We Are Prayers

Opening Statement

Welcome everyone! Today, we are setting aside time to pray intentionally for specific areas of our lives. This is an opportunity for us to draw near to God and also to draw near to one another as His people.

Prayer is a gift from God that allows us to bring every part of our lives before Him. Today, we will focus on praying through specific categories of our lives and recognizing how God, through His many names and attributes, meets us in every need. 

As we go through each category, I want to encourage all of us to be open and honest. The Bible tells us in James 5:16, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Sharing our burdens, needs, and struggles with one another is part of how God designed us to live in community. When we share honestly, we give others the opportunity to pray for us, encourage us, and walk alongside us. 

Let’s be intentional about being real and vulnerable so that we can truly pray for each other in meaningful ways.

Vulnerability takes courage, but it also creates space for true healing and encouragement. As you share your thoughts and requests, remember that we are here to support one another in love and to bring everything before God.

Feel free to use the spaces in your handout to jot down anything that comes to mind, whether it's a prayer request, something God impresses on your heart, or even thoughts you want to reflect on later. 

Now, let’s begin.

Spiritual Health

Introduction: Praying for spiritual health involves asking God for growth in our relationship with Him, strength against temptation, increased faith, wisdom, and transformation into Christ’s likeness. Maybe you feel distant from God, are struggling with doubts, or desire to grow deeper in your faith.

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-10

Prayer Requests: What are some specific ways we can pray for each other’s spiritual growth and health?

Brief Prayer

God’s Name Connection: Jehovah-Rophe – The LORD Who Heals. God heals our brokenness, renews our minds, and restores our souls.

Physical and Mental Health

Introduction: Praying for health includes asking God for healing, strength, endurance, peace of mind, and wisdom to take care of our bodies and minds in a way that honors Him. Maybe you are sick, someone you love is battling a disease, or you are struggling with anxiety or depression.

Scripture: James 5:14-15, Psalm 103:2-3

Prayer Requests: What are some specific ways we can pray for physical and mental health needs?

Brief Prayer

God’s Name Connection: Jehovah-Rophe – The LORD Who Heals. God is our healer, able to restore both body and mind.

Marriage and Family

Introduction: Praying for marriage and family involves asking God for unity, love, forgiveness, wisdom in parenting, and restoration where relationships are broken. Maybe you are struggling to connect with your spouse, dealing with a rebellious child, or feeling overwhelmed with family responsibilities.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:25, Joshua 24:15

Prayer Requests: What are some specific ways we can pray for marriages and families represented here?

Brief Prayer

God’s Name Connection: Jehovah-Shalom – The LORD Is Peace. God brings peace to relationships, healing strife, and creating unity where there was division.

Friends and Neighbors

Introduction: Praying for friends and neighbors means asking God for their salvation, spiritual growth, protection, guidance, and opportunities to show Christ’s love to them. Maybe you have a friend who is struggling or a neighbor who is far from God.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1, Matthew 5:44

Prayer Requests: What are some specific ways we can pray for our friends and neighbors?

Brief Prayer

God’s Name Connection: Jehovah-Nissi – The LORD My Banner. God is our standard of truth and love, guiding us in relationships and calling us to intercede for others.

Loss and Grief

Introduction: Praying through loss and grief involves seeking God’s comfort, presence, healing, and assurance of His love. Maybe you’ve recently lost a loved one or are struggling to move forward from a past hurt or disappointment.

Scripture: Psalm 34:18, Matthew 5:4

Prayer Requests: What are some specific ways we can pray for those experiencing loss or grief?

Brief Prayer

God’s Name Connection: El Roi – The God Who Sees. God sees our pain, acknowledges our grief, and draws near to comfort us.

Addiction and Sin Struggles

Introduction: Praying for deliverance from addiction and sin involves seeking God’s power for freedom, repentance, restoration, and strength to overcome temptation. Maybe you are struggling with a recurring sin, addiction, or feeling defeated by shame and guilt.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Psalm 51:10

Prayer Requests: What are some specific ways we can pray for freedom from addiction and sin struggles?

Brief Prayer

God’s Name Connection: El Shaddai – God Almighty. God’s power is greater than any struggle we face; He provides strength and deliverance.

Provision and Finances

Introduction: Praying for provision involves trusting God as our source, asking Him to meet our needs, provide guidance in financial decisions, and cultivate a heart of generosity. Maybe you are facing financial hardship, seeking a new job, or feeling stressed about making ends meet.

Scripture: Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:31-33

Prayer Requests: What are some specific ways we can pray for provision and financial needs?

Brief Prayer

God’s Name Connection: Jehovah-Jireh – The LORD Will Provide. God sees our needs before we do and provides according to His will and timing.

Work and School

Introduction: Praying for work and school involves seeking God’s guidance, wisdom, integrity, diligence, and favor. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed with your workload, struggling with a difficult project, or needing direction for your career or studies.

Scripture: Colossians 3:23-24, Proverbs 16:3

Prayer Requests: What are some specific ways we can pray for work or school-related needs?

Brief Prayer

God’s Name Connection: Adonai – Lord, Master. God is our true Master and Lord, guiding us to work and study with integrity and excellence as we serve Him.

Conclusion

God meets us in all areas of our lives. As we pray through these categories, may we continue to trust Him, draw near to Him, and rest in His sufficiency. Let’s keep encouraging one another to bring everything to God in prayer.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts for this time of sharing, praying, and seeking You. We thank You that You are a God who sees us, hears us, and answers our prayers. Thank You for the openness and honesty shared here today. May we continue to build one another up in love and truth, praying for each other and bearing one another’s burdens.

Help us to trust You more deeply and to rest in Your promises. Guide us as we leave this time, carrying forward the prayers we have lifted to You and believing in Your goodness and faithfulness. We commit all these things to You in the name of Jesus, our Savior and King.

Amen.