Prayer is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, serving as a means of communication, worship, and connection with God. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous examples of prayers that offer guidance, comfort, and inspiration to believers.

As Christians, it is important to cultivate a rich prayer life and familiarize ourselves with foundational prayers that align with biblical principles.

In this article, we will explore prayers that every Christian should know, each accompanied by a biblical reference. These prayers will serve as a spiritual toolkit, equipping believers with the power and guidance of God’s Word in their prayer lives.

19 Prayers Every Christian Should Know

Discover prayers every Christian should know, rooted in biblical references. From the Lord’s Prayer to the Prayer of Repentance, these powerful prayers offer guidance, comfort, and inspiration to believers. Deepen your prayer life and experience the transformative power of God’s Word.

1. The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13)

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…”

Jesus taught this prayer as a model for His disciples, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging God’s holiness, seeking His will, and expressing dependence on Him for daily provision, forgiveness, and deliverance.

2. The Serenity Prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

This prayer, often attributed to theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, seeks God’s guidance and peace in navigating life’s challenges and surrendering to His will.

3. The Prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10)

“Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil…”

Jabez’s prayer highlights a desire for God’s favour, expansion, and protection, demonstrating a faith that seeks God’s involvement in every aspect of life.

4. The Prayer of St. Francis (Matthew 5:9)

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love…”

This prayer, attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, expresses a desire to bring God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion into the world, reflecting the teachings of Jesus in the Beatitudes.

5. The Prayer of Repentance (Psalm 51:10)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

King David’s prayer of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba serves as a model for acknowledging and seeking God’s forgiveness, inviting a transformed heart and renewed spirit.

6. The Prayer of Thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

This prayer encourages believers to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, recognizing God’s goodness and faithfulness in all situations.

7. The Prayer for Guidance (Psalm 25:4–5)

“Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation…”

This prayer acknowledges our need for God’s guidance, wisdom, and instruction, surrendering to His leading in our lives.

8. The Prayer for Strength (Isaiah 40:31)

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

This prayer seeks God’s empowering strength to persevere, demonstrating trust in His ability to renew and sustain us.

9. The Prayer for Comfort (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.”

This prayer acknowledges God’s comforting presence in times of trial and affirms our trust in His protection and guidance.

10. The Prayer for Healing (James 5:14–15)

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord…”

This prayer highlights the biblical practice of seeking God’s healing through the intercession of church leaders, placing trust in His restorative power.

11. The Prayer for Provision (Philippians 4:19)

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”

This prayer affirms our trust in God’s faithfulness and provision, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of all our needs.

12. The Prayer for Protection (Psalm 91:11)

“For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

This prayer acknowledges God’s promise of protection and invokes His angelic guardianship over our lives, providing comfort and assurance in times of danger.

13. The Prayer for Unity (John 17:20–21)

“I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message: that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You.”

Jesus’ prayer for unity among believers emphasizes the importance of love, harmony, and oneness in the body of Christ.

14. The Prayer for Wisdom (James 1:5)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

This prayer acknowledges our need for divine wisdom and invites God’s guidance and discernment in making decisions.

15. The Prayer of Intercession (1 Timothy 2:1)

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people.”

This prayer highlights the importance of interceding on behalf of others, lifting their needs, concerns, and praises before God.

16. The Prayer for Forgiveness (Matthew 6:12)

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

In this prayer, known as the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches the importance of seeking and extending forgiveness, recognizing the need for a reconciled relationship with God and others.

17. The Prayer for Boldness (Acts 4:29–30)

“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”

The early disciples prayed for God’s empowerment and bravery to proclaim His truth and exhibit His might.

18. The Prayer for Contentment (1 Timothy 6:6)

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

This prayer acknowledges the sufficiency of God’s provision and the importance of finding contentment in Him rather than in worldly possessions or circumstances.

19. The Prayer for Revival (Psalm 85:6)

“Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?”

This prayer expresses a heartfelt desire for spiritual renewal, both individually and collectively, inviting God’s transformative work into our lives and communities.

Conclusion

These prayers provide a foundation for a vibrant and impactful prayer life. By incorporating these prayers into our daily conversations with God, we can draw closer to Him, align our hearts with His will, and experience the transformative power of His presence.

As we engage in these prayers, let us remember the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which encourages us to “pray continually.” May these biblical prayers serve as a guide, leading us into a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father and helping us navigate life’s joys and challenges with faith, hope, and love.