlier every day and don't listen to your flesh. Crucify the flesh!

The devil can tell you lies: If you don't want to, then you are not a real child of God, so just stay in bed.

No, no, that is not true!! Walk by the Spirit! Spend time with God! And don't listen to your flesh.

Thoughts in your head can come from the devil. Paul already said: 2 Corinthians 2:11 For we are not ignorant of his schemes.

3. Realize that God longs for a relationship with people!

John 15 9: Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love.
(..) 
11. I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.
(..) 
13. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
14. You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.
(..) 
16. You didn't choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

Jesus loves you and me! He calls us His friends! This is an indescribable wonder. That the great God sees us as friends!

He has chosen us! So that we would bear fruit.

God knows us.
He understands us.

Think about that last point. Who is there who fully understands you? People often have limited understanding. God fully understands you!!

Go and pray to Him!

Pray this psalm aloud!

Psalm 139

(..)

1. Lord, you have searched me, and you know me.

2. You know my sitting down and my rising up.
You perceive my thoughts from afar.

3. You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.

4. For there is not a word on my tongue,
but, behold, Lord, you know it altogether.

5. You hem me in behind and before.
You laid your hand upon me.

6. This knowledge is beyond me.
It's lofty. I can't attain it.

(..)

15. My frame wasn't hidden from you,
when I was made in secret,
woven together in the depths of the earth.

16. Your eyes saw my body. In your book they were all written,
the days that were ordained for me,
when as yet there were none of them.

17. How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18. If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand.
When I wake up, I am still with you.

(..)

23. Search me, God, and know my heart.
Try me, and know my thoughts.

24. See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the everlasting way.

4. Go to Him especially when as a Christian you have sinned!

Hebrews 4:15 For we don't have a high priest who can't be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all things tempted like we are, yet without sin.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Our High Priest Jesus has compassion on our weaknesses! He endured all temptations, but without sin.

He will forgive sins if we confess them!

Remember that God's Word in the NT calls us: saints. And not sinners!

We are saved, justified, sanctified. Our sins are forgiven. We may walk by our spirit; we are not obligated to walk according to the flesh. Our spirit is the new self, the new creation created in us by Jesus Christ.

5. Practise praise! Praise God! He is good!

Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, and bless his name.

Ephesians 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and making melody to the Lord in your heart;

Acts 16:25-26 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
26. Suddenly there was a great earthquake (..)

Practical

• Praise Him for this day
• For who He is
• For your family
• For your health
• For all the gifts He gives!
• God is generous! He gives us the earth, He gives us goods, food, a house to live in, and so on!!

It changes your prayer life! It brings about miracles.

6. Give thanks to God in everything!

1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 17. Pray without ceasing.
18. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
19. Don't quench the Spirit.

Psalm 50:14 Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Pay your vows to the Most High.

God's will is that you thank Him in everything!

Practical

Thank God for salvation through His Son Jesus Christ!
Thank Christ for His sacrifice!
For His perfect life!
For His patience!
For His self-sacrifice!
For the creativity of God in His creation!

Write down points of thanksgiving!
- Answers to prayer.
- But also general thanksgivings. Speak them out!
- Regardless of your feelings! Obediently!

7. Don't be afraid! Be bold.

Hebrews 4:16 Let's therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need.

8. Pray for blessing and prosperity and the warding off of evil.

1 Chronicles 4:10 Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that it not be to my sorrow!" God granted him that which he requested.

3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.

Practical

Pray to God for a blessing over your work, study.
Pray for prosperity in all aspects of your life.
That you may find a husband or wife, and if you have one, that you may have an ideal marriage.
Pray for children.

9. Pray the prayer of faith for things that are according to God's will.

Mark 11:22-24 Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God.
23. For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and doesn't doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says.

24. Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them."

1 John 5:14 This is the boldness which we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us.

James 1:5-7 5. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him.

6. But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed.

7. For let that man not think that he will receive anything from the Lord.

Pray according to God's will! If you pray according to God's will in faith, you will receive what you ask for!

So it is important to seek the will of God. That we know what His will is, so that we pray according to His will and may also trust that He gives it!

1 John 5:15 And if we know that he listens to us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.

Hears and answers! Not just listens to!

We know: that is a certainty!

