The Bible says, “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be open to you. For everyone who ask receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be open.” (Luke 11:9-10)
In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus taught his disciples to pray in answer to their request. He gave them a model prayer such as follows:
“Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done.
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts.
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever. Amen.”
Our prayers should recognize our relationship with God; acknowledge God’s authority; trust God for our daily bread and His provision; to pray for forgiveness and to forgive others; ask God to lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil when we are tested. We must ask the Holy Spirit to help us find the way out of a situation.
Twelve Bible Prayers for Mediation
“But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.” (Psalm 13:5)
“Have mercy upon me, O God according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my transgressions.” (Psalm 51:1-2)
“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my hart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, and with song I will praise Him.” (Psalm 28:7)
“Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; incline Your ear to me, and save me, Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress.” (Psalm 71:2-3)
“Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 86:4)
“All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name. For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God. Teach me Your way, O LORD, I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.” (Psalm 86:9-11)
“LORD God of Israel, there is no God in heaven above or on earth below like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.” (1 Kings 8:23)
“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)
“Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me.” (Psalm 27:7)
“O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.” (Psalm 139:1-2)
“All the earth shall worship you and sang praises to You; they shall sing praises to Your name.” Selah
(Psalm 66:4)
Scripture Verses on the Importance of Prayer for Meditation
“Confess your trespasses to one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)
“And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.” (Revelation 8:4)
“… who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him form death, and was heard because of His godly fear.” (Hebrews 5:7)
“There I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. I desire there that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1 Timothy 2:1, 8)
“About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, Cornelius!” “And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, what is it Lord? So, he said to him, your prayers and your sins have come up for a memorial before God.” (Acts 10:3-4)
“… always in every prayer of mine making request for your all with joy.” “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God.” (Philippians 4:4, 6)
“… pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
“… praying always with all prayers and supplication, in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give me wisdom and perspective. Lord, guide me according to Your plans for my life and according to Your purpose. Thank You for Your love, joy and peace. Give me courage, Lord, to claim the spiritual riches that You have promised in Your Word. Keep me ever mindful that Your truth is and will forever be the ultimate truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
All Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.
By Constance A. Burns, NAAV Contributor for Spiritual Readings and Moments of Meditation; email: cburns@naavets.org