400 Prayers for Preachers

Elliot Ritzema

Editor

Pastorum Series

Introduction

Prayer is simply talking with God. Prayers don’t have to be worded in a particular way; God doesn’t pay special attention to us if we use lofty language. We may be able to impress other people with immaculate prayers, but not God. In fact, Jesus warned His followers against praying in order to impress, either God or other people (Matt 6:5–7).

And yet sometimes we like to have help when we pray. At least since Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1), Christians have used fixed prayers. Prayers written by other people can give voice to what is going on in our own hearts, shifting us out of the ruts of language we sometimes fall into. They can also remind us that we are not alone, that we can learn from those who have walked with God before us. They can be useful for private devotions as well as public worship—not as a replacement for spontaneous prayers, but as an aid to them.

It is with public worship in mind that I have compiled this book, which is part of the Pastorum series of resources for pastors. It consists of prayers from across the centuries: from the Bible to the Venerable Bede, from Chrysostom to Calvin. With a few exceptions, they have been kept relatively short so they are more suitable for public reading. In each case, the source is given so readers can see the prayer in its original context. Archaic language—words like “thee,” “thou,” “beseech,” and “succor”—has been updated to help these prayers communicate to contemporary audiences. Those that have been changed from their original form include “Adapted from …” in their bibliographic citations. I have left the language intact in those prayers that are formatted as poetry, so as not to disturb the rhythm intended by the original author.

This book is intended to aid the preacher or worship planner who would like to incorporate a prayer into a worship service, but who does not have the time to comb through stacks of books for something suitable. Preachers and worship planners who are starting with a theme or Scripture will find it easy to find a related prayer quickly by searching through categories including Scripture, theme, and type: confession, intercession, petition, praise, or thanksgiving. Each prayer is accompanied by a slide that contains an excerpt, making it easy to share.

It is my hope that you will find these prayers inspiring and useful. May they give you and those with whom you share them a language to carry your own thoughts, thanksgivings, praises, and requests to God.

Elliot Ritzema

Prayers from the Bible

A Prayer for God to Throw down the Wicked

Psalm 10:1–2, 12, 16–18

Preaching Themes: Justice, Evil, Injustice

Prayer Type: Petition

Why, O Yahweh, do you stand far off?

Why do you hide during times of distress?

In arrogance the wicked persecutes the poor.

Rise up, O Yahweh;

O God, lift up your hand.

Do not forget the afflicted.

Yahweh is king forever and ever;

the nations ...