Praying the Scriptures – A Practical Guide for Intercession and Personal Growth
Praying the Scriptures is a powerful and transformative way to align our hearts with God’s will. It allows us to intercede for others and ourselves using God’s Word, bringing clarity, focus, and assurance to our prayers. The Bible is not just a collection of promises but a living guide that equips us to approach every situation with faith and wisdom.
This guide provides ten truths and accompanying prayers based on Scripture, offering relevance and practical application for daily life. Each truth includes a prayer for others and a corresponding prayer for oneself, showing how Scripture can be adapted for personal and intercessory purposes.
- When Praying for Someone Oblivious to God’s Care
Scripture Reference:
"Show the wonder of Your great love, you who save by Your right hand those who take refuge in You from their foes." (Psalm 17:7)
Prayer for Others:
Lord, show ___ the wonder of Your great love. Open their eyes to see how You care for them, even when they feel distant from You. Help them take refuge in You and experience Your saving power.
Prayer for Yourself:
Lord, show me the wonder of Your great love. Remind me of Your care, even in moments when I feel distant or unsure. Let me take refuge in Your unfailing love.
- When Praying for Someone Directionless in Their Work
Scripture Reference:
"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands." (Psalm 90:17)
Prayer for Others:
Lord, I pray that Your favor will rest upon ___. Establish the work of their hands and guide them toward purpose and fulfillment in their efforts. Let them find satisfaction in the work You have given them.
Prayer for Yourself:
Lord, may Your favor rest on me. Establish the work of my hands, and let my efforts align with Your plans. Guide me to purpose and fulfillment in all that I do.
- When Praying for Someone Who Desires to Walk in God’s Ways
Scripture Reference:
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16)
Prayer for Others:
Holy Spirit, since You live in ___, help them to keep in step with You. Empower them to walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. Strengthen their resolve to live according to Your will.
Prayer for Yourself:
Holy Spirit, since You live in me, help me to keep in step with You. Guide my thoughts, actions, and desires, so that I live a life pleasing to You.
- When Praying for Someone Tempted to Return to Old Ways
Scripture Reference:
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)
Prayer for Others:
Thank You, Lord, that it is for freedom that You have set ___ free. Help them to stand firm and not be entangled again by their old ways. Strengthen their resolve to walk in the freedom You have provided.
Prayer for Yourself:
Thank You, Lord, for setting me free. Help me to stand firm and not return to the sin that once enslaved me. Strengthen my heart to live fully in Your freedom.
- When Praying for Someone Confused About How to Live
Scripture Reference:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)
Prayer for Others:
Lord, help ___ not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their mind. Enable them to discern Your will and live in alignment with Your plans for their life.
Prayer for Yourself:
Lord, help me not to conform to the ways of the world. Renew my mind and transform my thinking so I can discern Your good, pleasing, and perfect will for my life.
- When Praying for Someone Spiritually Distracted
Scripture Reference:
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:2)
Prayer for Others:
Lord, help ___ to set their affections on things above and not be consumed by earthly desires. Let their focus remain on You and the eternal purpose You have for them.
Prayer for Yourself:
Lord, help me to set my mind on things above. Align my desires with Your heavenly purpose and keep me from being distracted by the temporary things of this world.
- When Praying for Someone Despondent or Brokenhearted
Scripture Reference:
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake." (Psalm 23:1-3)
Prayer for Others:
Lord, refresh ___’s soul and lead them in the right paths for Your name’s sake. Comfort their broken heart and restore their hope and joy in You.
Prayer for Yourself:
Lord, heal my heart, restore my soul, and lead me in the right paths for Your name’s sake. Let Your comfort and peace refresh me.
- When Praying for Someone Who Needs to Commit Their Life to Jesus
Scripture References:
"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
"Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4)
Prayer for Others:
Thank You, Lord, that You are patient and desire for ___ to come to repentance. In Your kindness, draw them to Yourself and help them surrender their life into Your hands.
Prayer for Yourself:
Thank You, Lord, for Your patience and kindness toward me. Help me to fully surrender my life and each decision into Your hands.
- When Praying for Someone Seeking Change
Scripture Reference:
"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands." (Psalm 138:8)
Prayer for Others:
Thank You, Lord, that You will perfect what concerns ___. Guide them as they seek change in their life and work all things together for their good.
Prayer for Yourself:
Thank You, Lord, that You will perfect what concerns me. I trust You to work all things together for my good as I love You and follow Your purposes.
- When Praying for Those Worn Out in Ministry
Scripture Reference:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
Prayer for Others:
Lord, may ___ be energized today as they live their life for the purpose of the Great Commission. Strengthen them to continue sharing Your love and truth with others.
Prayer for Yourself:
Lord, renew my energy and passion for Your purposes. Help me to live each day focused on sharing Your love and truth with those around me.
Conclusion
Praying the Scriptures is a practical and powerful way to connect with God’s will. By using these prayers, you can intercede for others and strengthen your own faith. Let God’s Word guide your heart as you pray for transformation, healing, and purpose in every area of life.