Years ago I discovered that if I would just sit with God and start the conversation with him, something opened up. Sometimes I used scripture. Other times I pulled a line from a devotional that resonated deeply and spoke that out loud. As time passed, I started calling these prayer starters.

Today, I want to share a few of those with you.

Prayer Starters

1. When you feel burdened

Jesus, you asked me to come to you when I am tired or burdened, and I’m accepting that invitation. I need rest in my body and in my heart. I need your rest over my soul. Will you step into . . . (Matthew 28:11)

Heavenly Father, I need you in every part of my life. Not just the good parts, but in the places where I am weighed down with burdens that feel way bigger than me. I don’t have the words to describe how I feel, but you already know what I need and that brings me comfort because . . . (Matthew 6:8)

2. When you feel sad

Lord, my instinct is to hide my sadness because it makes me feel like I am not strong. But when I bring those feelings to you, I become strong because I am no longer alone. I refuse to hide anything from you. Instead, I will share this with you because you care about. . . (Hebrews 4:16)

God, I am welcome to approach you as a daughter. Your arms are open wide. You are safe and your intentions are pure and holy. So I run to you today, like a child, my soul unguarded and open for . . . (Come With Me Devotional, Day 177)

3. When you feel ill-equipped

Pour out your Spirit upon me, Lord. Do the work in me and through me that only you can. Help me to release my need to succeed, and step into faith and obedience and the adventure you have for me as . . . (Acts 2:17)

I am incredibly ordinary, Lord, but it’s not my gifts and talents that change the world. It’s you living in me that matters. Pour out your anointing over my life. Let people see the love of Jesus in me. When I feel ill-equipped, remind me that you have everything I need — and it’s already on the inside of me . . . (Acts 4:13)

Jesus, all you ask of me is this: to love you with my heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love others. It’s not complicated. Thank you for that! Show me one way to love others today in your name as. . . (Come With Me book, page 49)

4. When you have no words

Jesus, I’m opening up every part of myself to you — the far-behind-me past; the last five minutes. Even tomorrow! While I don’t know what to say right now, I believe you hear me anyway. I love that about our relationship. . .

Father, fill me up with hope and peace that only comes from you. Let me splash out that peace over my closest relationships, especially over those I love who are struggling. Help me to show up and just be present, just as you do for me because. . . (Romans 15:13)

5. When you are bursting to share that good news

Lord, I’m so excited to share the miracles taking place in my life. I know you are aware, but I long to express my gratitude. Help me keep my focus on you in every part of these miracles. Remind me that you are the author of them. Thank you for being a safe place to celebrate every part of . . .

6. When God is calling you out of your comfort zone

Dear God, I am willing to climb out of this safe box I’ve fashioned for myself. I trust that you have a plan for my life. You are taking me deeper, but you will meet me there. Thank you for taking me by the hand as I become a risk-taker. . . (The Mom I Want to Be, page 133)

Father, all you are asking me to do is my part. I don’t have to be like anyone else. Remind me that I’m part of the body of Christ and that my role, whether in the limelight or behind the scenes, leads others close to you. That’s all that matters because . . . (1 Corinthians 12:12)

7. Mini- prayer starters

• Lord, how can I bring you joy today . . .
• Jesus, help me love one person like you love me today. . .
• Jesus, help me offer a measure of grace, scooped out of the amazing grace you show me every single day . . .
• Father, this habit feels like a burden. You came to break bondages and set me free so today. . .
• Jesus, I’m struggling to forgive. Remind me that unforgiveness is not a burden you want me to carry. . .
• Jesus, I need you . .

A free Ebook – 13 prayers for Come With Me

In today’s episode of More Than Small Talk podcast, Holley, Jennifer and I discussed how hard can be to ask for help. While our focus was asking people for help, some of those same challenges arise when talking to God.

That’s why I want to share this free Ebook with you. (Click to download free Ebook)