National Day of Prayer: 6 scriptures to strengthen your prayer life–for yourself and others

Article By Susanna Chandler // EEW Magazine // Prayer + Faith

Thursday, May 2, 2019 marks The National Day of Prayer, first deemed worthy of nationwide recognition in 1952 by President Harry S. Truman who signed it into law.

In honor of this day—which, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated the first Thursday in May as the day for presidents to issue proclamations asking Americans to pray—EEW Magazine is sharing 6 powerful scriptures that will help strengthen your prayer life.

1.) James 5:16 (NKJV) - “… The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”  The prayers of those who are filled with the Holy Spirit, and are submitted to the Lord, never fall flat! Do you realize that your prayer carries weight? Just be sure to pray according to His will.

2.) Psalm 145:18 (ESV) - “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” God is never out of reach; He will give ear to your prayers—so long as your request is made in faith. Your prayer must be sincere, however, uttered with full confidence that what you have asked for in submission to God's will is already on its way.

3.) Proverbs 15:8 (NIV) - “The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.” God delights in our prayers and enjoys giving us our hearts desires when our desires line up with His plan for our lives.

4.) Colossians 4:2 (NLT) - “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” Make prayer as common as breathing, and focus your mind on the Lord as you unfold your request. Also, don’t neglect to offer up thanksgiving for blessings received in the past as well as for blessings to come.

5.) 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) - “Pray without ceasing.” Constantly let a prayer be in your heart, whether it is a prayer for your family, a prayer for a friend, for leaders, or for yourself. Praying is a weapon against the enemy, against temptation, as well as a plea for help that only the Lord can answer.

6.) Matthew 7:7 (NIV) - “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” If you have a need, tell the Lord. As the saying goes, "Closed mouths don’t get fed." He wants to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to come to Him when you require divine assistance.

Keep in mind that, today, millions of members of your faith community will be seeking God on behalf of their needs and someone else’s needs. Take advantage of this chance to unify and agree in prayer with those across America, while allowing the scriptures listed here to be your guide.

After all, prayer works, and you should never miss an opportunity to do it.

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