Begin your praise with these 8 worshipful prayers to remember how big and beautiful God is today and always.
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
If someone asked you to describe God in one word, what would you say? Would you ponder a word that is all-encompassing or focus on one particular trait? The character of God is hard to understand, but so incredible to imagine. Throughout the Bible, from beginning to end, we learn about God’s personality and all of His various titles. Father. Teacher. Comforter. The one most familiar to us is Jesus. We can only speculate why God decided to make man in His image, or why He continues to love us even after the Fall. One thing’s for sure, God is big and God is beautiful.
Thankfully, we are His children. For those of us who find trusting difficult, God is trustworthy. For those of us who haven’t felt love, God loves us. He treats us in a way we wish people would. And with all that God does we are left in awe. We scratch our heads asking, ‘Why?” Why does He love us? Why does He do what he does even when we sin? And to think he wants to bring us into heaven. Beautiful.
One way to respond to God’s majesty is to pray. We can get on our knees and communicate with our great God, telling Him how good He is to us, those around us, and why we are so very grateful. Begin your praise with these 8 worshipful prayers to remember how big and beautiful God is today and always.
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1. A Prayer to Know God by His Love
“The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8)
God provides the example and the methods for loving others. He provides, we provide. He protects, we protect. Just as a parent teaches a child, so do we learn from God. He is the epitome of love, someone we can only aspire to be more like.
Heavenly Father,
I have never felt a love like yours. Unfathomable, unearned, but oh so rich. From the moment I was conceived to this very moment when I pray, you have loved me. You loved me before I understood the meaning of the word. Your protection, provision, wisdom, have all been provided for me since my beginning. I am left in awe when I think about your works, not just in my life but even those around me. I’m grateful. I’m humbled.
So Lord, I ask that you would make me more like you, that you would help me to better love those around me. Point me in the direction of someone who needs help and care, someone who doesn’t feel loved. Help me to do my part to love others and bring honor to your name.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
2. A Prayer of Comfort in God's Steadfastness
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
God’s character is unchanging. While cultures, kingdoms, political parties, and societies shift, God does not. For this reason Jesus remains a figure to look toward throughout the ages. God’s Word remains ever true no matter what point in time we read it.
This is comforting news because if God’s Word is unchanging then we can constantly look to His promises for hope.
God, I pray to you now.
Thank you that your Word is unchanging. There are days when I’m happy and days when I’m sad, but no matter the day, you are always with me. That’s what your Word says. So wherever I go, that will never change. Thank you for your company. My prayer is that just as your Word is unchanging, I pray that my faith would be equally as unwavering. Whatever season I find myself in, and no matter which place I happen to be. I want to stand on your Word professing a faith that is always constant, just like yesterday, and today, and forever.
Amen.
3. A Prayer of Confession
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Have you ever felt lighter after talking about your mistakes with God or with a person? Healing comes when we confess our sins, not to mention edification as well.
Lord,
Sometimes there is a temptation to keep my mistakes a secret. I’m afraid of the ridicule or backlash. I want to be better, but I don’t want anyone to know that I need to be better. I’m sorry for the people that I have hurt. I’m sorry that I have sinned against you.
What I want to ask for is the humility to admit my wrongs. While I pray that you would have mercy on me, as would others, I pray more so to do what’s right. Give me the push I need to be honest. Confessing will bring healing. Confession will disrupt my isolation and tendency to keep secrets. I want to break the cycle that keeps me from growing spiritually.
So remind me that you care. Remind me that you forgive. I can learn my lesson God and I want to.
Amen.
4. A Prayer for When You're Afraid
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
There are numerous occasions in the Bible where God tells His followers to not be afraid. In every situation, God is bigger than the problem. We forget that time and time again. So He reminds us all the same.
Father,
There are days when I am consumed with fear. Sometimes the fear is the same, sometimes different. The anxiety seizes my chest and my thoughts spiral out of control. Forgive me. You have told me time and time again to not be afraid. I know that there is no problem too big for you. There is no situation that you can’t turn into a blessing. You are God.
Please help me to remember that truth right now. Strengthen my resolve. May my fear turn into peace, and may my peace bring you honor.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Design Credit: © SWN/Sarah Martin
5. A Prayer of Worship for God's Care for Us
“When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place, what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him?” (Psalm 8:3-4)
The Book of Genesis marked the moment God created mankind, creatures who bore His image. Today, we image-bearers of God continue to reap the benefits of His love and care. We can only wonder why He chose to create us and love us so dearly despite our sins, despite our shortcomings. His love is truly unconditional.
