Powerful Prayers to Uplift Your Soul Every Day!

Most famous prayers will get you through anything when the going gets tough, guide you through any life experience and transform your whole life.

24+ Most Famous Prayers of All-Time

Here are the 20 most famous prayers ever.

The Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
taking, as Jesus did,
this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
trusting that You will make all things right
if I surrender to Your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.

Reinhold Niebuhr

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our debts and we forgive
our debtors,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil,
for thine is the kingdom and the power
and the glory, forever. Amen.

Matthew 6:9-13

Twenty-Third Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff–they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

Psalms 23: 1-6

Instrument of Your Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console,
not so much to be understood as to understand,
not so much to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
it is in dying that we awake to eternal life.

St. Francis of Assisi

Christ Be With Me

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ where I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Christ.
May your salvation, Lord, be ever with us.

St. Patrick

Day by Day

Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits thou hast given me,
for all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,
may I know thee more clearly,
love thee more dearly,
and follow thee more nearly, day by day.
Amen.

St. Richard of Chichester

Help Me Live It

Oh Lord, You’re beautiful
Your face is all I see
For when Your eyes are on this child
Your grace abounds to me
Oh Lord, please light the fire
That once burned bright and clean
Replace the lamp of my first love
That burns with holy fear
I want to take Your Word and shine it all around
But first help me just to live it, Lord
And when I’m doing well,
help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You.

Keith Green

Hail Mary

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Covenant Prayer

I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you,
Praised for you or criticized for you.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and fully surrender all things to your glory and service.
And now, O wonderful and holy God,
Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer,
you are mine, and I am yours.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
Let it also be made in heaven. Amen.

John Wesley

Lead Us

Lead us, O God, from the sight of the lovely things of the world
To the thought of thee their Creator;
And grant that delighting in the beautiful things of thy creation,
we may delight in thee, the first author of beauty
and the Sovereign Lord of all thy works, blessed for evermore.

St. Augustine

Jonah’s Prayer

I called out to the Lord, out of my distress,
and he answered me;
out of the belly of Sheol I cried,
and you heard my voice.
For you cast me into the deep,
into the heart of the seas,
and the flood surrounded me;
all your waves and your billows
passed over me.
Then I said, ‘I am driven away
from your sight;
yet I shall again look
upon your holy temple.’
The waters closed in over me to take my life;
the deep surrounded me;
weeds were wrapped about my head
at the roots of the mountains.
I went down to the land
whose bars closed upon me forever;
yet you brought up my life from the pit,
O Lord my God.
When my life was fainting away,
I remembered the Lord,
and my prayer came to you,
into your holy temple.
Those who pay regard to vain idols
forsake their hope of steadfast love.
But I with the voice of thanksgiving
will sacrifice to you;
what I have vowed I will pay.
Salvation belongs to the Lord!

Let Me Serve You

Govern everything by your wisdom, O Lord, so that my soul may always be serving you in the way you will and not as I choose. Let me die to myself so that I may serve you; let me live to you who are life itself. Amen.

St. Theresa of Avila

May The Lord Bless You

The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.

Trinity

May God the Father bless us,
may Christ take care of us,
the Holy Ghost enlighten us all the days of our life.
The Lord be our defender and keeper of body and soul,
both now and for ever, to the ages of ages.

St. Ethelwold

Empty Vessel

Behold, Lord, An empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in faith; Strengthen thou me. I am cold in love; Warm me and make me fervent That my love may go out to my neighbour. I do not have a strong and firm faith; At times I doubt and am unable to trust thee altogether. O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in thee. In thee I have sealed the treasures of all I have. I am poor; Thou art rich and didst come to be merciful to the poor. I am a sinner; Thou art upright. With me there is an abundance of sin; In thee is the fullness of righteousness. Therefore, I will remain with thee of who I can receive But to whom I may not give. Amen.

Martin Luther

Lead Me

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahed of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Thomas Merton

Receive Grace

O God, seeing as there is in Christ Jesus an infinite fullness of all that we can want or desire, May we all receive from him, grace upon grace; grace to pardon our sins, and subdue our iniquities; to justify our persons and to sanctify our souls; and to complete that holy change, that renewal of our hearts, Which will enable us to be transformed into the blessed image in which you created us. O make us all acceptable to be partakers of the inheritance of your saints in light. Amen.

