“We are on our knees before the Almighty to fight for us.”

This message is from our Lifesong team members in Ukraine (pictured above in an evening of prayer and worship during the first few days of conflict). They know that prayer is where the battle is won, and we have the privilege of joining in this battle with them.

But even with the deep impact prayer has on our lives and the world around us, we sometimes find ourselves at a loss for words. Our prayer lives can feel monotonous as we pray the same things over and over again. So how can we pray for these deep and heavy needs when we don’t know what to pray?

Our team has been praying Scripture, allowing God’s Word to lead our time of petition and praise. Join along with these 17 verses and passages.

Prayer for Leadership

Proverbs 21:1 

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”

1 Timothy 2:1-2
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

Prayer for Courage

Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

2 Timothy 1:7
“God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love and self-discipline.”

Prayer for Presence

Proverbs 15:3 
“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

Hebrews 4:13 
“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Jeremiah 16:17
“For my eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from me, nor is their iniquity concealed from my eyes.”

Job 28:24
“For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.”

2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and for throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.”

Jeremiah 23:24
“‘Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord.”

Prayer for Trust

Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Psalm 31 (various verses)
“In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge,  a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning. But I trust in you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’

My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

Romans 8:31-39
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.  Who then is the one who condemns? No one.

Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  

As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’

 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Philippians 1:6
“And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Prayer for Enemies

Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”

Romans 5:8
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Matthew 5:43-45
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” 

Luke 6:27-28
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Thanks to TMG Foundation and key partners, all of our fundraising and administrative costs are covered. 100% of your gift will directly support vulnerable children and families in Ukraine.