10. Pray for wisdom for the day.

1 Kings 3:7-9 – Solomon's prayer for wisdom 7. Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king instead of David my father. I am just a little child. I don't know how to go out or come in.
8. Your servant is in the middle of your people which you have chosen, a great people, that can't be numbered nor counted for multitude.
9. Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this great people of yours?

Are you facing a difficult question? Pray to God! He gives it in an instant if you believe!

See also the prayer of Solomon where he asks for wisdom and receives it!

Practical

Lay the problems of the day before Him! Do NOT solve them without God!
Ask in faith!

What is faith?
Being convinced of something!

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.

What is the prayer of faith?
Praying and knowing and trusting 100% that you receive it.

How do you receive faith?
The Holy Spirit wants to work this!

1. By hearing the Word of God:

Romans 10:17 So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2. By hearing about Jesus, for example through a testimony

Mark 5:27 having heard about Jesus, came up behind him in the crowd and touched his clothes.

11. Forgive people when you stand praying!

Mark 11:25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.

1 Timothy 2:8 I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting.

Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.

Practical

Always forgive. Regardless of whether the other person forgives you or has insight. You are then freed! If you can't do it: get on your knees and confess it!

12. Pray with your spirit and with your understanding. Give thanks with your spirit!

1 Corinthians 14:2,14,15 2 For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands; but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.

14. For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Ephesians 6:18 with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints:

Practical

Praying with the understanding: you pray in your own language with words you understand.

Praying with your spirit: praying in the Spirit. Not to the Holy Spirit but in/through the Holy Spirit.

13. Plead earnestly!

1 Timothy 2:1-3 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.

Practical

Plead for all people, for the government.

14. Pray intercessions

1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men.

1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

Practical

Intercede for neighbours, family, church, pastor, government, colleagues. Do not stop praying!

15. Take the right posture!

Ephesians 3:14 For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Timothy 2:8 I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting.

1 Corinthians 11:4-5 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. But every woman praying or prophesying with her head uncovered dishonors her head.

Practical

Kneeling, men with lifted hands, men without head covering, women with covered head when they pray or prophesy. An active posture!

16. Pray fervently!

Zephaniah 3:9-10 For then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that they may all call on the name of the Lord, to serve him shoulder to shoulder.

Practical

Spirited, full of passion. No half-hearted stuff!

17. Pray the Word!

Ephesians 3:14-16 For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man.

In God's Word there are many prayers. It is super powerful to pray the Word!

18. Pray always!

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Psalm 55:17 Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice.

Practical

Pray in the car, when you walk around pray for blessing, it is walking with God.

19. Be concrete, no vain repetitions

Matthew 6:7-8 In praying, don't use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. Therefore don't be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him.

Practical

Study prayers in God's Word as an example.

20. Pray the prayer that Jesus taught us!

Matthew 6:9-13 Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
Let your Kingdom come.
Let your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.
Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Practical

Always pray it again as if it is the first time. It is proclamation! "Let your Kingdom come" is a command.

21. Persevere and be watchful!

Colossians 4:2-3 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving; praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ.

Practical

Stay alert, hold on strongly!

22. Pray aloud when possible!

Psalm 39:2-3 I was mute with silence. I held my peace, even from good. My sorrow was stirred. My heart was hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned: I spoke with my tongue:

Psalm 5:3 In the morning, Lord, you will hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly.

Practical

In the Psalms: 'I cry'! Cry out and shout to God!!

23. Pray the psalms!

Psalm 4 1. For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David.
2. Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
3. You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor?
4. But know that the Lord has set apart for himself him who is godly: the Lord will hear when I call to him.
5. Stand in awe, and don't sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still.
6. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in the Lord.
7. Many say, "Who will show us any good?" Lord, let the light of your face shine on us.
8. You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.
9. In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Lord alone, make me live in safety.

24. Pray with music in worship

Psalm 4:1 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David.

2 Kings 3:14-15 Elisha said, (..) But now bring me a minstrel. It happened, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came on him.

25. Put on the spiritual armour!

Ephesians 6:10-18 10. Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.
11. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13. Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day.
14. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15. and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace;
16. above all, taking up the shield of faith.
17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18. with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit.

26. Seek God!

James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Exodus 20:5 (..) for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.

