Our Bibles are many things. They offer us the history of faith, show us right from wrong, instruct us how to be faithful followers of Christ, and encourage us along life’s path. The Bible can help us in every aspect of our lives. But, for many, this precious book sits on a shelf collecting dust. In my post today, I want to look at one way to help us use our Bibles more. We can use Bible verses as prayers.
I know I sometimes struggle with finding the right words to pray. I might feel too overwhelmed or too afraid to utter words of prayer. The good news is I can always just speak Jesus’ name in those times, and He will be right there with me. But, at times, I want to say something more so I can use Bible verses as prayers.
Where to Begin
Do you have a favorite verse? Mine is Romans 8:28; “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I can turn this verse into a prayer like this: Thank you, Lord, for making all things work for my good because I love you. Amen. Try it with your favorite verse now.
But, as I stated at the beginning of this post, sometimes we need help because we feel overwhelmed by life. So, let’s look at some verses for when you are struggling with difficult circumstances in your life. I divided the examples into sections for better reference.
Bible Verses as Prayers
Prayers for Illness or Distress
Jeremiah 17:14; “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” Amen.
Psalms 107:20; “Send out You word and heal me; rescue me from the grave.” Amen.
Psalm 147:3; “Heal my brokenheart and bind up my wounds.” Amen.
Isaiah 33:2; “Lord, be gracious to me; I long for you. Be my strength every morning, my salvation in time of distress.” Amen.
Prayers for when Fearful
Psalm 56:3-4; “I am afraid, so I put my trust in you. In you, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Amen.
Psalm 23:4; “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Amen.
Psalm 27:1; “You are my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? You are the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Amen.
1 Peter 5:7; “I cast all my anxiety on you because you care for me.” Amen.
Prayers for Weariness
Psalm 62:1; “Let my soul find rest in you, my God; my salvation comes from you.” Amen.
Isaiah 40:29; “Lord, give me strength and increases the power of my weakness.” Amen.
Matthew 11:28; “Lord, I Come to you, I am weary and burdened, and I ask you to give rest.” Amen.
Psalm 4:8; “Please give me peace as I lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Amen.
God’s Message
There are many other verses you can use, as this is just a sample. The woes David penned in the Psalms thousands of years ago are still applicable for us to pray today. All the words written within the pages of the Bible remain relevant for us today. Even the authors of the Bible realized the Holy nature of their messages. We see this in 2 Timothy 3:16-17; “16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
God Provides
We all struggle with the words to use in our prayers at times. But, take heart; the Lord provides us with examples of what to say. And if the words still don’t come to us, remember Romans 8:26-27; “26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
I attached a PDF file of the Bible verses, so please feel free to print them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father. Words escape me right now. Please listen to the longings of my heart. Provide for my loved ones and me. Thank you for all You do for me. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen
Grace and Peace
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian author, blogger, and speaker.
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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I am thankful for this message. Thank you Yvonne. There is comfort found in His Word. Comfort is found in knowing that when we don’t have words, the Holy Spirit intervenes on our behalf.
Yes, amen. The Holy Spirit does intercedes for us especially when we can’t find the right words to say. Thanks for commenting. Grace and peace to you
I love praying God’s word! I figure if we are praying his word, we are also praying his will. His word is powerful and as you said, applicable then and now. 🙂
Me too Marcie. Praying God’s own words offer us so much richness in our prayer life. Thanks for visiting. Grace and peace to you
For many years, my Bible rested on a bookshelf. I read from the pew Bible during Sunday worship at church but rarely opened the one at home. Thankfully, my wife, Karen, came into my life and sparked a renewed relationship with my Bible, literally changing my life.
How wonderful. Reading and studying the Bible gives us life in so many ways. Thanks Craig. Grace and peace to you.
Thank you for the helpful prayer verses found in the Bible. Nice collection.
Thanks very much Janice. Grace and peace to you
There really is great comfort in God’s word, which is timeless and universal. My “favorite” scriptures change. Typically mine is Phil. 4:13, about being able to do all things through the Lord who is our source of true strength. But Romans 8:28 is another favorite for sure!
I love Phil 4:13 too, it is my husband’s go to verse. Thanks for commenting. Grace and peace to you.
You make some really good points about the Scriptures and the prayers — “All the words written within the pages of the Bible remain relevant for us today.” Yes, they do! Imagine being inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the very words of God! No wonder they recognized the significance of the messages they wrote down.
No kidding Melinda. I can’t imagine writing something so significant. Thanks Melinda. Grace and peace to you.
Love the practice of praying God’s Words back to Him! Beside, He says it better than I can!
Yes He does say it better. His words our a great way to train and prepare our hearts for prayers. Thanks for commenting Ava. Grace and peace to you.
Wonderful message, Yvonne! I sometimes read the Psalms aloud as my prayer time and I find words of truth, comfort and hope I have not noticed until that moment. God’s Word is a never-ending storehouse of beauty!
Amen Melissa. He is a storehouse of wisdom for us. We are very blessed by His instructions in the Bible. Thanks for commenting. Grace and peace to you
Praying scripture is so uplifting when we are discouraged. Great post!
Thanks Nancy. It is very uplifting. Grace and peace to you.
Thank you so much for the free PDF! I have downloaded that, and I’m planning on sharing it with some friends. You are a blessing!
Thanks Lisa. I am glad you can use it. Grace and peace to you.
It’s such a powerful thing to pray Scripture! Sometimes I forget and need the reminder! Thanks for always pointing us to truth and helpful tips on the Christian walk!
So very thankful we have such great examples in the Bible. Thanks Karen. Grace and peace to you