Family Prayer Scriptures: Best Bible Verses to Pray

I always imagined that family life would include snuggling up around the Bible, reading God’s Word, and praying together on a regular basis. Yet it took time and intentional steps to learn to pray as a family or have a family Bible study. Discover how using family prayer Scriptures and a list of Scriptures to pray can help you start (or revive) your personal and family prayer time.

The Impact of Using Family Prayer Scriptures and Praying as a Family

There are so many amazing benefits of prayer! From direct communication with God to a lifeline in a time of need, prayer is one of the best ways to help you get to know the heart of God.

Using family prayer Scriptures can have meaningful benefits in both your personal prayer life and on your family’s prayer time, too. By starting a family prayer time, you are teaching your children the importance of drawing near to their Heavenly Father.

Let’s unpack the benefits of using these Scripture prayer points below.

Family relationships

As a someone who makes regular morning prayer a priority, even I was surprised the impact it had on our family unity.

Praying for my family allows me to surrender my entire family to the Lord and trust Him with the outcome. I am free to just be a mom who fights the battles of this life on her knees, without having to worry about controlling her family members. (Whew!)

Also, praying as a family allows us to create a safe space to share our hearts together. It’s there where we bring big and small issues to the Lord and learn to trust them all into His mighty hands.

Humility

Through praying Scripture, I’ve learned to humbly surrender my concerns, family, and struggles to God’s boundless wisdom. My relationship with God is my source of strength, which keeps me rooted in His promises and standing steadfast in faith.

Humbling myself before God reminds me that He’s in control and I’m not. This fosters an eternal perspective, which keeps God as the cornerstone of my life.

Stand firm on the Word of God in hard times

Prayer is a lifeline to God and can be a place of comfort during difficult times. It’s so meaningful for children to watch their parents praying a powerful prayer during a season of suffering.

Walking through hardship, children learn God’s faithfulness and how to pray without ceasing and how to pray about everything. In our family, nothing is too big or small to pray about. We’ve prayed about lost animals, cuts and bruises, and keeping the night terrors away.

Children need to learn early that prayer is a cornerstone for a relationship with God and that God wants us to surrender all our burdens to Him (no matter how small!)

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Family Prayer Scriptures for Spiritual Growth

Whether you’re a regular at praying Scripture or just getting started, these character building family prayer Scriptures are the perfect place to start praying God’s Word.

Discover how praying these family Bible verses will help you pray for your family and close friends with renewed passion. The time is now to be a prayer warrior for those you love most!

Scripture prayers for salvation

There is nothing more important to pray than for the salvation of all our family members! It’s one of my greatest prayers that my children and unsaved relatives will understand the depths of God’s love for them and discover salvation in Jesus. This is the #1 prayer on my prayer list, always!

Scripture to pray

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Prayer

Merciful Father, I earnestly pray for the salvation of my family, professing the hope found in John 3:16. Open their eyes and hearts to accept the precious gift of salvation through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. May our lives be filled with the truth of the Gospel, bringing forth redemption and the promise of eternal life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Scripture prayer to love the Lord

After salvation, another urgent prayer on my list is for my family to love the Lord wholeheartedly. I pray that each member never stops loving God, pursuing Him, and makes Him the cornerstone of their life. May the love of God overflow into their daily lives and actions.

Scripture to pray

Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:37-38

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I lift my family before You, praying that their hearts may be filled with love for You, as in Matthew 22:37-38. May our hearts be wholly devoted to You, recognizing Your ultimate authority in our lives. Grant each family member a deep love for You that surpasses all else. May this help us prioritize You above all things. May our lives be a testament to the joy found in putting You first. In the name of Jesus, I pray for a love that binds our family to You, shaping every aspect of our lives. Amen.

Scripture prayers to love Scripture

Studying the Bible is a powerful way to get to know the heart of God and to understand the instruction of the Lord. It’s a lifeline in difficult times and a lamp unto our feet. As someone who loves to read the Bible, I pray each of my family members would also discover the richness of a life that makes Scripture reading a priority.

Scripture

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Psalm 19:7-8

Prayer

Father God, I bring my family before You, praying that we may fall deeply in love with Your Word, as in Psalm 19:7-8. May Scripture captivate our hearts, becoming a source of joy and wisdom. Instill in us a hunger for studying Your Word, that we may find delight and guidance in its pages. Let the profound truths and promises shape our lives, drawing us closer to You each day. May our family be rooted in the richness of Your Word, growing in love for the Scriptures and in knowledge of Your perfect ways. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Scripture prayer to seek the Lord

When life is busy and hectic, it may feel easy to skip your time with God. However, pray that you (and your family, too!) continue to put God first and make Him a priority, even when life is busy.

