Are prayers for change biblical? Scripture shares how we are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV). We are called to confess our sins and pray for each other.
I prayed today... a prayer for change. The fact is, prayer is a part of my daily life. Every morning and every night, and all during the day, I pray. My prayers are not only for myself. When I go to God in prayer, the conversation draws me closer to Him. Praying for others reminds me to be humble and compassionate. I am comforted knowing God hears every prayer.
Is it Biblical to Pray for Change?
Are prayers for change biblical? Scripture shares how we are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV). We are called to confess our sins and pray for each other (James 5:16 NIV). In the book of Philippians, we are reminded not to be anxious about anything, but, in every situation, to pray. So, are we supposed to pray for a change? And what kind of change are we seeking?
When we put God first in our life, we know His answer will always be best. We may not receive the answer we pray for, but we know God is working His plan. Therefore, we keep praying, giving thanks for His love and mercy.
Whether we are praying for a change in our own thoughts and/or actions, or we are praying for a loved one, or perhaps a friend or stranger, prayer brings us closer to God.
Jesus prayed. Following His example, we pray.
What Should We Do When God Doesn’t Change Our Circumstances?
Have you ever prayed over and over and nothing changes? Have you wondered if God was listening? Yes, God was listening. As Christians, we know God always has an answer, even if it is not the answer we hope to find. If the prayer hasn’t been answered yet, remember sometimes God says “no,” “yes,” or “not yet.” Trusting in Him reminds us of the love He has for His children.
Frustration can set in when we keep praying and God doesn’t change our circumstances. When the words have been prayed and things haven’t changed, keep praying. God knows what is best for us.
Years ago, my husband Alan, and I, thought we should purchase a second home. A beautiful beach house. We traveled a few hours to the beach to search for properties. Each home we viewed had great features, but nothing felt like home. There were various issues with each property. We finally left to go back home, without purchasing the dream beach house.
Weeks later, Alan received news that his job was being eliminated. The Lord knew what we didn’t know. If we had purchased a beach house, we would not have been able to continue paying for the home. We thanked God for answering our prayers in the best way. His answer was “no” and we are thankful He didn’t answer the way we wanted.
God always knows what is best for us.
25 Prayers for Change
Father, thank You for hearing my prayers. I have prayed night and day about this situation.
Nothing has changed. There has been no answer. Help me to be patient and to remember Your answer is best. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Heavenly Father, tears have moistened my face too many times lately. I am asking You to please help me change my lifestyle. I want to honor You. I want to do the right thing. Help. Thank You for Your love. Amen.
God, help me change, even when the situation won’t change. Amen.
Abba, I need You. I need to change my attitude toward a certain person. Please soften my heart and help me change. Amen.
Lord, my life needs change. Job, house, and everything else. I need to change. Guide me in the way I should go. Thank You, Father. Amen.
Father, nothing is changing. I pray for illness to leave my body. Yet, I am filled with sickness. Please heal me, according to Your will. Please change my diagnosis from bad to good. Amen.
God, my friend needs a change. She prays and tells me that You aren’t answering. Help her to know Your answer may be “yes,” “no,” or “not yet.” In the name of Your Son Jesus, Amen.
Father, help me to have patience when things are not changing. Thank You. Amen.
Lord Almighty, nothing is changing with my finances. I work hard but can’t seem to get ahead. Help me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Dear Lord, I need You. Nothing in my life is changing. My worries increase every day. Guide me to rest in Your peace. Help me to lean on You and not myself. In the name of Your Son, Amen.
My Father, my love life is not changing. I haven’t found my one true love. Is this Your plan for me? I don’t know what to do. Am I supposed to live life alone? Help me to remember I am never truly alone because You are always with me. Thank You, Father. Amen.
Dear God, my loved one and I had an argument. Nothing has changed overnight. Harsh words and hurt feelings are still there. Please guide us to reconcile, if that is Your will. Help us both to forgive, as You forgive. In Your Name, Amen.
Father, I struggle with my weight. Every diet I have tried has failed. I know I need to take care of the body You gave me. Yet, I can’t seem to change. Help me make better food and exercise choices. Thank You, Father. Amen.
God, I need You. Things are tough at home. The situation hasn’t changed. You know what is happening. My prayers go unanswered. Help me to know Your timing is best. Help me to rely on You. Help me to know this struggle is temporary. My eternal home is with You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Heavenly Father, help me to understand when things in life don’t change like I want them to change. Give me patience and wisdom to wait for Your answer. Remind me to keep praying. In Your Name, Amen.
Dear Lord, Thank You for loving me. Thank you for guiding me through each moment. Help me to rest in You. Give me patience when situations don’t change. In the name of Your Son Jesus. Amen.
God Almighty, I love You. I need You. I need help to have patience when things don’t change. I want a different outlook on life, yet I’m stuck in sadness. Guide me to understand. Thank You. Amen.
Lord, I’ve waited for a broken relationship to be healed. My heart continues to hurt. The situation doesn’t change. Help me to move on and know that even if the relationship isn’t healed, my bond with You is never broken. You love me forever. I love You, Lord. Amen.
Dear God, In the stormy parts of life, when things won’t change, help me to rest in You. Help me, Lord, to know peace and comfort can be found in You. Amen.
Father, please guide me to remember Your love is forever. When situations in life don’t change, I may never know the answer to why there is no change. Remind me that Your plan is always best. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Almighty Father, Maker of Heaven and Earth, I come to You and ask for forgiveness. I have prayed for the situation with my prodigal to change. I have asked You to return the child home safely. Yet, the situation hasn’t changed. Guide me through these tough times. Help me to trust the plan You have for the child. Our family needs You. Amen.
God, I have prayed. I have shared my heart with You, yet nothing changes. Am I praying the wrong way? Is there a right way to pray? Help me, Father. Hold me in Your loving arms. Remind me to keep praying. Thank You, Father. Amen.
Dear Lord, even when situations won’t change, I will trust in You. The healing didn’t happen here on earth. My loved one is with You now. Although I mourn the loss of my loved one, I find comfort in knowing they are with You. Thank You, Father. I love You. Amen.
God, in the morning and the evening, I pray. Help me to rest in You and not try to “fix” things on my own. The situation isn’t changing quickly enough for me. I need patience. Thank You for loving me even when I struggle. Amen.
Lord, I love You. Forgive me for not understanding why things won’t change. I need You. Amen.
Pray. Pray without ceasing. God has a plan. He is waiting to share time with you. Thank Him for the love and mercy He provides every day. Thank Him for always listening and answering, even if His plan is different than what we hope.
We are never alone. God is with us forever.
Pray to Him.
Blessings and prayers,
Melissa Henderson
Photo credit: Milada Vigerova/Unsplash
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
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This article is part of our larger Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
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