When Christians begin to do something new, they usually ask for God's guidance and blessing. This practice dates back thousands of years but many believers find it is useful even today.
An Old Testament Example of God Leading People
When Moses was instrumental in getting the Israelites out of Egypt, God led the way. The Holy Bible says, “God went ahead of them in a Pillar of Cloud during the day to guide them on the way, and at night in a Pillar of Fire to give them light; thus they could travel both day and night. The [Pillars] never left the people.” (Exodus 13:21-22, The Message)
Even though the journey could have been completed in a few months, these God-followers wandered around in the desert for forty years until God decided to lead them into the Promised Land. The lengthy trip was not God’s original plan but when fear caused the travelers to resist entering their new homeland, God gave them time and years of experience learning to trust. Read the whole story of this journey in Exodus and Numbers, the second and third books of the Bible's Old Testament.
Jesus' Prayers Set an Example for All Christians
Jesus often left the crowds to spend time alone in prayer as described in Matthew 14:22-23. Even though he had a great relationship with his father, God, Jesus frequently stopped to pray before beginning to do something. At the time of his baptism, before beginning his ministry, Luke 3:21-22 states, "After all the people were baptized, Jesus was baptized. As he was praying, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit, like a dove descending, came down on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: 'You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.'" (The Message)
Unlike other humans, Jesus didn't have to ask for wisdom, protection, discernment, or strength. Nevertheless, he said a prayer before doing certain things like eating, healing, and facing difficulties. In prayers mentioned in the New Testament, Jesus
- expressed thanksgiving
- prayed for others
- forgave others
Prayer is the second most frequently mentioned topic in the Bible; love is number one.
Sample Christian Prayer – a Prayer for Beginning
"Creator of all that is, You know about beginning. You began everything: the world, life, love and relationship. Thank You for all that you have created.
"Right now, I'm looking at a new page of my life. I have done my best to clean up the problems from my yesterdays and with a clear conscience, I look forward. As I begin this New Year, give me a vision of where you see my life going. How can I best serve you? What can I do that would be pleasing to you?
"You know my weaknesses, how my frailties limit me. Give me the strength and the will to overcome difficulties, to avoid temptation, to pursue the path You set before me. Teach me to be more like Jesus. With a gentle hand, guide my wandering mind and heart until they focus totally on You. Remind me of Your priorities each new morning.
"Your faithfulness and provision are sufficient for all of my needs. Let my life be a beacon, shining Your love to those who need it most. Let my motivation come from You rather than my own ego or needs. When the time comes for endings, make it clear that You have already prepared a new beginning for me.
"In the name of Your Son, who is our perfect example, amen."
Sample Prayers are Just the Beginning of a Prayer Life
Change this prayer to fit your own needs. A prayer written by someone else is a suggestion or sample of how to pray; it is not magic. It is one person's idea of how to approach God about a specific topic. Use a sample prayer to create your own conversations with God. Many Christians believe that words are not really important because God sees the heart.
Whether it is a new year, a major life change or moments after making a decision to change something, it is wise to begin with a prayer. For thousands of years, God-followers have been talking to God about important events and new beginnings. Jesus, who had a perfect relationship with his Father, often prayed before beginning something. What better reason does a believer need to do the same?
Read Jesus' Teachings About the Power of Prayer to better understand how to pray. Prayers that may be helpful with relationships include Couple Prayers – A Christian Prayer for Friends and Couple Prayers – Christian Wedding Prayers
Mistie Shaw - Writing for nearly half a century, Shaw's interests and education meander from music to the military, and from faith to fun.
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