Scripture to pray

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I lift my family to You, praying that we may seek You first and desire Your presence above all else, as Matthew 6:33 guides us. May our hearts be aligned to Your will, seeking Your kingdom and righteousness before things of this world. Instill in us a passion for Your presence and may we reflect the priorities of Your eternal kingdom. In the name of Jesus, I pray for a steadfast commitment to seek the Lord above all things. Amen.

Scripture prayer for wisdom

Pray for your family to press into the Lord for wisdom and to seek the guidance of the Lord in all you do. May this Scripture remind you that wisdom, guidance, and direction come from the Lord. There’s no better place to find your next steps than by seeking God’s face.

Scripture to pray

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I bow before You, seeking Your perfect wisdom for my family. Your Word in Proverbs 9:10 reminds us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. May Your fear dwell in our hearts, guiding our thoughts, words, and actions. Grant us discernment to make wise choices and to walk in Your ways. Bless our family with the understanding that true wisdom comes from You alone. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Scripture prayers for joy 

Following the ways of the Lord is the key to living with joy in a fallen world. Pray that your family would seek His ways and experience the true, radiant joy that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus.

Scripture to pray

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 19:8

Prayer

Gracious Father, I lay my family before You, seeking the joy that comes from a life rooted in your promises. According to Psalm 19:8, Your commandments bring joy to the heart. May our lives be filled with true joy as we seek your face and live your truth. Help us to keep your Word as a constant source of delight, directing our paths. May our family discover true joy in Your presence, and may the joy of the Lord strengthen us. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Scripture prayers for guidance 

Pray that your family would surrender to God’s guidance, having a teachable spirit in order to accept correction. Also pray that they would place their hope in the Lord and follow God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense.

Scripture to pray

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:5

Prayer

Dear God, I humbly come before You, placing my family in Your loving hands. As Psalm 25:5 states, lead us in Your truth and teach us, for You are the God of our salvation. Guide our steps, O Lord, and illuminate the path ahead. Grant us wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to follow where You lead. May Your unfailing love and faithfulness surround us, shaping our decisions and actions. We surrender to Your guidance, trusting that Your ways are perfect. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Scripture prayer for following God’s will

Pray for your children (and family) to follow God’s will in their lives. Even when it’s painful, may your family trust God’s purpose for your life and step confidently where He leads you.

Scripture to pray

I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I lift my family before You, praying that we may long to do Your perfect will, as Psalm 40:8 encourages. Imprint Your teachings on our hearts, guiding our thoughts, decisions, and actions. Cultivate within us a desire to walk in obedience to Your perfect plan. Grant us discernment to recognize Your will and the courage to follow it joyfully. In all seasons of life, may our family stand firm in seeking and finding joy in Your sovereign guidance. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Scripture prayer for trusting God

Trusting God is essential for all believers, yet it can feel overwhelming when we’re walking through a season of hardship. Use this short prayer to pray for your family to trust and follow God, no matter where He leads.

Scripture 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I lift my family to You, praying for complete trust in Your guidance, as Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches. May we lean not on our understanding but wholeheartedly on Your wisdom. Grant us the faith to follow Your path with confidence, acknowledging Your sovereignty in every step. As we surrender our plans, align our hearts with Your purpose. In times of uncertainty, may our family find peace in the assurance that You direct our way. In Jesus’ name, I trust and pray. Amen.

Scripture prayers for victory in Christ over strongholds

When we’re surrounded by struggles and sin that weigh us down, it may feel like there’s no hope of escape. Yet Scripture reminds us that the Lord has already defeated the enemy and the victory is already His! In your daily prayer time, pray the Lord will arm you with strength and help you find victory over strongholds once and for all.

Scripture

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

Prayer

O God, I lift my family in prayer, seeking the strength to stand firm on the victory won through Christ, as 1 Corinthians 15:57 proclaims. Grant us the power to overcome any strongholds in our lives. May the spirit of Your Son be our shield and refuge in times of struggle. Let the victory of Jesus empower us to face challenges with unwavering faith. In His name, we declare triumph over every obstacle. May Christ’s unconditional love be our source of strength for breaking the chains of our struggles. Amen.

Family Prayer Scriptures for Protection

Scripture Prayer for physical protection

Pray that your family would have divine protection and that no harm would come to any family member. Also pray for their desire to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and to trust God for strength in hardship.

Scripture

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Prayer

Gracious God, I lift my family into Your embrace and trust your protection over them. May we dwell in the shelter of the Most High, as Psalm 91:1 encourages. Lord, may Your strength guard and protect us. Please guard us from unseen dangers and shield us from harm. Let Your presence be a fortress around us, reassuring our hearts and may we find refuge in You. I trust in Your faithfulness, O Lord, and declare Your promises over my family. In Your mighty name, I pray. Amen.

Scripture Prayer against temptation

Pray that your family would have a shield of protection against temptation, and they would always be on guard against the ploys of the evil one. May your family learn to stand firm on God’s promises and refute temptation with God’s Word.

Scripture

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray 1 Corinthians 16:13 over my family and seek your strength during temptation. Grant us the courage to stand firmly grounded in our faith, anchored in Your Word. I pray each family will daily put on the armor of God as a a way to resist temptation. May we be on guard against the ploys of the enemy and may our be steps guided by the Holy Spirit. Strengthen our commitment to honor You in all areas of our life. May our family stand steadfast in Christ, empowered by His amazing grace. Amen.

Family Prayer Scriptures for Provision

Scripture prayer for financial provision

When times are lean and money is tight, lay your worries at the foot of the cross. Trust God to provide for your needs, even if it’s not the way you would have chosen.  The Almighty Father is working in ways beyond our comprehension.

Scripture 

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”  Matthew 6:31-32

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray Matthew 6:31-32 over our family’s financial needs. You are our provider, and we trust in Your promise to meet our needs. May our hearts be free from anxiety as we seek first Your kingdom, trusting that You know our needs. Grant us wisdom in stewarding our resources for your honor and glory. Your faithfulness surpasses any worry, and we trust you to provide according to your will. Thank You for being our provider and sustainer. In Jesus’ name, we pray for Your continued provision. Amen.

Scripture prayer for strength

Strength can often be portrayed as something that you do in your own power. However, this isn’t the case for believers. Those who put their faith in Jesus know that He is their true source of strength. Pray that your family would take refuge in the Lord and find all their strength in Him.

Scripture

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging You as our rock and fortress, as Psalm 18:2 declares. In moments of weakness, be our strength, O Lord. Uphold my family with Your mighty hand and empower us with Your unwavering strength. In times of hardship, may we find refuge in Your presence. Strengthen our faith and resolve, that we may face each day with courage, as we trust Your sovereignty. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Scripture prayers for peace

Do you long for your family to be filled with the peace of God? These Scriptures to pray are a perfect way to invite the peace of the Lord to fill your heart and home.

Scripture

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I lift my family to You, seeking the peace that Isaiah 26:3 promises. Let Your perfect peace reign over our hearts and minds, as we learn to rest in your perfect peace. In the midst of life’s uncertainties, may Your presence be our steady refuge. Guard our thoughts with the peace that comes from knowing You are in control. We surrender our burdens to you and embrace the peace that surpasses understanding. May our family dwell securely in Your unfailing love, finding rest and solace in the shadow of Your wings. In Jesus’ name, I pray for the enduring peace of God to wash over us all. Amen.

Family Prayer Scriptures for Godly Character

A prayer point that I consistently pray over my family is for us to live with godly character. May we shine the love of Jesus and live with character that show we’ve been redeemed. These family prayer Scriptures for godly character are a perfect place to start.

Scripture prayer for stewardship

Each person has been given blessings and talents from the Lord. Pray that each member of your family would recognize their gifts and use them to do good to others and glorify God. Also, may your family steward the resources God has blessed you with so you can spread the Good News of the Gospel. May you learn to be generous as a family and steward your lives for the glory of God.

Scripture

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

Prayer

Gracious Father, I lift my family before You, praying that we may be faithful stewards of our lives and resources, as guided by 1 Peter 4:10. May we use our God-given gifts for the glory of Your name. Grant us wisdom to manage our blessings wisely and compassionately. Let our actions reflect Your love, and may our stewardship be a testimony to Your grace. Fill our hearts with joy as we serve You and others with what You have entrusted to us. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Scripture prayer for honesty

Pray that your family would be a family of truth speakers. Even when it’s hard, may your family have the courage to speak the truth in love.

Scripture

​Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:25

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before You, praying for my family to embrace honesty in both big and small situations. Let truth be the foundation of our home, fostering trust and open communication. May our words and actions reflect the character that comes from following Your Word. Help us to walk in the light of Your truth, recognizing that honesty is a reflection of Your character. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Scripture prayer for obedience

I pray daily for my children to obey our household rules, as well as commands of God. May they grow to respect and obey authority, even when they don’t want to.

Scripture

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:10-11

Prayer

Dear Jesus, may my family honor You with every aspect of our lives. Guide us to obey Your will faithfully, seeking Your wisdom and strength in all we do. Empower my family to obey You with a joyful heart and see your commands as freedom, not restrictions. Lead us in every aspect of life, guiding our steps and strengthening our faith. May our obedience reflect Your glory and point others to your truth. Amen.

Scripture prayer for purity

As a Christian mom, I long for my family to be filled with God’s goodness and pure in all areas of their lives. Yet I know the enemy is on the prowl, ready to see us stumble and fall. This Scripture to pray for your family’s purity is a great place to start standing firm against the enemy’s schemes.

Scripture

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Prayer

Lord, purify my family’s thoughts, words, and deeds. May our minds be filled with your goodness, our speech be gracious, and our actions be honorable. Lead us to walk in Your righteousness, reflecting Your holiness as we live out our daily lives. Let our example shine brightly, drawing others to Your love and grace. Amen.

Scripture prayer for self-control

Learning to be self-controlled and disciplined is not an easy feat. Yet the Lord promises to give us strength and the ability to control ourselves with His help. Use this simple Scripture prayer to help you rely on God to stand firm and live with self-control that comes from Him.

Scripture

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ^​gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ^​And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24

Prayer

Heavenly Father, instill in my family the gift of self-control as Your children. Help us rely on Your strength to discipline our minds, bodies, and spirits. Guide us in making wise choices and resisting temptations. May our lives reflect the fruit of Your Spirit, bringing honor to Your name. Amen.

Scripture prayer to honor God

Pray that your family would honor the Lord through their God-given talents and abilities. May they seek to do what is right and follow God’s commands in all areas of their life.

Scripture

If it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach. Romans 12:7

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I bring my family before You, praying that each one may honor You with their lives, as in Romans 12:7. Grant us the wisdom to recognize and use the gifts You’ve given us. May our actions and decisions reflect Your glory and love. Let our lives be a testament to Your power at work within us. Guide us in sincere and dedicated service to You and others. May our family shine as a witness to Your grace, drawing others toward Your love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Scripture prayer for servanthood

Pray that your family would have a heart to serve, but first and foremost for the Lord. Together may you seek to serve others in Jesus name and love others as Jesus. In that service, may you seek the approval of the Most High and not people.

Scripture to pray

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people. Ephesians 6:7

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I lift my family to You, seeking willing and eager hearts to serve others with joy. May the love of Christ help us to selflessly give of ourselves in Your name. Grant us the strength to serve with gladness, reflecting Your light to those around us. May our actions be a testament to Your grace and kindness. In every act of service, may the joy of the Lord be our strength, filling our hearts as we seek to honor and glorify You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

These acts of service for the whole family are a great place to start serving as a family!

Family Prayer Scriptures for relationships

Praying together as a family and for your family members is a powerful way to strengthen the family bond. May these Scriptures to pray over your family relationships help you remain unified in Christ.

Scripture prayer for unity

A strong and unified family starts with being unified in Christ. Pray that your family would love one another with a godly and brotherly love. May your daily prayer be for each of you freely give the love of Jesus to those in your family and in the outside world.

Scripture to pray

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I humbly lift my family before You, praying for us to be unified according to John 13:34-35. May Your love bind us together, reflecting the love Christ has lavished upon us. Let our home be a place of compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. Grant us the strength to bear with one another in grace. In our unity, may the world witness the power of Christ’s love in action. Lord, unite us in purpose, faith, and affection, so that our family radiates the love that points others to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Scripture prayer to guard your heart

The evil one is on the prowl and ready to trap us in sin. Pray that your family would know God’s truth and use it to guard their hearts and minds. Only then can we stand firm in faith and recognize the lies from the enemy!

Scripture to pray

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Prayer

Gracious Father, I lift up my family you and seek the peace promised in Philippians 4:7. May we cling to Your promises and truth as a way to overcome anxiety.  Grant us the ability to pause and pray in anxious moments. May your peace that surpasses understanding permeate our heart and may we take refuge in Your perfect presence. I trust in Your unfailing love and faithfulness, Lord. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Your next steps to using the family prayer Scriptures 

Ready to put these powerful family prayer Scriptures into action? This free family prayer Scripture printable will help you get started.

1. First, download and/or print the free Scripture prayer printable.

2. Then, choose one verse and prayer prompt to use as a springboard in your prayer time. Remember, it’s not about praying perfectly or repeating a certain prayer. These prayers are just the beginning and the Holy Spirit will guide you.

3. Consider praying over your child’s room or adding his/her name to the prayer prompts to personalize it.

4. Or, use these in your family prayer time as you pray for and encourage each other in Christ.

If you’re struggling to have a family prayer time, let the Family Bible Study Toolkit show you how to grow in faith together. Use this bundle of Bible study tools for families help you read God’s Word, apply God’s Word, and pray God’s Word as a family. It’s a simple way to grow in faith together (even as a beginner!)

This toolkit will help you guide your children toward a firm foundation in faith without feeling overwhelmed. Turn your family time into a prayer time in an easy and practical way!

​Praying Scripture over your family is a meaningful way to lift them up in prayer. It will strengthen your faith as you lay your loved ones at the feet of Jesus. No matter how old they are, may we never stop praying for our family!

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