New Testament Prayers

Do you want to pray a Bible prayer that appeared in the New Testament? These nine prayers are found in the text of the Gospels and Epistles. Learn more about them. You may want to pray them verbatim in some circumstances or use them as inspiration for prayer. The beginnings of the passages are quoted. You may wish to look up the full verses to read, understand, and use.

The Lord's Prayer

When his disciples asked to be taught how to pray, Jesus gave them this simple prayer. It shows several different aspects of prayer. First, it acknowledges and praises God and his works and submission to his will. Then it petitions God for basic needs. It asks for forgiveness for our wrongdoing and affirms that we need to act in a compassionate way towards others. It asks that we are able to resist temptation.

Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV)

"Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'"

The Tax Collector's Prayer

How should you pray when you know you have been doing wrong? The tax collector in this parable prayed humbly, and the parable says that his prayers were heard. This is in comparison to the Pharisee, who stands in the front and proudly declares his worthiness.

Luke 18:13 (NLT)

"But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' 

Christ's Intercessory Prayer

In John 17, Jesus gives a long intercessory prayer, first for his own glorification, then for his disciples, and then for all believers. The full text can be useful in many circumstances for inspiration.

John 17 (NLT)

"When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he looked up to heaven and said, 'Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone in all the earth. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth...'"

Stephen's Prayer at His Stoning

Stephen was the first martyr. His prayer at his death set an example for all those who die for their faith. Even as he died, he prayed for those who killed him. These are very short prayers, but they show a devout adherence to Christ's principles of turning the other cheek and showing love towards your enemies.

Acts 7:59-60 (NIV)
"While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he fell on his knees and cried out, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' When he had said this, he fell asleep."

Paul's Prayer for Knowing God's Will

Paul wrote to the new Christian community and told them how he was praying for them. This might be a way that you would pray for someone with new-found faith.

Colossians 1:9-12 (NIV)

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light."

Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom

Similarly, Paul wrote to the new Christian community at Ephesus to tell them he was praying for them for spiritual wisdom and spiritual growth. Look up the full passages for more words that may inspire you when praying for a congregation or an individual believer.

Ephesians 1:15-23 (NLT)

"Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God..."

Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)

"For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God..."

Paul's Prayer for Partners in Ministry

These verses may be useful for praying for those in the ministry. The passage goes on in greater detail for more inspiration.

Philippians 1:3-11

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns..."

A Prayer of Praise

This prayer is appropriate for giving praise to God. It is short enough to pray verbatim but is also packed with meaning that you might use to contemplate the nature of God.

Jude 1:24-25 (NLT)

"Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen."