Important Things to Pray for Daily

Prayer is powerful. Prayer changes things. In fact, Paul the apostle tells us to pray without ceasing! I, personally, have found it helpful to have a list of things to pray for daily. Having a prayer list helps me to pray strategically and consistently.

I love this quote from Priscilla Shirer:

“Prayer is the portal that brings the power of heaven down to earth. It is kryptonite to the enemy and all his ploys against you.” – Priscilla Shirer, Fervent

As you think about some of the important things to pray for every day, there are some other things you want to consider.

• What are some things to pray for daily?
• What are some things to pray for others?
• How do I pray strategically?

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Why Should We Pray to God Every Day?

“Prayer is the greatest use of my words.” – Rick Warren

Not only is prayer a critical component for nourishing our relationship with God, but it is also the greatest weapon we have in our battle against our spiritual enemy. The devil is relentless in his fight to steal, kill, and destroy the hope, joy, and peace we are meant to live in. We must be relentless in our attack against him.

The good news is that our fighting is from a place of victory! So we can pray confidently, specifically, and in full assurance of hope.

5 Things to Pray for Yourself Daily

Therefore, if we really believe that prayer is powerful, then there are some important things that we should ask God for in prayer. Here are some prayer list ideas.

1. Pray for Your Spiritual Growth

Prayer is our direct line of communication with the Lord. It is how we talk to Him. Relationships require commitment and communication in order to grow. If we want our relationship with the Lord to flourish, we must spend time talking to Him. I personally, find it amazing that the Creator of the heavens and earth desires to have a relationship with me. I hope to never take that for granted.

2. Pray for Kingdom Fruit

While our redemption and eternal position in Christ are secure, we can still choose to walk according to the ways of the world rather than according to the leading of the Spirit. When we do, the quality of fruit we produce for God’s kingdom can become void of power and effectiveness. Scripture tells us that the Spirit works in us to will and to work for His good purposes. We must be continually asking the Lord to help us stay focused on His kingdom work and not fall into the pit of complacency.

3. Pray for Your Anxious Thoughts

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 NASB)

What pressures are you under? As you go throughout your day, what anxious thoughts do you find your mind naturally drifting towards? These thoughts may point to the very area the enemy is targeting. These are important things to pray for yourself.

So often our natural tendency is to just ponder our anxious thoughts. Instead, pray for things on your mind.

4. Pray for Spiritual Protection

Like I mentioned above, the devil prowls around seeking someone to devour. We need to remain alert of his schemes and ask the Lord for wisdom to discern when he is attempting to tempt and distract us. Satan is cunning. He knows how to push our buttons and lull us into fear, anxiety, and confusion.

5. Pray for Your Family Life

but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord – Joshua 24:15 NASB

For many of us home is where much of life happens. As a Christian woman, I firmly believe that our most important ministry happens among those we live with. We need to be praying for our roles as wives, mothers, grandmothers, and neighbors.

I would also include the extended family that we are close to. Maybe you are a grandma who spends a lot of time with her grandchildren. Pray for them every day!

Pray for your marriage! These are powerful prayers. This is absolutely one of the important things to pray for every day.

Marriage is one area where the enemy loves stirring up chaos.  Marriage is the foundation of the family. Families are the foundation of the church. The church is the avenue God uses to advance His kingdom.

The enemy would love to sink his claws into Christian marriages in an attempt to cripple the kingdom from advancing.

Fortify your marriage with prayer!

5 Ways to Pray for Others

For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers making requests – Romans 1:9 NASB

1. Pray for the Requests of Others

Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can participate in supporting, building up, and serving the body of Christ. I have found it helpful to keep a list on my phone or a section in my prayer journal to write down a list of things to pray for others. Many times these requests can be prayed for at the moment – in fact, I try to do this as often as possible.

2. Pray for Our Nation, World, and Leaders

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men (1 Timothy 2:1 NASB)

The world is growing darker as the days press on. We must be interceding.

List of Things to Pray for in the World

• Pray for the people within your reach of influence who need Jesus. Ask the Lord how He would have you reach out to those people.
• Pray for current events in our nation and around the world.
• Pray for government officials – that they would govern in accordance with righteousness. That they restrain evil and promote that which is good. In the current state of our nation pray that true corruption is revealed and that blinded eyes be opened to see it.

3. Pray for the Lost

The greatest human need is to be spiritually healed and restored to a relationship with God. Praying for the lost is one of the greatest ways we work and function in God’s kingdom. God desires that all men be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

Keep a list of people in your life who need Jesus. Then, commit to pray for their salvation. Once you begin to pray for these people, don’t be surprised if the Lord opens doors of opportunity for you to share the gospel with them. 

4. Pray for the Persecuted Church

According to a quick Google search, 1 out of every 7 Christians are living in areas where they face harsh persecution for their faith. 

These people need our prayers!

How to pray for persecuted Christians:

• They would have spiritual wisdom and discernment
• Boldness to share their faith
• Strength and endurance to carry out God’s plan for their lives despite persecution
• The Lord would open the hearts and minds of those hearing their message

5. Pray for Your Shepherds and Leaders

God places certain people in our lives for specific purposes.  Pray for the people that God has chosen to shepherd and lead you. Thank God for the sacrifices they make that enable you to grow in your faith.

• Pray for their personal growth and relationship with the Lord. 
• Pray for their marriage and family life if applicable. 
• Pray they proclaim the word of God correctly, clearly, and passionately.

More Things to Pray For

Here are some other topics and things to pray for.

• Wisdom
• Joy in Serving Others
• Loving Enemies
• Peace
• Workplace
• Parents
• Children
• Grandchildren
• Extended Family
• Safe Travels
• Safe Pregnancy
• Overcome Fear
• Future Husband/Wife
• Other Countries
• Specific Missionary Families
• Neighbors
• Residents in Senior Living Center
• Against Drugs and Addiction
• Against Evil and Corruption
• Against Principalities and Powers of Darkness
• Teachers
• Coaches
• Police Officers
• Fire Fighters
• Nurses
• Doctors
• Health
• Rest and Self Care
• Relationships With Fellow Christians
• Small Groups
• Healthy Spiritual Habits
• Healthy Life Habits

Always Pray With Thanksgiving

in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB)

and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

Got peace?

Thanksgiving is God’s will for us, and thanksgiving connects us to and keeps our minds in the peace of God.

We live in a world obsessed with stress. When the world can witness gratitude in us, especially in the midst of difficult circumstances, it testifies to the hope and assurance of our faith. It testifies to the peace we have in Christ. Thanksgiving sets us apart from the world.

Therefore, when God’s people choose to walk with an attitude of gratitude, it brings glory to Him. The book of Psalms is filled with verses of praise and thanksgiving. Use these scriptures to find some short prayers of thanks. These prayers can be used for powerful morning declarations!

Thanksgiving is an essential habit that I need to develop – that all of us, as Christian women, must develop. Start lifting up some short prayers of thanks throughout your day. I’m confident you will find your mind lifted up from out of the stress of your day and into heavenly places.