The Bible tells us that we can overcome worry through prayer (Phil. 4:6). We know that we are to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). But, if you’re anything like me, you find yourself constantly feeling like the disciples, who exasperatedly begged Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray!”(Luke 11:1). The problem is, prayer is difficult. Saying words, ok, not very difficult. Remembering to talk to the Creator of the universe–it doesn’t seem like it should be too terribly difficult either, but it is, isn’t it? Too often, though, we are carried away and distracted by many things, much like Jesus’ friend Martha. And that’s where prayer gets difficult. We know we should pray, but sometimes it’s hard to find the time to. And when we do find the time, it seems overwhelming to try to remember every person we’ve promised to pray for, or seen on Facebook we should pray for, and more than that–it’s hard not to get repetitive in our phrases.

That’s where today’s list comes in!

I’ve compiled a list to help me pray for people. This way, I can include multiple people but have purpose and concern while doing so. And, the words come straight from scripture, so I know they’re good, wholesome, worthy words! Now, please know this list isn’t exhaustive by any means, and I’d love your feedback on people/verses to add! Thanks in advance!

So here’s your list, of what to pray for these certain people in your life:

Preachers – “that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,”  and “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me [Christ]”  and “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (Eph. 6:19, Acts 26:18, and 1 Peter 4:11 respectively).

Elders – “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9).

Young Women – “to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,” (Titus 2:4-5)

Older Women – “that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;” and “Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.” (Titus 2:3 and 1 Tim. 5:10 respectively).

Husbands – “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” and “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;” (1 Timothy 6:11,18)

The Lost – “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.” (Acts 26:29 – in response to Agrippa ‘almost’ being persuaded to become a Christian).

The Anxious – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

The Hurting – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:17-19).

Ourselves – “Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities.Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Pslam 51:9-10)