Category: ESV First Person

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Introduction and Comprehensive Petitions

Conclusion 6.0 | ESV

Of the Conclusion of our Prayers

I am commanded to pray always, Luke 21:36(ESV) to pray continually, 1 Thessalonians 5:17(ESV) to devote myself to prayer, Colossians 4:2(ESV) because I must always have in myself a disposition to the duty, must be constant in it, and never grow weary of it or give it up; and yet, I cannot be always praying, I must come down from this mount. Nor may I be over long, so as to make the duty a task or toil to myself or those who join with me. I have other work that calls for my attendance. Jacob wrestles with the angel, but he must go for the day breaks. Genesis 32:24(ESV) I must therefore think of concluding. The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, must be ended. Psalm 72:20(ESV) But how shall I conclude so as to have the impressions of the duty kept always in the imagination of the thought of my heart?

We may then sum up our requests in some comprehensive petitions, as the conclusion of the whole matter.

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead the Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip me with everything good that I may do his will, working in me that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:20-21(ESV)

Now may the Lord direct my heart to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:5(ESV)

And the God of all grace, who has called me to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after I have suffered a little while, restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish me. 1 Peter 5:10(ESV)

And now, O Lord, what do I wait for? Truly my hope is in you; Psalm 39:7(ESV) and on you do I depend to be to me God Almighty, a God all-sufficient. Genesis 17:1(ESV)

Do for me far more abundantly than all that I am able to ask or think, according to the power at work within me: Ephesians 3:20(ESV) and supply all my needs according to your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Pray for the Rich and the Poor, your Enemies and your Friends

Intercession 5.20 | ESV

For those who are rich and prosperous in the world, some of whom perhaps need prayers as much as those who request them.

Lord, keep those who are rich in this present age from being haughty and setting their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, and give them to trust in God, who richly provides everyone with everything to enjoy: That they may do good and be rich in good works, generous and ready to share; that they may store up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future. 1 Timothy 6:17-19(ESV)

Though it is hard for those who are rich to enter into the kingdom of heaven, Matthew 19:24(ESV) yet with you this is possible. Matthew 19:26(ESV)

For those who are poor and in affliction, for such we have always with us.

Lord, make those who are poor in the world rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, James 2:5(ESV) and give to them to receive the gospel.

O that the poor of the flock may wait upon you and may know the word of the LORD. Zechariah 11:11(ESV)

Many are the afflictions of the righteous; good Lord, deliver them out of them all. Psalm 34:19(ESV) And though for the moment all affliction seems painful rather than pleasant; nevertheless, later let it yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11(ESV)

For our enemies and those who hate us.

Lord, give me to love my enemies, to bless those who curse me, and to pray for those who despitefully use me and persecute me. Matthew 5:44(ESV)

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do; Luke 23:34(ESV) and do not hold their malice against them; Acts 7:60(ESV) and work in me a disposition to bear with others and forgive in love, Colossians 3:13(ESV) as you require I should whenever I pray. Mark 11:25(ESV)

And grant that my ways may so please the LORD, that even my enemies may be at peace with me. Proverbs 16:7(ESV)

Let the wolf dwell with the lamb, Isaiah 11:6(ESV) and let there be none to hurt or destroy in all your holy mountain; Isaiah 11:9(ESV) let Ephraim not be jealous of Judah, nor Judah harass Ephraim. Isaiah 11:13(ESV)

For our friends and those who love us.

And I wish for all those whom I love in truth, that all may go well with them and that they may be in good health; I especially pray that it may go well with their souls. 3 John 1:2(ESV)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with their spirits. Philemon 1:25(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Pray for the Young and the Old

Intercession 5.19 | ESV

For the several ages and conditions of men, as they stand in need of mercy and grace.

For those who are young and setting out in the world.

Lord, give to those who are young to remember their Creator in the days of their youth; Ecclesiastes 12:1(ESV) that thereby they may be kept from the vanity which childhood and youth are subject to, and may be restrained from walking in the way of their heart and in the sight of their eyes, by considering that for all these things God will bring them into judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9(ESV)

Lord, make young people self-controlled; Titus 2:6(ESV) and let the word of God abide in them, that they may be strong and may overcome the evil one. 1 John 2:14(ESV)

From the womb of the morning let Christ have the dew of your youth; Psalm 110:3(ESV) and let him be formed in the hearts of those who are young. Galatians 4:19(ESV)

Keep those who are setting out in the world from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire; 2 Peter 1:4(ESV) and give to those who have been well-educated, to hold fast the pattern of sound words, 2 Timothy 1:13(ESV) and to continue in what they have learned. 2 Timothy 3:14(ESV)

For those who are old and of long standing in profession.

