January 25, 2026

Prayer Guide

Spend some time in prayer today using the following prayer guide.

“Believe me, if a church does not pray, it is dead.” ~ C. H. Spurgeon

“In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” ~ John Bunyan

Prayer Guide

Let’s begin with the Lord’s Prayer. The full prayer is below. First, we can pray this prayer just as it’s written. Then we can pray through each line a little more deeply and personally. Follow along.

The Lord’s Prayer

First, pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13):

“Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”

Now we can pray each line a little more deeply and personally. If you are leading a family, and have kids who can read, encourage everyone to pray out loud at least once.

Our Father in heaven: You are my master, my Lord, my God, my King, and my Creator. But you ask me to pray to you as my Father. Warm my heart to you right now. Remind me of your great love for me. You have adopted me into your family, and you love me even as you love your eternal Son, Jesus. Draw my heart into prayer. Search my heart, come alongside me, awaken my soul to your presence, and hear my prayer, Father.

Your name be honored as holy: My first request is that you would be worshiped, glorified, treasured, and honored today. Fill me with love for you so that my whole day is focused on honoring you and worshiping you. Above all else, I want you to be the most important Person in my life.

Your kingdom come: Father, this world is full of kingdoms and great nations. But your kingdom is the only one that will last forever. Bring your kingdom to this world. I want your ways and your wisdom to guide this world. I trust in no kingdom but your kingdom, Father.

Your will be done: Father, I have plans for my life, but I know your plans are better. I choose what you want over what I want. Let your will be done in my life, not mine. I want my whole life to be in obedience to you.

On earth as it is in heaven: Father, in heaven all the angels worship you. They cry out, “Holy, holy, holy.” They see your beauty and glory, and they worship you with joy. The demons fear you. They flee from your greatness. Let this be true on earth as it is in heaven. Fill the world with worshipers of you and drive out all darkness and sin.

Give us today our daily bread: Father, you care about even smallest details of our lives. You want us to pray about anything and everything. You invite us to share our hearts with you and to boldly ask for your provision. (Take some time to search your heart and memory. Ask for God’s provision in anything that comes to mind. No detail is too small. He cares about every part of your life.)

And forgive us our debts: Father, we have sinned against you and others. Our sins are like debt, and they must be paid. We know that you sent your Son, Jesus, to die in our place on the cross so our sin debts could be paid. Humble me right now by reminding me that I will always need you. I will always need your forgiveness. I will never grow beyond my need for your grace and mercy. Fill me with gratitude right now by reminding me that your precious Son died to pay my sin debts. (Take some time to search your heart and memory. Confess any sins that come to your heart or mind.)

As we also have forgiven our debtors: Father, protect me from being a hypocrite who stands in condemnation over others. You have released me from my sin debts, and I have no right to hold the debts of others, as though I am perfectly righteous. Soften my heart. Teach me to forgive. Break down my pride. As I have received your mercy and grace, I also give it. (Take some time to search your heart and memory. Who are you judging or condemning in your heart? Release them from their debt, as God has released you. He will see to their discipline or judgment if they have wounded you. Give mercy and let God be God.)

And do not bring us into temptation: We need your help to walk in holiness today, Father. Help us to set our minds on what is good, beautiful, and pure. Give us hearts that long to honor you. Give us strength for the day.

But deliver us from the evil one: Through the cross and the resurrection, you have defeated Satan, sin, and death. Deliver us from Satan’s power. Destroy any hold he has on us. Protect us and sustain us through the rest of our lives.

Prayer for Others

Now that you have worked through the Lord’s Prayer, let’s finish by making intercession for others. “Intercession” means standing in the gap for others, praying on behalf of them, caring for them with our prayers.

“When Jesus saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.'” (Matthew 9:36-38)

These words were prayed by Jesus for people who were distressed and discouraged. We can pray this prayer over unbelievers, as well as believers.

Do you know anyone who is distressed? Think of people who are burdened, struggling, in a tribulation or a trial. Think of events happening in the world. Think of people in need. Who comes to your heart or mind?

Do you know anyone who is dejected? Think of people who are discouraged, worn out, tired, or lonely.

Now let’s use the following prayer to lift up them up to God:

Father, we pray for everyone who is distressed and discouraged. (Name them and their struggle). Lord, have great compassion on them. Send people and resources to help them. Surround them with your grace and draw them into your Word. Comfort them and fill them with assurance that you are their loving Shepherd. Amen.