This prayer guide is designed to help believers navigate times when it feels like their prayers are going unanswered. Rooted in Scripture and the Lord’s Prayer, it offers practical steps for reflection, confession, and trusting in God’s will. Use this guide to deepen your connection with God and find peace in His presence.
1. Acknowledge God’s Holiness and Authority
Scripture: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." — Matthew 6:9
Reflect: Am I acknowledging God's holiness in my prayers, or am I approaching Him casually?
Action: Begin with worship and praise, setting aside time to recognize God's authority over your life.
Question: "Father, how would you like me to see you in this situation? What is your will for me here?"
Scriptures for reference:
- Psalm 95:6 – "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!"
- Isaiah 55:9 – "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
2. Surrender to God’s Will
Scripture: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." — Matthew 6:10
Reflect: Am I praying for my desires or for God’s will? Could God’s answer be different from what I expect?
Action: Release control and ask God to align your heart with His purposes.
Question: "Lord, what are you teaching me through this waiting? What part of my will needs to align with yours?"
Scriptures for reference:
- Romans 12:2 – "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
3. Trust in God’s Provision
Scripture: "Give us this day our daily bread." — Matthew 6:11
Reflect: Am I depending on God daily, or am I trying to solve my problems alone?
Action: Pray for your needs, trusting that God provides in His timing.
Question: "Father, how are you providing for me today? How should I shift my focus from my worry to your provision?"
Scriptures for reference:
- Philippians 4:19 – "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
- Matthew 6:31-33 – "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
4. Confess and Repent from Sin, and Forgive Others
Scripture: "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." — Matthew 6:12
Reflect: Are there sins I need to confess before God? Have I sinned against others, or have I been holding on to unforgiveness?
Action:
- Confession: Acknowledge your sins honestly before God. Confession is telling the truth—admitting where you’ve fallen short in your relationship with God and with others.
- Repentance: Repentance is turning away from sin. After confessing, commit to change by asking God for the strength to live differently.
- Forgiveness: As you seek forgiveness, also search your heart for any bitterness or unforgiveness toward others, as this can hinder your prayers.
Questions:
- "Father, is there any sin in my life that I need to confess to you or others?"
- "Where do I need to turn away from sin and walk in a new direction?"
- "Lord, is there anyone I am holding unforgiveness against? Help me to release it and walk in your grace."
Scriptures for reference:
- 1 John 1:9 – "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
- Acts 3:19 – "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out."
- Matthew 5:23-24 – "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
5. Resist Temptation and Seek Deliverance
Scripture: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." — Matthew 6:13
Reflect: Are there areas in my life where I am struggling with sin or spiritual attack?
Action: Pray for strength to resist temptation and seek deliverance from spiritual strongholds.
Question: "Lord, where am I most vulnerable to temptation right now? How can I rely on your strength to overcome?"
Scriptures for reference:
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 – "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
- James 1:13 – "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one."
6. Keep Trusting in God’s Sovereignty
Scripture: "For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever." — Matthew 6:13
Reflect: Am I truly trusting God’s timing and His power, or am I doubting His control over my situation?
Action: Reaffirm your trust in God's ultimate plan, remembering that He is working even when we can't see it.
Question: "God, how can I trust your timing in this season? Remind me of your power and glory in my life."
Scriptures for reference:
- Romans 8:28 – "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
- Isaiah 40:31 – "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Author
Aaron Baker