New Testament Prayer Guides

The New Testament Prayer Map

1. Prayers for God’s Kingdom and God’s Will

These prayers orient everything toward God’s purposes rather than human desires.


Matthew 6:9–10

Matthew 9:38

Luke 10:2

Acts 4:29–30

Colossians 4:3–4

2 Thessalonians 3:1

Insight:

The early church prayed constantly for mission and evangelism.


2. Prayers for Spiritual Growth and Maturity


Many of Paul’s prayers are focused here.

Ephesians 1:17–19

Prayer for wisdom, revelation, knowing God, understanding hope, and understanding Christ’s power.

Ephesians 3:16–19


Prayer for inner strength, Christ dwelling in hearts, grasping God’s love, and fullness of God.

Philippians 1:9–11


Prayer for abounding love, discernment, purity, and righteousness.

Colossians 1:9–12


Prayer for knowledge of God’s will, wisdom, spiritual understanding, endurance, and gratitude.


Insight:

Paul rarely prays for circumstances to change.

He usually prays for people to change.


3. Prayers for Unity in the Church


John 17:20–23

Romans 15:5–6

Romans 15:13

Insight:

Unity is seen as a spiritual miracle created by God, not merely a human effort.


4. Prayers During Suffering

Matthew 26:39–44
Acts 4:29–31

James 5:13
Hebrews 4:16

Insight:

Prayer transforms suffering into trust and obedience.


5. Prayers for Enemies

Matthew 5:44

Luke 23:34

Acts 7:60

Insight:

The church prays not only for friends and allies but also for enemies.


6. Prayers for Forgiveness and Repentance

Luke 18:13

Acts 8:22–24

1 John 1:9

James 5:16


7. Prayers for Leaders and Governments

1 Timothy 2:1–2

Pray for kings and all in authority so that people may live peaceful lives and the gospel may advance.


8. Prayers for Healing


James 5:14–16

Acts 28:8

Insight:

Healing prayer appears in the New Testament but is not the dominant focus.


9. Prayers for Wisdom and Guidance


Luke 6:12

Acts 1:24

Acts 13:2–3


10. Prayers of Thanksgiving

Romans 1:8

1 Corinthians 1:4

Philippians 1:3

Colossians 1:3


11. Prayers for Strength and Endurance

Ephesians 3:16

Colossians 1:11

2 Thessalonians 3:5


12. Prayers for the Return and Reign of Christ


Matthew 6:10

Revelation 22:20

A Prayer for Our Nation and Our World

Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth,

we come before you as people who confess that the world belongs not to nations or armies, but to you.

Your kingdom is the kingdom that will never end,

and we pray as Jesus taught us:

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

We pray for the leaders of our nation

and for leaders across the world.

Grant them wisdom, restraint, and courage.

Guide them toward justice and peace.

Protect them from pride, fear, and the temptation to pursue power at the cost of human life.


We pray for those who serve in the armed forces of our nation and of other nations.

Protect those who stand in danger.

Give them courage, clarity, and mercy in the midst of conflict.

We pray for families who live with fear as they watch loved ones go into harm’s way.

Bring comfort to those who grieve the loss of sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, friends and neighbors.

God of mercy, we also pray for the civilians caught in the violence of war.
For children who did not choose the world they were born into.

For families who flee their homes.

For communities torn apart by destruction and fear.

Have mercy on them, Lord.

We remember that every human life bears your image.

So we pray not only for our allies and friends,

but also for those whom our nations call enemies.

Some who stand on the other side of conflict are followers of Christ. Many are not.

But all are people for whom your Son gave his life.

Bring light where there is darkness.

Restrain evil where it rises.

Open hearts to the gospel of peace.

Strengthen your church around the world.

Give your people courage, unity, and compassion.

Teach us to love our neighbors and pray for our enemies.

And hasten the day when the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ.

Until that day, make us faithful in prayer.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.