Have you ever sat down to pray and found yourself stuck? We often default to praying for our "daily bread" — health, finances, and safety. While those are important, the Apostle Paul's letters reveal a deeper level of communication with God.
Tucked away in his epistles are "hidden" prayers that focus on the soul, the heart, and our eternal inheritance. If you aren't sure what to say today, try praying these five Pauline petitions.
"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love..." — Ephesians 3:17 (KJV)
This is perhaps Paul's most profound request. He doesn't pray for the Ephesians' circumstances to change; he prays for their inner being to be strengthened.
That Christ may dwell in your heart by faith.
To truly grasp the "four dimensions" of Christ's love — its breadth, length, depth, and height. When we understand how much we are loved, we are "filled with all the fulness of God."
"...may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:" — Ephesians 1:17 (KJV)
Earlier in the same letter, Paul asks God to enlighten "the eyes of your understanding" so the believers can truly see.
A spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.
To realize the incredible inheritance we already have, and to see "the exceeding greatness of his power" toward those who believe. It's a prayer for spiritual clarity.
"...that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;" — Philippians 1:9 (KJV)
To the church at Philippi, Paul emphasizes that Christian love isn't just a blind emotion — it's an informed one.
That your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.
That you may "approve things that are excellent." This prayer asks God to help us love others in a way that is sincere and without offence until the day of Christ.
"...that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;" — Colossians 1:9 (KJV)
In this prayer, Paul connects "knowing" with "doing." Spiritual knowledge is meant to lead to practical action.
To be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom.
To "walk worthy of the Lord." The purpose of knowing God's will isn't just to have information; it's to be "fruitful in every good work" and grow in the knowledge of God.
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless..." — 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (KJV)
Often used as a benediction, this prayer focuses on the totality of who we are: spirit, soul, and body.
That the very God of peace would sanctify you wholly.
Total restoration — that your whole being be preserved blameless until the coming of Jesus Christ. It's a beautiful reminder that the God who calls you is faithful, and He is the one who will do the work in you.
The next time you feel "spiritually dry," open your Bible to one of these passages and pray the words of Paul back to God. You'll find that when you pray for spiritual things, your perspective on your physical circumstances begins to shift.
Which of these five prayers resonates most with your current season?