John Wesley

We Bless You

O LORD God Almighty, Father of angels and men, We praise and bless your holy name for all your goodness and loving kindness to humanity. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and for your unceasing generosity to us throughout our lives; But above all, we bless you for your great love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ. We bless you for bringing us safe to the beginning of a new day. Grant that this day we fall into no sin, Neither run into any kind of danger. Keep us, we pray, from all things hurtful to body or soul, and grant us your pardon and peace, So that, being cleansed from all our sins, We might serve you with quiet hearts and minds, and continue in the same until our life’s end, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.

John Wesley

Beloved

Now, to God the Father, who first loved us, and made us accepted in the Beloved;
to God the Son, who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood;
to God the Holy Ghost, who sheddeth the love of God abroad in our hearts,
be all love and all glory in time and to all eternity.
Amen.

Indwelling of the Spirit

Holy Spirit, powerful Consoler, sacred Bond of the Father and the Son, Hope of the afflicted, descend into my heart and establish in it your loving dominion. Enkindle in my tepid soul the fire of your Love so that I may be wholly subject to you. We believe that when you dwell in us, you also prepare a dwelling for the Father and the Son. Deign, therefore, to come to me, Consoler of abandoned souls, and Protector of the needy. Help the afflicted, strengthen the weak, and support the wavering. Come and purify me. Let no evil desire take possession of me. You love the humble and resist the proud. Come to me, glory of the living, and hope of the dying. Lead me by your grace that I may always be pleasing to you. Amen.

St. Augustine

Act of Petition

Give me yourself, O my God, give yourself to me. Behold I love you, and if my love is too weak a thing, grant me to love you more strongly. I cannot measure my love to know how much it falls short of being sufficient, but let my soul hasten to your embrace and never be turned away until it is hidden in the secret shelter of your presence. This only do I know, that it is not good for me when you are not with me, when you are only outside me. I want you in my very self. All the plenty in the world which is not my God is utter want. Amen.

St. Augustine

Trust

My God, let me know and love you, so that I may find my happiness in you. Since I cannot fully achieve this on earth, help me to improve daily until I may do so to the full Enable me to know you ever more on earth, so that I may know you perfectly in heaven. Enable me to love you ever more on earth, so that I may love you perfectly in heave. In that way my joy may be great on earth, and perfect with you in heaven. O God of truth, grant me the happiness of heaven so that my joy may be full in accord with your promise. In the meantime let my mind dwell on that happiness, my tongue speak of it, my heart pine for it, my mouth pronounce it, my soul hunger for it, my flesh thirst for it, and my entire being desire it until I enter through death in the joy of my Lord forever. Amen.

St. Augustine

You Over Me

Lord Jesus, let me know myself and know You, and desire nothing save only You.
Let me hate myself and love You.
Let me do everything for the sake of You.
Let me humble myself and exalt You.
Let me think of nothing except You.
Let me die to myself and live in You.
Let me accept whatever happens as from You.
Let me banish self and follow You, and ever desire to follow You.
Let me fly from myself and take refuge in You,
That I may deserve to be defended by You.
Let me fear for myself.
Let me fear You, and let me be among those who are chosen by You.
Let me distrust myself and put my trust in You.
Let me be willing to obey for the sake of You.
Let me cling to nothing save only to You,
And let me be poor because of You.
Look upon me, that I may love You.
Call me that I may see You, and for ever enjoy You. Amen.

St. Augustine

Strengthen Us

God, our Father, we are exceedingly frail and indisposed to every virtuous and gallant undertaking. Strengthen our weakness, we beseech you, that we may do valiantly in this spiritual war; help us against our own negligence and cowardice, and defend us from the treachery of our unfaithful hearts. for Jesus Christ’s sake.

Thomas a Kempis

FAQ: Prayers

What is the purpose of prayer?

Prayer serves various purposes, depending on personal beliefs and religious practices. It is often used for:

• Communication with a Higher Power: Prayer is a way to connect spiritually, seeking guidance, comfort, or support.
• Reflection and Gratitude: It allows individuals to reflect on their lives, express gratitude, and find peace.
• Seeking Strength or Help: People often pray in times of need, asking for strength, healing, or assistance with challenges.
• Meditation and Focus: Prayer can also be a form of meditation, helping to center the mind and focus on personal growth or specific goals.

How do I begin a prayer?

