Too often we complicate prayer.
We stop and think hard, forcing ourselves to find just the right words, only to stammer because we can’t utter any words. Or are our ordinary words not big or magnificent enough to use for God?
“Pray as you can, not as you can’t” – Dom Chapman
Simple prayer is simply telling God whatever is on your heart – the frustration with a family member, whining about the church music, quietly crying over a heartache or jumping up and down with joy and celebration.
“Simple prayer involves ordinary people bringing ordinary concerns to a loving and compassionate Father.” Richard Foster
The Bible contains many rich examples of prayer. I will pray some of the shorter, simpler ones when I don’t really know how or what to pray. May these ten simple prayers from the Bible bless your prayer time:
1. I do believe, help my unbelief. Mark 9:24
2. Give light to my eyes Psalm 13:3
3. O Lord; in the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will look up. Psalm 5:3
4. I am yours; save me. Psalm 119:94
5. Create in me a new heart O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
6. God is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1
7. Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
8. Speak Lord for your servant hears. 1 Samuel 3:9
9. God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Luke 18:13
10. In you, Lord, my God, I put my trust. Psalm 25:1
Do you have a favorite simple prayer from the Bible?
Pray as you can, not as you can’t. That’s GREAT!
Thanks for all the great comments and sharing your prayers. Some really wonderful ones are here. Thanks Amy about the book too.
Thank you for this post. Why do we always make things so difficult?
Also, congrats on the Book Lover’s Devotional. What a great idea! (I read about it over at Laura’s).
I remind myself and pray often to just “Be Still” Works for me when I am stressed. In some very stressful times I pray “I can do all things through him that gives me strength” almost like a mantra when I am in pain. thanks Jean. I, too, am going to make note of these and also I really like Johnnie’s don’t you? Good Post Clella.
When I need courage, I remember: “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future” (Proverbs 31:26). I also have a favorite prayer from Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest: “establish rest.”
Thanks, Jeanie, for the verses you shared.
Wonderful selection of prayers Jean. One that’s in my mind (and was on my blog today) is :
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
Thank you for these simple, powerful thanks we can give.
Have a Blessed Day Good Lady!
God’s simple things always contain layers of wisdom.
Thanks for sharing these, Jean. Great reminder!
I often ask the Lord to Strengthen my hands and steady my knees as in Isaiah 35:3.
Thanks so much for adding to my list… I just got my notebook out to jot a few of yours down that are speaking to me right now.
joy & blessings,
Alida
I truly do believe sis that the reason most people don’t pray is because they have been taught that prayer is difficult. I know I was taught that when I became a new believer and then I knew something had to be wrong with it because I just did not pray and I had to find out the reason why. I asked God why is prayer so hard and He said it’s not hard prayer is simple talking to me. Now how simple is that? Too simple is what I said, we just need to talk to God like He is our friend for He is our Friend! Now I tell people that prayer is very simple and for them not to let anyone tell them that prayer is hard for it’s not. Great post!
MY being. . . oops
These are wonderful. Since high school, I’ve often prayed the first verse of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” Whatever is happening, inside or outside by being, I pray for His guidance and leading accompanied by the peace that the provision in the situation is enough. In Him “I shall not want.”
Thanks for the ones you shared.