Praying Bible Verses

Life in the Word - Devotion 1

“One of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray.’” - Luke 11:1

Grandparents, lost stuff, dogs, soccer teams, tests, and braces …these are common themes in the prayers of the 5th and 6th graders in the Life in the Word class. God honors these petitions. Our weekly time in small groups brings many mini-testimonials of God’s answers.

God promises to hear our prayer. God promises to grant those requests that are prayed according to His will. But how do we know that? How can we pray so it doesn’t sound like a grocery list of needs, wants, and desires? Jesus disciples wanted to know the same thing. They asked him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1) He went on to teach them what we call The Lord’s Prayer. This is a prayer that I can confidently pray in His will; He taught it to us! This prayer, which is recorded in scripture, prompts us to pray many other verses. Paul’s letters to the early churches are filled with verses that can be made into prayers-sometimes they just need a little grammar adjustment. Philippians 2:5 states: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. I can pray, “Father, make my attitude the same as that of Christ Jesus.”

Galatians 6:2 states, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in that way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” A slight word order change gives us this prayer: “Jesus, I want to fulfill your law, help me carry the burdens of others.” From this prayer flows, “Show me someone who needs help with their burdens.” Then I Peter 4:5 can be prayed, “Help me serve, with the strength God provides so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” Well, you get the idea. Try it out.

Dear Lord, Thank you for Your gift of the Lord’s prayer. In it we learn to praise You and then make our requests to You. Hallowed be Your name. Amen.