There are some who are old disciples of Jesus Christ; Acts 21:16(KJV) Lord, give them still to bear fruit in old age, to declare that the LORD is upright, that he is their Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. Psalm 92:14-15(ESV)

Now the evil days have come and the years of which they say, “I have no pleasure in them”; Ecclesiastes 12:1(ESV) let your consolations cheer their souls. Psalm 94:19(ESV)

You have said, “Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you.” You have made them, Lord; I beg you, bear, yes, do carry and save them. Isaiah 46:4(ESV)

Those whom you have taught from their youth up and to whom you still proclaim your wondrous deeds, now, also, when they are old and gray headed, forsake them not; Psalm 71:17-18(ESV) cast them not off in the time of old age; forsake them not when their strength is spent. Psalm 71:9(ESV)

Let every gray head be a crown of glory to those who have it, being gained in a righteous life, Proverbs 16:31(ESV) and give them to know whom they have believed. 2 Timothy 1:12(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Pray for the Educational Institutions and Common Citizens of your Nation

Intercession 5.18 | ESV

For all the universities, schools, and nurseries of learning.

Let the schools of the prophets be replenished with every good gift and every perfect gift from above, from the Father of lights. James 1:17(ESV)

Throw salt into these fountains and heal its waters, 2 Kings 2:21(ESV) so that from them may issue streams that shall make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. Psalm 46:4(ESV)

For the common people of the land.

Give grace to all the subjects of this land, that they may, under the government God has set over this nation, lead peaceful and quiet lives, godly and dignified in every way, 1 Timothy 2:2(ESV) dwelling together in unity, Psalm 133:1(ESV) that the Lord may command a blessing upon his people, even life forevermore. Psalm 133:3(ESV)

Let everyone of every denomination who fears God and works righteousness, be acceptable to him; Acts 10:35(ESV) yes, let such as love your salvation say continually, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servants.” Psalm 35:27(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Pray for the Ministers of God’s Holy Word and Sacraments

Intercession 5.17 | ESV

For all the ministers of God’s holy word and sacraments, the masters of assemblies.

Teach your ministers how they ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, 1 Timothy 3:15(ESV) that they may not preach themselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, 2 Corinthians 4:5(ESV) and may do their best to present themselves approved to God, workmen who have no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15(ESV)

Make them competent in the Scriptures, Acts 18:24(ESV) that from them they may be equipped for every good work, 2 Timothy 3:17(ESV) in teaching showing integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned. Titus 2:7-8(ESV)

Enable them to give attendance to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching; 1 Timothy 4:13(ESV) to practice these things; 1 Timothy 4:15(ESV) to devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word; Acts 6:4(ESV) to immerse themselves in them and to persist in them, that they may save both themselves and their hearers. 1 Timothy 4:15-16(ESV)

Let words be given to them in opening their mouths boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, that they may speak as they ought to speak, Ephesians 6:19-20(ESV) as competent ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; 2 Corinthians 3:6(ESV) and let them by the Lord’s mercy be trustworthy. 1 Corinthians 7:25(ESV)

Let the arms of their hands be made agile by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob; Genesis 49:24(ESV) and let them be full of power by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts, Micah 3:8(ESV) to show your people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. Isaiah 58:1(ESV)

Make them sound in the faith, Titus 1:13(ESV) and enable them always to teach what accords with sound doctrine, Titus 2:1(ESV) correcting their opponents with gentleness; and let not the Lord’s servants be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach. 2 Timothy 2:24-25(ESV)

Make them good examples to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity; 1 Timothy 4:12(ESV) and let them purify themselves who bear the vessels of the Lord, Isaiah 52:11(ESV) and let HOLY TO THE LORD be written upon their foreheads. Exodus 28:36(ESV)

Lord, grant that they may not labor in vain or spend their strength for nothing and vanity, Isaiah 49:4(ESV) but let the hand of the Lord be with them, that many may believe and turn to the Lord. Acts 11:21(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Pray for your Judges and Judicial Rulers

Intercession 5.16 | ESV

For the magistrates, the judges, and justices of peace in the several counties and corporations.

Make those who rule over my nation just, ruling in the fear of God; 2 Samuel 23:3(ESV) and let those who judge remember that they judge not for man but for the LORD, who is with them in giving judgment, that therefore the fear of the Lord may be upon them. 2 Chronicles 19:6-7(ESV)

Make them able men and trustworthy, men who fear God and hate a bribe, Exodus 18:21(ESV) that justice may run down like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24(ESV)

Enable my nation’s magistrates to defend the weak and fatherless, to maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute, to rescue the weak and the needy, and to deliver them from the hand of the wicked; Psalm 82:3-4(ESV) and let governors never be a terror to good works, but to the evil. Romans 3:14(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Pray for all who are Employed in the Conduct of Public Affairs

Intercession 5.15 | ESV

For the advisers, cabinet members, members of Congress or Parliament, the ambassadors and envoys abroad, and all who are employed in the conduct of public affairs.