God is like a jealous lover, zealous.

27. Pray in Jesus' name!

John 15:7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.

John 16:23-24 In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.

28. Cry out! Shout!

Psalm 50:15 Call on me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me.

Isaiah 26:16 Lord, in trouble they have sought you. They poured out a whispered prayer when your chastening was on them.

In the psalms it says 71 times 'When I call, answer me'. Weep! Pray! Laugh! Shout for joy! Groan! Whisper!

29. Try to walk with God!

Genesis 17:1 I am God Almighty. Walk before me, and be blameless.

Genesis 3:8 They heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.

Genesis 5:24 Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.

John 15:4 Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can't bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me.

Practical

Talk with God all day in everything you do.

30. Walk in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit

Acts 9:31 So the assemblies throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

Fear: φοβος / phobos: fear, terror, dread, reverence. Our God is a consuming fire!

31. Pray for peace for Israel

Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love you will prosper.

Romans 10:1 Brothers, my heart's desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved.

Practical

Have love for the Jews, pray for peace, pray for their repentance.

32a. Don't pray for riches, but for prosperity. 32b. Pray for truth in your words.

Proverbs 30:7-9 – Prayer of Agur Two things I have asked of you. Don't deny me before I die:
Remove far from me falsehood and lies.
Give me neither poverty nor riches.
Feed me with the food that is needful for me.

5 matters: no falsehood, no lies, no riches, no poverty, the assigned portion / contentment.

33. Ask for grace and healing of your soul.

Psalm 41:4 I said, "Lord, have mercy on me! Heal me, for I have sinned against you."

34. When you pray for salvation: don't pray like the Pharisee, but like the tax collector!

Luke 18:9-14 9. He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others.
10. "Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector.
(..) 13. But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn't even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'
14. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other.

35. Submit yourself to the will of God

Romans 1:8,10 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you (..) requesting, if by any means now at last I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you.

For the prayer of faith: believe that you receive. For guidance: a humble posture.

36. Fast and pray!

1 Corinthians 7:5 Don't deprive one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer.

Mark 9:29 He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing, except by prayer and fasting."

Acts 13:2 As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them."

37. Pray with one accord

Acts 4:24 When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord.

Matthew 18:19 Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven.

38. Quote Bible texts in your prayer.

Acts 4:25-26 who by the mouth of your servant, David, said, 'Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take council together, against the Lord, and against his Christ.'

Ready knowledge of the Bible, quoting in prayer (Psalm 2). Learn texts by heart and use them in your prayer!

Proverbs 30 – Prayer of Agur

Proverbs 30:7-9 Two things I have asked of you. Don't deny me before I die:
Remove far from me falsehood and lies.
Give me neither poverty nor riches.
Feed me with the food that is needful for me;
lest I be full, deny you, and say, 'Who is the Lord?'
or lest I be poor, and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

Matthew 6 – The prayer that Jesus teaches us

Matthew 6:9-13 Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
Let your Kingdom come.
Let your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.
Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Acts 4:24-31

Acts 4:24-31 24 When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "O Lord, you are God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them.
29 Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,
30 while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus."
31 When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Ephesians 1:16-21

Ephesians 1:16-21 16 don't cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers,
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him;
18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe.

Ephesians 3:14-21

Ephesians 3:14-21 14 For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
16 that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;
17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
20 Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
21 to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

1 Chronicles 4:10 – Prayer of Jabez

1 Chronicles 4:10 Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that it not be to my sorrow!" God granted him that which he requested.

Psalm 17:1-15

Psalm 17:1-15 1 A Prayer by David. Hear, Lord, my righteous plea. Give ear to my prayer that doesn't go out of deceitful lips.
6 I have called on you, for you will answer me, God. Turn your ear to me. Hear my speech.
7 Show your marvelous loving kindness.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings,
15 As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.

Daniel 9:3-7

Daniel 9:3-7 3 I set my face to the Lord God, to seek by prayer and petitions, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.
4 I prayed to the Lord my God, and made confession, and said, Oh, Lord, the great and dreadful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his commandments,
5 we have sinned, and have dealt perversely, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even turning aside from your precepts and from your ordinances;
7 Lord, righteousness belongs to you, but to us confusion of face.

This study is also available as a PDF: