Introduction
Our prayers are powerful and have the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life!
According to James 5:16, our prayers make “tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]” (AMPC). As believers, we have the incredible opportunity and right to meditate on God’s Word, speak it over others...and see it come to pass in their lives!
As a believer, you can have a profound impact on the people around you, simply by sharing what Jesus has done for you and by believing and declaring God’s Word over them. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 (NKJV)
Our prayers are powerful and have the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life!
Pray For Their Salvation
Show your loved ones a glimpse of the unconditional love and acceptance they are so desperately searching for.
Can you think of people in your life that this sentence applies to: “I can’t see how they’ll EVER come to know Christ.” If that’s true, I’m challenging you today to work on that. After all, there is power in what you believe.
There’s a reason that Christians are called believers. Through Christ, we’ve been given authority on this planet—the authority to bind what is bound in heaven and loose what is loosed in heaven.
We have the authority to declare God’s Word and see it fulfilled. This is not only our right, but it’s our duty.
So...I’m challenging you to envision that person saved.
You don’t have to imagine HOW they’re going to come to Christ. That’s not up to you. Just imagine them serving God. Picture them worshipping, praying the prayer of salvation, or just praying quietly.
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling. Ephesians 1:17-18 (NKJV)
Whether they are family members or not You can pray for them based on Ephesians 1:4, which says, “God chose us to be in a relationship with Him even before He laid out plans for this world” (VOICE). You could say, “Father, before You even planned this world, You chose for (names) to be in a relationship with You. Thank You for drawing them to You. I believe that they are going to open their hearts to You. I’m confident it’s going to happen! Thank You!”
Pray For the Next Generation
We all have a responsibility to hold up the next generation in faith.
Do you ever pray for the next generation? Whether or not you have children of your own, and even if you are a young person yourself, we all have a responsibility to hold up the next generation in faith.
If you have kids in your family or neighbourhood that seem to be heading the wrong direction, you can pray for them. If they don’t know Christ, claim 1 Timothy 2:3–4 and 1 John 5:14–15 over them, the first of which says that God wants everyone to be saved, and second says that whenever we ask for something that is aligned with His will, we will have what we ask. According to these verses, you can ask for those kids to come to know Christ, and since it is also His will, trust that it’s going to happen!
I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring; they will spring up among the grass like willows by the watercourses. Isaiah 44:3-4 (NKJV)
It’s never too late to reignite your faith. Stand on Proverbs 22:6, which says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
As believers, we need to dream for those younger than us. The next generation needs us to believe and stand strong in faith for them. Second Corinthians 4:3-4 says that the god of this age (Satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they can’t see the light of the gospel, but you can claim Ephesians 1:17–21, declaring that their eyes will be opened to know the hope that’s found in Christ.
Acts 2:17-18 is a great piece of scripture to claim for youth. It says that God is pouring out His Spirit on all people—our sons and daughters will prophesy and see visions. Let’s claim this today: “Father, thank You for Your promise to pour out Your Spirit on our children. I claim this promise in faith, believing that they will choose to be led by Holy Spirit in their everyday lives!”
First John 5:18 is another great promise to claim for the young believers in your life, especially if they seem to be wandering away from God. It says, “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.” Pray this with me right now, “Father, thank You that (names) have given their lives to you. Because they are Yours, I can stand on the promise that they won’t continue to sin. Thank You for protecting them from the evil one and keeping them safe!”
We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. Psalm 78:4 (NKJV)
Pray For Protection
When you claim God’s Word over others, really think about the verses you’re claiming.
If you have children, you can claim God’s protection over them. Isaiah 49:25 says, “Even if a giant grips the plunder and a tyrant holds my people prisoner, I’m the one who’s on your side, defending your cause, rescuing your children” (MSG). Stop and really think about this verse. Meditate on it, and then pray something like this: “Thank You, Father, for always being on my side. You promise to defend my cause and rescue my kids, no matter how hopeless it may seem. I claim that promise today!”
One of the best scriptures to claim for protection is Psalm 91, whether you are claiming it for yourself or for a believer you know. We’ve been on a series about claiming God’s Word over others, so I’d like to show you today how I claim this psalm over my loved ones.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Psalm 91:7 (NKJV)
First, I’d like to remind you that the power of claiming God’s Word doesn’t lie with saying the right words or saying it with the right emotion. The power lies with what you believe. When you claim God’s Word over others, really think about the verses you’re claiming. Meditate on them, and allow them to change how you picture that person’s future.
Read Psalm 91 and really think about what it’s saying. Then claim it out loud, saying something like this: “Father, I claim Psalm 91 over (names) lives today. Thank You that they live in your protection. Thank You for rescuing them from every trap and protecting them from every disease. You cover them and shelter them from all harm. Your faithful promises are their armour and protection. Because of Your peace in them, (names) have nothing to fear. Even if thousands fall around them, no evil will touch them; no disease will come near. Your angels protect them wherever they go; they walk unharmed in the midst of danger. Thank You, Father, that when they call on You, You answer; You are always with them in trouble. You reward them with a long life and give them salvation!”
Pray For Restoration
Never stop believing that God is at work in the lives of these kids, and that your prayers make a difference!
If you’re a parent and you’ve experienced a time when your children wandered away from their faith and/or their relationship with you, you know how painful this can be.
If this is happening to you right now, or if you can think of a family where this might be the case, I’m encouraging you today to pray for those young people, claiming God’s powerful Word over their lives.
One great passage to claim during times like these is found in Isaiah 43:5–7. It says, “So don’t be afraid. I am here. I will reunite you with your children, bringing them back from wherever in the world they are—East, West, North, or South. No place will be able to hold you when I demand your release” (VOICE).
Here’s how I would claim these verses: “Father, I am not afraid because I know you’re with me. You promised to reunite me with my children, and I’m claiming that promise right now. Thank You! I believe my relationship will be restored with (name), in Jesus’ name!”
You might also claim Psalms 138:8, saying something like this: “Father, You promise to finish what You start in us. I’m claiming this promise for (names) right now. Thank You for finishing what You’ve started in their lives, and for never giving up on them!”
Never stop believing that God is at work in the lives of these kids, and that your prayers make a difference!
Pray For Financial Provision
Let God guide you because His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
When God gives you a vision, He also gives you the provision. If God is giving you the opportunity to increase and it’s going to require that you take on a partner or hire more staff, He already has people in mind. He is empowering you to head out and find the people and the resources you need to make that vision happen.
He’s not calling you to work so hard that you’re stressed out and frazzled. He’s not calling you to sacrifice your family and relationships for your career. But He is calling you to increase. Let Him guide you because His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Spend time with Him and you’ll begin to see what He has in mind. And if it’s God’s vision, there’s going to be provision.
And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippans 4:19 (AMPC)
Look at what you’re doing and say, “God, what are You up to in my world? How are You going to bless me?” My challenge to you is to love what you’re doing and believe God for increase, and God will guide you in it.
God’s Word says that you ride upon the high places in the earth (Isaiah 58:14), and although walking in that promise is a process, you need to know that you can expect great things. God has also given you the ability to make wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18), so you can see yourself living with the kind of finances that allow you to be generous everywhere you go.
If you know of believers who are struggling financially, claim Deuteronomy 8:18 for them, which says, “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth” (NKJV). You might say something like this: “Father, You are so good. You bless us in every way possible, including financially. Thank You for giving (names) the power to get wealth. Help them to use wisdom in their finances.”
Pray For Guidance
Developing an awareness of Holy Spirit takes practice and testing, but you can start today.
The more we trust in and test out God’s principles and promptings, the more confidence we gain in them and the more our awareness of this leading grows. We have been given His presence and His Word for a reason. They can protect us from harm, help us to help others, and lead us into all the good things God has for us in this lifetime.
We need to stay aware of God’s presence, power and provision in our lives to overcome problems and negative thinking. One way to train our human hearts to grow in this awareness is through fellowshipping with Holy Spirit.
The key to fellowshipping with Holy Spirit is simply to become more aware of His presence. Holy Spirit can guide you as you spend quiet time with Him. He might give you an impression or a sense of peace regarding which job to take, how to repair a relationship, where to take your business next or what a Bible teaching means.
This awareness is powerful. I remember one time I was stopped at a red light. I had a semi-truck to my left, and I needed to get into the left lane. As soon as the light turned green, I planned to step on it to pass it, but instead I sensed this “stop” feeling inside me. As the truck started to pull forward, another semi coming from the left screeched through the intersection at about 65 miles an hour. The truck beside me hadn’t pulled out fast enough to be hit, but if I had carried through with my original plan, I would have been t-boned. I was very thankful for Holy Spirit’s guidance in that moment!
Developing an awareness of Holy Spirit takes practice and testing, but you can start today. It’s worth it because there’s no better friend you can have!
