Pocket Prayers: 40 Simple Prayers That Bring Peace and Rest

by Max Lucado, Andrea Lucado (With)

Overview

Do you ever get distracted when you pray? Do your thoughts zig, then zag, then zig again—your head swarming with all the things you need to do that day? If so, there is hope.

Max Lucado knows what it feels like to struggle with prayer. If you can relate, never fear! The sign-up sheet for Prayer 101 in the Bible contains some familiar apostles—the first followers of Jesus needed some prayer guidance too.

In this brief book, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado will help you direct your prayers to the Source of all hope and strength in Pocket Prayers, which contains 40 guided prayers and complementary scriptures for any situation.

This pass-along companion to Before Amen can serve as:

• a personal prayer book.
• an outreach tool for ministries and churches.
• or a simple encouragement for those who struggle to pray.

Today, let the conversation with God begin.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780718014056
Publisher:	Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date:	10/07/2014
Sold by:	HarperCollins Publishing
Format:	eBook
Pages:	64
Sales rank:	200,907
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Since entering the ministry in 1978, Max Lucado has served churches in Miami, Florida; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and San Antonio, Texas. He currently serves as the teaching minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He is the recipient of the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry and society at large. He is America's bestselling inspirational author with more than 150 million products in print.

Visit his website at MaxLucado.com

Facebook.com/MaxLucado

Instagram.com/MaxLucado

Twitter.com/MaxLucado

Youtube.com/MaxLucadoOfficial

The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast

Andrea Lucado is a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas. She is the author of English Lessons: The Crooked Path of Growing Toward Faith. Before taking on writing full time, she worked in the Christian publishing industry as a book publicist. She has a master’s degree in English literature from Oxford-Brookes University and contributes regularly to online and print publications such as Relevant magazine and She Reads Truth. When she is not conducting interviews or writing stories, you can find her laughing with friends at a coffee shop or running in the Texas hill country. 

Read an Excerpt

Pocket Prayers

40 Simple Prayers that Bring Peace and Rest

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By Max Lucado, Andrea Lucado

Thomas Nelson

Copyright © 2014 Max Lucado
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7180-1405-6

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CHAPTER 1

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."

Romans 8:15

Father, you have made me your child through your Spirit. In your kindness you adopted me and delivered me from sin and death.

Remind me today what it means to be your child and to be free from that law. It is so easy for me to live my day on my own terms. Help me to live it in light of your grace.

I pray for my friends and family. Help them experience your love as their father and feel their inheritance in your spirit.

Thank you for accepting me as I am but not leaving me the same.

In Jesus' name, amen.

CHAPTER 2

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"

Galatians 4:6

Abba, thank you for sending a helper to direct my steps. You know everything and will guide me in your will.

Help me to know your will. Keep me on the path you have set for me. Give me the desire to stay true to that path, and forgive me for the times I have already strayed from you.

Be with my friends and family who are at a crossroads and don't know what to do next. May your spirit guide them and make the best decision clear.

Thank you for caring about the details of my life, for not believing any request is too small.

I pray this in Jesus' name, amen.

CHAPTER 3

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:9–10

Father, you are above all, know all, and see all. Yet you hear me as if I am your only creation.

May I not view you as a distant father, but as one who has come to earth and understands the challenges and temptations of my life. Be near me today and whisper reminders that you are close and holding me as your child.

My friends need you today as they make difficult decisions in their workplaces and within their families. Would you show them that you are closer than even their earthly fathers?

Thank you for hearing me and listening to my pleas.

It's in Jesus' name I pray this, amen.

CHAPTER 4

Yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

1 Corinthians 8:6

God, you are my father who gives all good things. I have life because of you, and there is no one like you.

I ask that you would deepen that truth in my heart today. Point out my idols and the things I worship apart from you, that I would remember you alone are my God.

Give my friends and loved ones freedom from their idols as well so they can fully enjoy being part of your family. Help them know that you are their only creator and nothing on this earth has ownership of them.

Thank you for loving us, your creation, even when we go astray.

In Jesus' name, amen.

CHAPTER 5

A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation. God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity.

Psalm 68:5–6

Dear God, you are the Father to the fatherless. You provide for those without a family and defend the weak as their own father would.

Today I feel defenseless. When I feel attacked, would you remind me that you protect me? Would you be my father and defender today?

Please defend those who are weak and afraid and feel forgotten. Show up in their lives today and remind them that they are your children and you are their heavenly Father.

Thank you for giving me a spiritual family that can never be taken away.

I pray this in the name of Jesus, amen.

CHAPTER 6

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Everlasting father, you are the mighty God. You sent your Son and performed the final sacrifice, and you deserve all of our praise.

I need your help today. I am a sinner and am feeling the weight of my sin. Show me what your Son's birth means for me in this moment.

Give grace to those who have not accepted your Son and do not know the freedom he gives. Let them see that you are their loving Father.

Thank you for loving me not just yesterday or today but always, no matter the depth of my sin. I am grateful.

In your Son's precious name, amen.

CHAPTER 7

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He teaches sinners in the way. The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way.

Psalm 25:8–9

Dear father, you are good. Your ways are perfect and above my own. You deserve my full obedience and my worship. You are my teacher and authority because of your goodness.

Humble me today when I choose my way over yours. Use my prideful moments as an opportunity to teach me and redirect me.

Show my friends that your goodness is more important than their desires. Provide them with encouragement to seek your good and upright way.

Thank you for your constant instruction and concern for each step of my life.

In the name of Jesus I pray these things, amen.

CHAPTER 8

For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

Psalm 86:4–5

God, you are abounding in forgiveness and mercy and goodness I cannot understand in this life. I worship you with my heart and soul.

As I sit in regret and guilt over past sin, remind me of your forgiveness. Please let me feel your mercy. Fill me with it so I can give it to others I encounter today.

Walk closely with my family so they can know your grace. Lift their burdens and point their faces toward you.

I give you thanks for the grace I do not deserve and your mercies, which are new every morning.

In Christ's name, amen.

CHAPTER 9

Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Hebrews 1:3–4

Father, you created all things simply with your words. One word from you and your power is evident. I am amazed by you.

I need your power in my life, God. I face impossible circumstances and am desperate for a miracle. Would you show me your power in my life today?

God, for those who have a small view of you, show them how mighty and enormous you actually are. Help them to find comfort in that knowledge.

Thank you for sending your Son, who has made our relationship with you possible.

It's in the all-powerful name of Jesus that I pray, amen.

CHAPTER 10

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.

Psalm 34:8

Merciful father, I see that you are good. I fear you and am humbled when I look toward your face. You bless me when I don't deserve it.

Lord, I often feel far from you. Bring me close and remind me what it's like to be in close relationship with you.

Would you be with all those who are lonely right now? Surround them with a loving community and fulfill all their needs.

Thank you that I don't need anything when I am in you.

In the name of Jesus, amen.

CHAPTER 11

"For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.'"

Isaiah 46:9–10

God above, there is no one like you. You are the one, true God. The only God that I worship, the Alpha and Omega.

I need to know that you have gone before me. I see no solution for the problems I'm facing. Remind me that you are not perplexed by the struggles I face so that I may be comforted by your all-knowing power.

Be near to my family and friends who are suffering. Their pain is paralyzing, but you are greater than anything they face.

Thank you for your perfect will. May it be done in my life as I seek you.

In your name alone, amen.

CHAPTER 12

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

James 1:17

Dear Father, your blessings are perfect. All that you give is good. From creation to the end, your gifts bring life to this earth.

Teach me to accept what you've given. I may not always understand circumstances, but show me how they are blessings and give me gratitude for all of your gifts.

Rain your blessings on my friends and family today. Give them hope whatever they face. May they recognize that the good and perfect gifts are from you.

Thank you that your blessings never end. You give them to us at unexpected times.

In Jesus' name, amen.

CHAPTER 13

"O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant."

2 Samuel 7:28

Almighty God, you speak and it is done. Your words are true. They are powerful and they bring life.

Would you give me a desire for your words? Sometimes I feel anxious but do not turn to scripture. I am fearful yet forget to ask you for protection. I am weak but reluctant to ask you for strength. Renew my desire for your constant help and remind me to return to your Word.

Make your word close to my friends in need today. Please bring to their minds the words they need for encouragement and direction.

Thank you that the Bible is all I need. Thank you for giving it to us as a gift and a guide. May I never take that for granted.

In your name I pray this, amen.

CHAPTER 14

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6–7

Dear Father, you are the Prince of Peace and the great I Am. You are my helper and my redeemer.

I need your help today. I am weak and frail and tired. Give me the strength to get through just this day and the desire to work as if I am doing it all for your glory.

Help those who are carrying especially heavy burdens right now. They need your power and peace that goes beyond our understanding.

I am so grateful that I can come to you and present my requests at any time. Thank you for giving me peace and rest even in the hard times.

In the name of the Prince of Peace, I pray, amen.

CHAPTER 15

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6–7

Dear God, you are above all and worthy is your name.

I humbly come before you, confessing that I am a sinner. What I have done deserves justice and not grace, but I need to feel your grace today. I need your forgiveness. Would you replace the guilt, replace the shame I feel?

Be near to my friends and family who have secret shame they are afraid to reveal. May you give them a trusted friend and confidant and a sense of your forgiveness in their lives.

Thank you for taking our cares and burdens upon yourself. Thank you for promising to always care for each of us.

In Jesus' name, amen.

CHAPTER 16

They said to Him, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened." So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.

Matthew 20:33–34

Father, you are the Healer and Miracle Maker. You can give sight to the blind and a voice to the voiceless.

Would you heal my body? I am in pain and need the healing only you can give. Give me an optimistic outlook despite my weaknesses.

For my family, please bring them miraculous healing in body and mind. Strengthen their faith and encourage them.

I thank you that you always hear my cries for help.

I pray this in the name of the great Healer, amen.

CHAPTER 17

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24

Dear God, your faithfulness is sure and steady. Your being is whole and complete.

When I feel incomplete, like there are holes in me, I try and fill them with things that are not of you. But you have called me to something greater. Show me what that is and allow me to find fulfillment in you.

Protect my friends' hearts who have been in destructive relationships. They feel broken and frightened. Mend their wounds and give them peace.

I give thanks for your faithfulness. It is my rock. When everything feels shaky like sand, thank you for being solid.

In Jesus' name, amen.

CHAPTER 18

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

Father God, you redeem me from my sin.

You have taken it far away from me. You are perfect love.

Help me as I search to find worth. I feel so unworthy of love at times, and I need your help to discover where my true worth is.

Be strength for my friends who don't believe their sin is taken care of and are walking around with unnecessary weight on their shoulders.

How can I thank you for your sacrifice? How can I express my gratitude for my freedom? My words don't seem enough, but I thank you that you've healed and rescued me.

It's in Jesus' name I pray, amen.

CHAPTER 19

"Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!" You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.

Psalm 30:10–11

Father, you're a God of reconciliation and redemption. You are capable of more than I could ever ask or imagine.

Would you be my helper today? Turn my sadness into joy. It's so easy to stay in the depths of sadness and self-pity, but draw me out of the darkness.

Please protect my family and comfort their hearts. Show them what joy is.

Thank you that you want only the very best for us and won't leave us alone in our misery.

In Christ's name, amen.

CHAPTER 20

Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 61:1–2

Father in heaven, you are the God of King David and my God too. You reign forever and over everything.

Bring me peace when I am overwhelmed. I don't know how I can accomplish all of the things I need to get done. Light my path and show me the activities and obligations I can say no to. Help me release the burdens that preoccupy my mind and keep you at bay. Come near.

God, please hear the cries of those who feel overwhelmed as they serve you. Many of them don't feel your presence right now in their lives. Remind them of your faithfulness.

Thank you for your nearness and consistency. Thank you for hearing my cries no matter where I am.

In Jesus' name, amen.

CHAPTER 21

Your sun shall no longer go down, nor shall your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended.

Isaiah 60:20

Father, you have the power to control the sun and the moon. You are the everlasting light.

Help me to see a light at the end of my tunnel. Sometimes I can barely remember what light looks like or what it feels like to have simple joy. Help me to focus on you even in the darkness.

Support my friends as they suffer losses like miscarriages, death, and illness. When these trials plague those I love, I feel so helpless. Would you show off your light in their lives?

Thank you, God, that you are our rock and healer and that you will bring our mourning to an end.

In the name of the everlasting Light, amen.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Pocket Prayers by Max Lucado, Andrea Lucado. Copyright © 2014 Max Lucado. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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