Counsel my nation’s counselors, and teach its elders wisdom: Psalm 105:22(ESV) O give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of counsel and might, a spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD, to make them delight in the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2-3(ESV)

O do not deprive of speech those who are trusted nor take away the discernment of the elders, Job 12:20(ESV) nor ever let the things that belong to the nation’s peace be hidden from the eyes of those who are instructed with the nation’s counsels. Luke 19:42(ESV)

Make it to appear that you have taken your place in the divine council and hold judgment in the midst of the gods, Psalm 82:1(ESV) and that when the princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham, the God of Abraham himself is among them; and let the shields of the earth belong to the Lord, that he may be highly exalted. Psalm 47:9(ESV)

Let there be those among my nation who rebuild its ancient ruins and raise up the foundations of many generations, that they may be called the repairers of the breaches and restorers of streets to dwell in. Isaiah 58:12(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Pray for the Safe and Righteous Continuation of your Civil Government

Intercession 5.14 | ESV

For the safe and righteous continuation of our civil government, that a blessing may attend it, that peace and truth may be established in our days and secured to posterity, and that the hopes of our adversaries and all their aiders and abettors may be extinguished.

Lord, preserve to us the lamp that you have prepared for your Anointed, Psalm 132:17(ESV) that the next generation may know you, even the children yet unborn, that they may set their hope in God and keep his commandments. Psalm 78:6-7(ESV)

Let the gospel-believing church abide before God forever: Appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over it, so we will ever sing praises to your name. Psalm 61:7-8(ESV) Thus, let the Lord save Zion and build up the cities of Judah, and the offspring of your servants shall inherit it, and those who love your name shall dwell in it. Psalm 69:35-36(ESV)

Let their design who would choose a leader to go back to Egypt, Numbers 14:4(ESV) be again defeated; and let not the mortal wound that has been given to the beast be healed anymore. Revelation 13:11-12(ESV)

Let our eyes see Jerusalem, the city of our appointed feasts, an untroubled habitation, an immovable tent: Let none of its stakes be plucked up, nor any of its cords be broken, but let the LORD in majesty be for us a place of broad rivers and streams; for the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king, he will save us. Isaiah 33:20-22(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Pray for your Head of State

Intercession 5.13 | ESV

For all orders and degrees of men among us, and all we stand in any relation to.

For our Head of State, that God will protect his person, preserve his health, and continue his life and government long a public blessing.

Give our ruler your justice, O God, and your righteousness, Psalm 72:1(ESV) that he may defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor. Psalm 72:4(ESV)

Let his rule be established with righteousness, Proverbs 25:5(ESV) and upheld with steadfast love. Proverbs 20:28(ESV) Give him long life and length of days forever and ever, and let his glory be great through your salvation. Make him glad with the joy of your presence: through the steadfast love of the Most High let him not be moved. Psalm 21:4-7(ESV)

Clothe his enemies with shame, but let him shine; Psalm 132:18(ESV) and continue him long, very long, as a foster father to your Israel. Isaiah 49:23(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Pray for the Healing of your Nation’s Unhappy Divisions and Success Against your Nation’s Enemies

Intercession 5.12 | ESV

For the healing of our unhappy divisions and the making up of our breaches.

For the divisions that are among us, there are great searchings of heart; Judges 5:16(ESV) for there are three against two and two against three in a house. Luke 12:52(ESV) But is the breach as vast as the sea, which cannot be healed? Lamentations 2:13(ESV) Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored? Jeremiah 8:22(ESV) Lord, repair the breaches of our land, for because of them it totters. Psalm 60:2(ESV)

I beg in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that there may be no divisions among us, but that we be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10(ESV)

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant us to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together we may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 15:5-6(ESV) and promote the common salvation. Jude 1:3(ESV)

Lord, keep us from judging one another and despising one another, Romans 14:10(ESV) and give us to pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding; Romans 14:19(ESV) that living in love and peace, the God of love and peace may be with us. 2 Corinthians 13:11(ESV)

Let nothing be done from rivalry or conceit, but in humility let me count others more significant than myself; Philippians 2:3(ESV) and grant that my reasonableness may be known to everyone, because the Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5(ESV)

For victory and success against our enemies abroad who seek our ruin.

Arise, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you, but return, O LORD, to the ten thousand thousands of your Israel. Numbers 10:35-36(ESV)

Grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man. With God let our forces do valiantly; yes, let God himself tread down our foes, Psalm 60:11-12(ESV) and make them like dust with your sword and like driven stubble with your bow. Isaiah 41:2(ESV)

Let us be a people saved by the LORD, as the shield of our help and the sword of our triumph; Deuteronomy 33:29(ESV) and make our enemies sensible that the LORD fights for us against them. Exodus 14:25(ESV)

Those who risk their lives to the death for us on the heights of the field, Judges 5:18(ESV) train their hands for war and their fingers for battle; Psalm 144:1(ESV) give them the shield of your salvation, and let your right hand support them, Psalm 18:35(ESV) and cover their heads in the day of battle. Psalm 140:7(ESV)