I will teach you and tell you the way to go and how to get there; I will give you good counsel, and I will watch over you. Psalm 32:8 (VOICE)
When Holy Spirit leads and guides us, it’s to show us the truth, to protect us and those around us, and to lead us into all the good things God has for us. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 (NKJV) Ask for His guidance every day for your family, and then be willing to test out, listen and obey the impressions you receive. You’ll be glad you did!
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Express the joy you have because of Jesus, your gratitude for what He’s done.
Have you ever thought about the word “thanksgiving”? It’s made up of two words: thanks and giving, so it involves more than just the feelings of gratitude. Thanksgiving is expressing it.
Do you remember to express gratitude for and to each of your family members?
In Philippians 4:4–7, Paul mentions thanksgiving, and he also mentions another word: “rejoice.” This word is similar to thanksgiving because it also involves action. When you rejoice, you do more than feel happy or joyful. You express that joy in an outward way.
Rejoice in the Lord always...with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God...will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4–7 (NKJV)
So what Paul was really teaching was this: express the joy you have because of Jesus, your gratitude for what He’s done, the people in your life and family, and pray for the things you need. When you do these, you’ll have peace that can’t be shaken.
If you have lost touch with this deep sense of peace, it’s time to express joy and gratitude again. We all face problems, but we also have many reasons to be grateful. It’s time to count those blessings today.
Never forget, God is at work! Because of the finished work of Jesus, you as a believer are under a new agreement—one that’s all about grace, not works. Every blessing and promise in the Bible is a gift to you from your loving Father God.
Sample Prayers
To get you started in praying God's promises over your family, I've put together this page for you! There’s a prayer claiming God’s promises over each of the areas we talked about in this ebook.
I encourage you to print it off, fold it up and keep it in your Bible or keep it at your nightstand. I know you'll see amazing things take place in your family and in your home as you declare God's amazing promises.
Prayers for the Salvation of Others
Thank You, Father, that because I believe, my entire household will be saved! I’m claiming this in faith and I can picture it now: every member of my family serving You! Before You even planned this world, You chose for (names) to be in a relationship with You. Thank You for drawing them to You. I believe that they are going to open their hearts to You. I’m confident it’s going to happen! Thank You!
Thank You, Father, that if we submit ourselves to You and resist the Devil, he will flee from us. I stand on this promise right now, specifically in terms of the situation that is happening with (name). Thank You, Father, for empowering (name) to resist the Devil’s temptations, and I call any attack that is coming against (name) finished in Jesus’ name!
Prayer for the next Generation
Father, thank You for Your promise to pour out Your Spirit on our children. I claim this promise in faith, believing that they will choose to be led by Holy Spirit in their everyday lives! Thank You that (names) have given their lives to You. Because they are Yours, I can stand on the promise that they won’t continue to sin. Thank you for protecting them from the evil one and keeping them safe!
Prayer of Protection
Father, Your Word says that (names) are being watched over by angels who are always in Your company in Heaven. Thank You for caring about these kids so much and for Your protection in their lives! I claim that protection today and thank You for keeping Your angels around them! Thank You, Father, that (names) know You and follow You. They are Yours, and not even death can take that away from them. Thank You that NOTHING and NO ONE can ever steal them away from You!
Prayer of Restoration
Father, I am not afraid because I know You’re with me. You promised to reunite me with my children, and I’m claiming that promise right now. Thank You! I believe my relationship will be restored with (name), in Jesus’ name! Father, You promise to finish what You start in us. I’m claiming this promise for (names) right now. Thank You for finishing what You’ve started in their lives, and for never giving up on them!
Prayer of Provision
Father, You are so good. You bless us in every way possible, including financially. You have called (names) to walk upon the high places of the earth and they can expect great things. Thank You for giving (names) the power to get wealth. Help them to use wisdom in their finances. You have called (names) to increase and promised to lighten their burden as they walk in Your guidance.
Prayer for Guidance
Father, thank You for guiding (name) in the best ways to go. I pray that (name) would have an awareness and be attentive to Holy Spirit's promptings. Thank you that You lead (name) in every area. Thank You that You show (name) the truth, you protect (name), and lead (name) into all the good things You have for them every day!
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Dear God, Thank You for Your unfailing love, Your blessings, and goodness. Thank You for Your faithfulness to guide and see us through times of uncertainty and for lifting us up. Thank You for Your Word that comforts and reminds us of Your promises, plan, and provision. Thank You for taking away our fears and worries and reminding us that our help, peace and joy comes from You. Thank You that You have already given us everything we need for an abundant, blessed, long and healthy life through your Son, Jesus. For all of this, we thank You. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.