Beginning a prayer typically involves:

• Finding a Quiet Space: Choose a location where you can concentrate and feel at peace.
• Addressing the Divine: Many prayers start by addressing the higher power or spiritual being in whom the individual believes.
• Expressing Intention: Set a clear purpose for your prayer, whether it’s giving thanks, seeking guidance, or asking for help.
• Being Present: Focus on being in the moment, quieting distractions, and opening yourself to spiritual connection.

What are common types of prayers?

Common types of prayers include:

• Prayers of Gratitude: Expressing thanks for blessings, both large and small.
• Prayers of Petition: Asking for help, guidance, or intervention in personal or external matters.
• Prayers of Confession: Admitting wrongdoings or seeking forgiveness.
• Prayers of Intercession: Praying on behalf of others, asking for their healing, protection, or well-being.
• Prayers of Praise: Offering admiration and reverence for a higher power.
• Meditative Prayers: Reflecting quietly, often without words, focusing on spiritual growth or peace.

How can prayer help with personal challenges?

Prayer can help with personal challenges by:

• Providing Comfort: It can offer solace during difficult times, helping individuals feel supported by a higher power.
• Offering Clarity: Prayer encourages reflection, which can lead to clearer thinking and better decision-making.
• Strengthening Faith: Regular prayer can reinforce trust in a higher purpose or plan, providing hope during uncertain times.
• Creating Inner Peace: The act of praying often helps reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a sense of calm.

How do I make my prayer more meaningful?

To make your prayer more meaningful:

• Be Authentic: Speak from the heart, and don’t feel pressured to use formal language if it doesn’t resonate with you.
• Reflect on Your Needs: Think deeply about what you’re seeking and be honest in your expression.
• Incorporate Gratitude: Include a moment of thankfulness, as it can deepen the emotional impact of the prayer.
• Stay Focused: Eliminate distractions and devote time to truly connecting with the moment.
• Visualize Outcomes: Imagine the changes you are praying for, focusing on positive results and personal growth.

Can I pray for others, and how should I do it?

Yes, praying for others is known as intercessory prayer. When praying for someone else:

• Focus on Their Needs: Think about the specific issues they are facing and the support they may need.
• Ask for Guidance: Pray that they receive guidance, healing, protection, or whatever form of help they may require.
• Send Positive Intentions: Keep your thoughts compassionate and supportive, focusing on their well-being.
• Be Mindful of Their Privacy: If sharing a prayer with them, make sure you respect their personal feelings and circumstances.

How often should I pray?

The frequency of prayer depends on individual beliefs and practices. Some people:

• Pray Daily: Incorporating it as part of their daily routine for spiritual connection or reflection.
• Pray During Specific Times: Some may pray before meals, during specific rituals, or before bed.
• Pray Spontaneously: Others may pray whenever they feel the need, such as during moments of joy, stress, or gratitude.
• Structured Prayer Times: In some religious practices, prayer times are set throughout the day as part of a spiritual discipline.

Can prayer be combined with meditation?

Yes, prayer and meditation can complement each other. Meditation is often used to:

• Focus the Mind: Clearing mental distractions to better concentrate on the prayer.
• Create Peace: Achieving a state of calm before or after prayer, helping the individual feel more connected spiritually.
• Reflect on Prayer Intentions: Meditation can help deepen reflection on the purpose of the prayer and the desired outcomes.
• Enhance Awareness: Meditating on prayers can increase mindfulness, bringing greater clarity and spiritual insight.

Can prayer help with personal growth?

Prayer can be a powerful tool for personal growth by:

• Encouraging Reflection: It helps individuals look inward and assess their actions, thoughts, and emotions.
• Strengthening Resilience: Regular prayer can build mental and emotional strength, especially when facing challenges.
• Promoting Positive Change: Prayer encourages individuals to focus on becoming better versions of themselves and making conscious efforts to improve.
• Fostering Gratitude: Prayers of gratitude can shift perspectives, helping individuals appreciate life’s blessings and focus on positivity.

How can I ensure my prayers are answered?

While there is no guarantee that prayers will be answered in the way one expects, there are steps to increase spiritual alignment:

• Pray with Faith: Believe in the process and trust that you are being heard.
• Be Patient: Answers may come in ways you don’t anticipate or at times you don’t expect.
• Pray for Guidance: Sometimes, instead of asking for specific outcomes, ask for wisdom to handle whatever the future holds.
• Focus on Acceptance: Be open to receiving what is meant for you, even if it differs from your original intentions.
• Take Action: Prayer is often most effective when combined with practical efforts to achieve your goals.