Praying from the Bible—Paul’s prayers
Brian Barker

Are you ever stuck for words when talking to God? Unsure of what to pray? The Bible is filled with prayers from Jesus, as well as the saints. Here, our assistant minister, Brian Barker, has modified some of the Apostle Paul’s prayers for your personal use. You can also download a printable version of this post.

Romans 15:5–6
God, who gives endurance and encouragement, may you give us a spirit of unity among ourselves as we follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth we may glorify you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Ephesians 1:17–21
Great God and Heavenly Father, we pray that you would give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that we may know you better. Please open the eyes of our hearts so that we might truly know the hope to which you have called us, the incredible riches of your glorious inheritance in the saints, and your incomparable power for us who believe—the power by which you raised Christ from the dead and seated him at your right hand in the heavenly realms, over every rule and authority and power and dominion. Amen

Ephesians 3:16–19
Heavenly Father, we pray that out of your glorious riches, you would strengthen us in our inner being through your Spirit, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. Please may we be anchored and built up in love, and may we have power to grasp how incredibly wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ is. May we truly know this love that goes beyond all knowledge, so that we may be filed with all your fullness. Amen

Philippians 1:9–11
Lord, we pray that our love may abound more and more, founded on knowledge and deep understanding of you, so that we would be able to understand what is best, and be pure and blameless until the day Christ returns. May we live lives full of the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. We pray this for your glory. Amen

Colossians 1:9–14
Heavenly Father, please fill us with knowledge of your will and with all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that we might live lives worthy of you and please you in every way, bearing fruit in our life and growing in our knowledge of you. Please strengthen us by your glorious might so that we can endure and be patient when things are hard, and so that we might give you thanks joyfully for graciously giving us a glorious inheritance and saving us out of the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of your beloved Son. Amen

1 Thessalonians 3:11–13
Heavenly Father, please make our love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else. May you strengthen our hearts so that we may be blameless and holy in your presence when jesus comes with all his holy ones. Amen

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24
God of peace, please sanctify us through and through. May you keep our spirits, souls and bodies blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

2 Thessalonians 1:11–12
Father, may you count us worthy of your calling. By your power, please fulfil our every good purpose and act prompted by faith. We pray that the name of our Lord Jesus would be glorified in us and us in him, according to your grace. Amen

2 Thessalonians 2:16–17
Our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus, we thank you that you love us and that by your grace, you have given us eternal encouragement and good hope. May you encourage our hearts and strengthen us in every good deed and word. Amen