God,
How marvelous are thy works! I am in awe when I observe the trees, the dirt, and all the things crawling therein. The sky, the clouds, space, all leave me to wonder about your creativity. And then there’s me, a single person on this planet you’ve created, in a vast universe. Why me? Why us? Since Adam you have made us in your image and you have loved us as your children.
What can I say but, thank you! Among the many places in the cosmos where you could be looking instead of me, you have bestowed me with value. Because of you I have a sense of worth. Thank you for remembering me. Thank you for looking after me. Thank you for the love bestowed upon all of us.
Amen.
6. A Prayer for When You Face Temptation
“No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
The idea that God doesn’t put more on us than we can bear comes from this verse. While we all struggle with sin, we do not have to give in. Consider addiction for example. We may be tempted to pills, alcohol, or sex, but with every temptation there is an escape. Therefore, no matter how big the pressure to give in, we have the choice of saying no.
Dear Lord,
Please hear this prayer. I find myself face to face with sin yet again. There is the temptation to say yes, to give in, and to be honest, I want to. Sometimes I enjoy the thrill of doing what’s wrong even just for a moment. But God this is not how you have created me to be. My body is a temple designed for you, not sin.
Show me the way out. Show me the exit. Help me retreat and run back into your arms. Yes, sin is appealing, but sin won’t comfort me. Yes, sin is tempting, but Lord you can bring me peace.
I ask you for that peace right now. You are for me what sin can never be.
Amen.
7. A Prayer for Facing Suffering
“And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
Suffering is something that we all have in common, believers and nonbelievers alike. While we may ask ourselves, “Why does God allow suffering,” the answer is here in Scripture.
Father in Heaven,
There are days like today when I wonder if my suffering will ever end. I question the length and I question the purpose. Why me? Why now? Why this? Even though the questions arise, what I should also ask is why do I doubt?
Time and time again you have brought beauty out of a terrible situation. You have used what has brought me harm to bring me good. Every situation can be used to strengthen my commitment to you, and so I pray that this situation would be no different.
Remind me of your care. Remind me of your provision. Remind me that all things work out when we commit ourselves to you. I don’t want to pray that my suffering ends, but rather that I learn the lesson you are teaching. Give me wisdom, God. Help me to endure. And in time, I will reap the fruits of the spirit.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
8. A Prayer to Rest in God's Knowledge of You
“Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up; you understand my thoughts from far away. You observe my travels and my rest; you are aware of all my ways.” (Psalm 139:1-3)
There is no one who knows us like God does. There is no one who spends as much time with us as God does. Imagine that, He sees our virtues and our sins, but He keeps loving us. That is unconditional love.
God,
You have known me in ways that others never will. You know me in ways that I’ll never know myself. Your knowledge is all-encompassing, beyond human understanding. Despite all you know, despite all you can do, God you keep a watchful eye over me. From the time I wake to the time I sleep, and all the time in between, you observe me. You watch over me like a parent protecting a child. You guide me like a teacher looking after their student. There is nothing in my life hidden from you. No thought, no action, no relationship. Nothing good and nothing bad.
Thank you for knowing the full extent of who I am, traits hidden and traits seen. Thank you for always caring so deeply.
Amen.
9. A Prayer to Remember God Is in Control
“Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent.” (Matthew 10:29)
This verse proves that nothing happens to us that is outside of God’s will. While everything that occurs may not be pleasant or good in nature, God will use every situation and circumstance for His purpose. Maybe we are to learn a lesson, maybe gain or lose a relationship. Whatever happens, God is in control.
Lord,
How wonderful to know that nothing which comes into my life has come without your approval. This is great news when new people enter into my life, and even when people leave. The same with jobs. Opportunities come and go, but in the center of all of this, you are in control.
I want to remember that fact the next time I am stuck trying to make a decision, or the next time something unpleasant and unexpected happens. You are in control.
Scripture offers me an idea of your power, but you are bigger and more powerful than I’ll ever know.
Amen.
10. A Prayer to Follow the Good Shepherd
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3)
The Lord guides us through various seasons of life, and all the while He plays the part of shepherd. He leads in specific directions and brings us back when we stray away. He knows what’s best and that’s why we are better off following Him.
Lord,
Thank you for guiding me throughout the various seasons of my life. I appreciate those moments of green pastures, and those times spent by quiet waters. All the while you remain my father, keeper, protector. Thank you for leading me in the right direction, helping me live life as you have commanded.
May I glorify your name now and forever. Even when I stray away, even when I lose sight of those pastures and waters. Life may change, but I can count on you to be the same. Thank you, Lord.
Amen.
Design Credit: © SWN/Sarah Martin
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This article is part of our larger Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayer for God's Help
Prayer for Strength
Prayer for Protection
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
