A PRAYER FOR EVERY NEED

CONTENTS 

INTRODUCTION 

PRAYERS FOR THE DAY 

PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES 

PRAYERS FOR RELATIONSHIPS 

PRAYERS WHEN TRAVELING 

PRAYER FOR PROTECTION 

PRAYERS FOR HEALING 

PRAYER IN CRISIS 

PRAYERS FOR SPIRITUAL NEEDS 

FLASH PRAYERS 

GRACE AT MEALS 

INTRODUCTION 

Prayer for Every Need pays tribute to my mother, A Ruth Stafford Peale, who dedicated her life to 

helping people find faith in God and faith in themselves. 

For more than 60 years, Mother was the inspiration behind 

one of America’s great inspirers, her husband, Dr. Norman 

Vincent Peale, author of The Power of Positive Thinking 

and senior minister at the historic Marble Collegiate 

Church in New York City. 

In 1932 it was mother who helped Dad, then a young 

minister with only a few years’ experience, decide to move 

to New York to lead Marble Collegiate Church. In 1940 

she and Dad founded the Peale Center for Christian Living, 

an outreach organization devoted to helping people in need. 

Five years later, the two founded Guideposts magazine, 

which continues to bring true stories of hope and 

inspiration to millions around the world. 

The prayers in this booklet are some of the many Dad 

used in sermons he delivered at Marble Collegiate Church. 

“Pray without ceasing,” the apostle Paul said. In prayer, 

we draw close to God and provide an opening for Him to 

enter our lives with healing, wisdom and blessing. As we 

honor my mother, Ruth Stafford Peale, with this book, 

keep in mind that there is a prayer for every need. Even 

yours. 

God bless and guide you always, 

Elizabeth Peale Allen 

Chairman of the Board 

PRAYERS FOR THE DAY 

At the Start of the Day 

Dear Lord, thank you for the night’s rest you gave me. 

I am grateful for the renewed energy and enthusiasm 

it has brought. Accept my gratitude for bringing me to the 

beginning of this new day. I accept it as a precious gift 

from you. May I use it minute by minute to do your will. 

Guide me in every problem I face, every decision I make 

this day. Help me to treat everyone kindly, fairly and 

thoughtfully. If I should forget you during this day, please 

do not forget me. Amen. 

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be 

glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) 

For Energy 

Dear Lord, I need more energy and strength. Change 

my thoughts to be in harmony with your divine 

power. Keep me in close contact with you, the source of 

energy that never runs down. I accept this great new energy 

now and give you thanks. Amen. 

They will soar on wings as eagles; they will run and not 

grow weary. (Isaiah 40:31) 

When Worried 

Heavenly Father, I’m worried and full of fear. I have 

tried to reassure myself, but it doesn’t help. Touch me 

with your peace and help my disturbed mind know that, 

with you, I need fear no evil. Amen. 

Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is 

stayed on thee. (Isaiah 26:3) 

For Guidance 

od, this world’s problems are so complicated that I Gcannot make my way without your guidance. Quicken 

my mind and deepen my understanding. Help me hear your 

voice and heed your advice. Keep me walking along the 

path behind you. Amen. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on 

your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) 

When Making a Difficult Decision 

Dear Lord, the decision I have to make will affect my 

life profoundly, and that makes me tense. