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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Beg for the Forgiveness of What has been Amiss in your Prayers

Conclusion 6.2 | NIV

I may then beg for the forgiveness of what has been amiss in my prayers.

Lord, I have not prayed as I ought: Romans 8:26(NIV) who is there who does what is right and never sins? Ecclesiastes 7:20(NIV) Even when I want to do good, evil is right there with me, Romans 7:21(NIV) for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out: For the good I want to do is not what I do; Romans 7:18-19(NIV) so that you might justly refuse to listen, even if I offer many prayers. Isaiah 1:15(NIV) But I have a great High Priest, who bears the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be; Exodus 28:38(NIV) for his sake, forgive all the sin and guilt of your people, even all the guilt of my sacred gifts, and receive me graciously, Hosea 14:2(NIV) and love me freely, Hosea 14:4(NIV) and do not deal with me according to my folly. Job 42:8(NIV)

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Beg for the Acceptance of your Prayers for Christ’s Sake

Conclusion 6.1 | NIV

I may then beg for the audience and acceptance of my poor weak prayers for Christ’s sake.

Now may the God of Israel grant me what I have asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:17(NIV)

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14(NIV)

May your eyes be open to your servant’s plea and to the plea of your people Israel, and may you listen to them whenever they cry out to you, for they are your people and your inheritance. 1 Kings 8:51-52(NIV)

O my God, may your ears be attentive to the prayers that I have offered: 2 Chronicles 6:40(NIV) O do not reject your anointed One; remember the great love promised to David your servant, 2 Chronicles 6:42(NIV) even Jesus, who is at your right hand and is also interceding for me. Romans 8:34(NIV)

Lord, you have assured me that the Father will give me whatever I ask in Christ’s name. John 16:23(NIV) I ask all these things in that name, that powerful name which is above every name; Philippians 2:9(NIV) that precious name which is like perfume poured out. Song of Solomon 1:3(NIV) O make your face shine upon me, Numbers 6:25(NIV) for the Lord’s sake, Daniel 9:17(NIV) who is your Son, whom you love, Matthew 17:5(NIV) and whom you always hear. John 11:42(NIV) Good Lord, enable me to listen to him, and be well pleased with me in him. Matthew 17:5(NIV)

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Introduction and Comprehensive Petitions

Conclusion 6.0 | NIV

Of the Conclusion of My Prayers

I am commanded to pray always, Luke 21:36(NIV) to pray continually, 1 Thessalonians 5:17(NIV) to devote myself to prayer, Colossians 4:2(NIV) because I must always have in myself a disposition to the duty, must be constant in it, and never grow weary of it or give it up; and yet, I cannot be always praying, I must come down from this mount. Nor may I be over long, so as to make the duty a task or toil to myself or those who join with me. I have other work that calls for my attendance. Jacob wrestles with the angel, but he must go for the day breaks. Genesis 32:24(NIV) I must therefore think of concluding. The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, must be ended. Psalm 72:20(NIV) But how shall I conclude so as to have the impressions of the duty kept always in the imagination of the thought of my heart?

I may then sum up my requests in some comprehensive petitions, as the conclusion of the whole matter.

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead the Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip me with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in me what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:20-21(NIV)

Now may the Lord direct my heart into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5(NIV)

And the God of all grace, who called me to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after I have suffered a little while, himself restore me and make me strong, firm, and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10(NIV)

But now, Lord, what do I look for? Truly my hope is in you; Psalm 39:7(NIV) and on you do I depend to be to me God Almighty, a God all-sufficient. Genesis 17:1(NIV)

Do for me immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to your power that is at work within me: Ephesians 3:20(NIV) and meet all my needs according to your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(NIV)

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Pray for the Rich and the Poor, your Enemies and your Friends

Intercession 5.20 | NIV

For those who are rich and prosperous in the world, some of whom perhaps need prayers as much as those who request them.

Lord, keep those who are rich in this present world from being arrogant and putting their hope in uncertain riches, and give them to put their hope in God, who richly provides everyone with everything for their enjoyment: That they may do good, be rich in good deeds, and be generous and willing to share; so that they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age. 1 Timothy 6:17-19(NIV)

Though it is hard for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of heaven, Matthew 19:24(NIV) yet with you this is possible. Matthew 19:26(NIV)

For those who are poor and in affliction, for such there will always be in this world.

Lord, make those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom, James 2:5(NIV) and give to them to receive the gospel.

O that the afflicted of the flock may wait upon you and may know the word of the LORD. Zechariah 11:11(NIV)

Many are the troubles of the righteous; good Lord, deliver them from them all. Psalm 34:19(NIV) And though no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful; later on, however, let it produce a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11(NIV)

For my enemies and those who hate me.

Lord, enable me to love my enemies, bless those who curse me, do good to those who hate me, and pray for those who persecute me. Matthew 5:44(NIV)

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing; Luke 23:24(NIV) and do not hold their malice against me against them; Acts 7:60(NIV) and work in me a disposition to bear with others and to forgive in love, Colossians 3:13(NIV) as you require I should when I pray. Mark 11:25(NIV)

And grant that my ways may so please the LORD that even my enemies may live at peace with me. Proverbs 16:7(NIV)

Let the wolf and the lamb lie down together, Isaiah 11:6(NIV) and let there be none to harm or destroy on all your holy mountain; Isaiah 11:9(NIV) let not Ephraim be jealous of Judah, nor Judah be hostile toward Ephraim. Isaiah 11:13(NIV)

For my friends and those who love me.

And I wish for all those whom I love in truth, that they may enjoy good health and that all may go well with them; especially, that their souls may get along well. 3 John 1:2(NIV)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with their spirits. Philemon 1:25(NIV)

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Pray for the Young and the Old

Intercession 5.19 | NIV

For the several ages and conditions of men, as they stand in need of mercy and grace.

For those who are young and setting out in the world.

Lord, give to those who are young to remember their Creator in the days of their youth; Ecclesiastes 12:1(NIV) that thereby they may be kept from the vanity which childhood and youth are subject to, and may be restrained from walking in the way of their heart and in the sight of their eyes, by considering that for all these things God will bring them to judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9(NIV)

Lord, make young people self-controlled; Titus 2:6(NIV) and let the word of God live in them, that they may be strong and may overcome the evil one. 1 John 2:14(NIV)

From the womb of the dawn let Christ receive the dew of your youth; Psalm 110:3(NIV) and let him be formed in the hearts of those who are young. Galatians 4:19(NIV)

Keep those who are setting out in the world from the corruption in the world caused by evil desires; 2 Peter 1:4(NIV) and give to those who have been well-educated, to keep the pattern of sound teaching, 2 Timothy 1:13(NIV) and to continue in what they have learned. 2 Timothy 3:14(NIV)

For those who are old and of long standing in profession.

There are some who are old disciples of Jesus Christ; Acts 21:16(KJV) Lord, give them still to bear fruit in old age and to proclaim: “The LORD is upright; he is our Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” Psalm 92:14-15(NIV)

Now the days of trouble have come and the years have approached when they say that they find no pleasure in them; Ecclesiastes 12:1(NIV) let your consolation bring joy to their souls. Psalm 94:19(NIV)

You have said, “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.” You have made them, Lord; I beg you, carry, sustain, and rescue them. Isaiah 46:4(NIV)

Those whom you have taught from their youth up and to this day have declared all your marvelous deeds, now, also, when they are old and gray, do not forsake them; Psalm 71:17-18(NIV) do not cast them away when they are old; do not forsake them when their strength is gone. Psalm 71:9(NIV)

Let every gray head be a crown of splendor to those who have it, being attained by a righteous life, Proverbs 16:31(NIV) and give them to know whom they have believed. 2 Timothy 1:12(NIV)

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Pray for the Educational Institutions and Common Citizens of your Nation

Intercession 5.18 | NIV

For all the universities, schools, and nurseries of learning.

Let the schools of the prophets be replenished with every good and perfect gift from above, from the Father of the heavenly lights. James 1:17(NIV)

Cast salt into these fountains and heal its waters, 2 Kings 2:21(NIV) so that from them may issue streams which shall make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. Psalm 46:4(NIV)

For the common people of the land.

Give grace to all the subjects of this land, that they may, under the government God has set over this nation, live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness, 1 Timothy 2:2(NIV) living together in unity, Psalm 133:1(NIV) that the Lord may bestow a blessing upon his people, even life forevermore. Psalm 133:3(NIV)

Let all of every denomination who fear God and do what is right, be accepted by him; Acts 10:35(NIV) yes, may those who love your salvation say continually, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servants.” Psalm 35:27(NIV)

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Pray for the Ministers of God’s Holy Word and Sacraments

Intercession 5.17 | NIV

For all the ministers of God’s holy word and sacraments, the masters of assemblies.

Teach your ministers how they ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, 1 Timothy 3:15(NIV) that they may not preach themselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, 2 Corinthians 4:5(NIV) and may do their best to present themselves to God as approved, workmen who do not need to be ashamed and who correctly handle the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15(NIV)

Grant them a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, Acts 18:24(NIV) that by them they may be thoroughly equipped for every good work, 2 Timothy 3:17(NIV) in their teaching showing integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned. Titus 2:7-8(NIV)

Enable them to devote themselves to reading, to preaching, to teaching; 1 Timothy 4:13(NIV) to be diligent in these matters; 1 Timothy 4:15(NIV) to give their attention to prayer and the ministry of the word; Acts 6:4(NIV) to give themselves wholly to them, and to persevere in them, that they may save both themselves and their hearers. 1 Timothy 4:15-16(NIV)

Let words be given to them, so that they may open their mouths and fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, that they may declare it as they should, Ephesians 6:19-20(NIV) as competent ministers of the new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; 2 Corinthians 3:6(NIV) and let them obtain mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy. 1 Corinthians 7:25(NIV)

Let their arms stay strong and limber because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob; Genesis 49:24(NIV) and let them be filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord of hosts, Micah 3:8(NIV) to declare to your people their rebellion and the house of Jacob their sins. Isaiah 58:1(NIV)

Make them sound in the faith, Titus 1:13(NIV) and enable them always to teach what is in accord with sound doctrine, Titus 2:1(NIV) gently instructing those who oppose them; and let not the Lord’s servants quarrel; instead, let them be kind to everyone and able to teach. 2 Timothy 2:24-25(NIV)

Make them good examples to the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity; 1 Timothy 4:12(NIV) and let them be pure who carry the vessels of the LORD, Isaiah 52:11(NIV) and let HOLY TO THE LORD be written upon their foreheads. Exodus 28:36(NIV)

Lord, grant that they may not labor to no purpose or spend their strength in vain and for nothing, Isaiah 49:4(NIV) but let the Lord’s hand be with them, that many may believe and turn to the Lord. Acts 11:21(NIV)

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Pray for your Judges and Judicial Rulers

Intercession 5.16 | NIV

For the magistrates, the judges, and justices of peace in the several counties and corporations.

Make those who rule over my nation righteous, ruling in the fear of God; 2 Samuel 23:3(NIV) and let those who judge remember that they are not judging for man but for the LORD, who is with them whenever they give a verdict, that therefore the fear of the LORD may be upon them. 2 Chronicles 19:6-7(NIV)

Make them capable men – men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain, Exodus 18:21(NIV) so that justice may roll on like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream! Amos 5:24(NIV)

Enable my nation’s magistrates to defend the cause of the weak and fatherless, to maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed, to rescue the weak and needy, and to deliver them from the hand of the wicked; Psalm 82:3-4(NIV) and let rulers never be a terror to good works, but to the evil. Romans 13:4(NIV)

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Pray for all who are Employed in the Conduct of Public Affairs

Intercession 5.15 | NIV

For the advisers, cabinet members, members of Congress or Parliament, the ambassadors and envoys abroad, and all who are employed in the conduct of public affairs.

Counsel my nation’s counselors, and teach its elders wisdom: Psalm 105:22(NIV) O give them a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of power, a spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD, to enable them to delight in the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2-3(NIV)

O do not silence the lips of trusted advisers nor take away the discernment of elders, Job 12:20(NIV) nor ever let what would bring the nation peace be hidden from the eyes of those who are instructed with the nation’s counsels. Luke 19:42(NIV)

Make it to appear that you preside in the great assembly and judge among the “gods,” Psalm 82:1(NIV) and that when the nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, the God of Abraham himself is among them; and let the kings of the earth belong to the Lord, that he may be greatly exalted. Psalm 47:9(NIV)

Let those who are of my nation build the ancient ruins and raise up the age-old foundations; that they may be called Repairers of the Broken Walls and Restorers of Streets with Dwellings. Isaiah 58:12(NIV)

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Pray for the Safe and Righteous Continuation of your Civil Government

Intercession 5.14 | NIV

For the safe and righteous continuation of my nation’s civil government, that a blessing may attend it, that peace and truth may be established in our days and secured to posterity, and that the hopes of our adversaries and all their aiders and abettors may be extinguished.

Lord, preserve to us the lamp which you have set up for your Anointed One, Psalm 132:17(NIV) so the next generation would know you, even the children yet to be born, that they would put their trust in God and keep his commands. Psalm 78:6-7(NIV)

Let the gospel-believing church abide before God forever: O appoint love and faithfulness to protect it, then will we ever sing praise to your name. Psalm 61:7-8(NIV) Thus, let the Lord save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah, and the children of your servants will inherit it, and those who love your name will dwell there. Psalm 69:35-36(NIV)

Let the design of those who would choose a leader to go back to Egypt, Numbers 14:4(NIV) be again defeated; and let not the fatal wound that has been given to the beast be healed anymore. Revelation 13:11-12(NIV)

Let our eyes see Jerusalem, the city of our festivals, a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved: Let none of its stakes be pulled up, nor any of its ropes broken. Let the LORD be our Mighty One and be to us like a place of broad rivers and streams; for the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us. Isaiah 33:20-22(NIV)