I’m not sure where the idea originated for me, exactly. Dad’s been doing it for years—he has a list of verses he rotates through and prays over us children every evening.
I think the idea may have clicked when I saw it being used in a prayer list made for girls on one of the Facebook groups I’m in. The subject was prayers for our husbands, and each day the admin shared a prayer to pray as well as some verses pertaining to the prayer. What amazed me was the fact that these verses—ones I’ve been familiar with since before I can remember—also could be used as powerful, specific prayers! I loved it!
Since then, I set up a prayer notebook/Bible study journal, and whenever I find a verse that would be good to pray for others, I write it down.
There’s something special about praying scripture over other people. I don’t know what it is, exactly, but it comes alive—you can see your hopes and dreams for them expressed within the words of scripture. It’s an invigorating experience. And, truthfully, helpful too, in figuring out how to direct certain prayers for different ones!
So today, I’m sharing my favorite verses that I pray for different ones I know:
My Brothers
This is the essence of what I want for my brothers—that they can be physically, mentally, and spiritually strong, the Word of God can be part of their daily lives, and that they will have victory over the evil one. It’s an amazing verse to pray for all young men (and women, too!)
“I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” (1 John 2:14b)
This one is a little newer to me, but it’s also a precious verse. It’s great for praying for yourself, or others—just change out all the me’s for him or them!
“Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” (Psalm 25:4-5)
Church Family/Missionaries
This one is close to my heart, because of the spiritual attacks we’ve seen over the years against the church, and the struggles I know missionaries experience every day. I know there are quite a few different verses you could use when praying for the strengthening of the church and of the Lord’s servants out on the field, but right now this is my go-to:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
I also really appreciate this verse—what a promise to all of us! Yes, what power we have to tap into if only we will believe and obey!
“Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” (Psalm 2:8)
Friends
For several different people, I’ve been reminded of different verses that apply to their situations. One of the most notable examples was when a dear soul I’ve known for years was facing a major struggle. The Lord laid it on my heart to pray this verse over her for a time. Remove her mountain, Lord!
“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:20)
Others apply more broadly to different situations. I especially use the last phrase of this verse.
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10)
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Many of these are also applicable as prayers for me—I tend to use them somewhat interchangeably.
“But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.” (Psalm 3:3, 4, 8)
Myself
Because sometimes I need this reminder.
“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)
I pray these two nearly every single day.
“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” (Psalm 143:8)
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” (Psalm 119:18)
Have you ever prayed Bible verses as prayers before? What are some of your favorite prayers from the Bible?
This is beautiful. I see several listed that certainly need to be included in our household! Thank you for sharing them.
You’re very welcome, Lucinda! I hope they will be a blessing to you and yours. 🙂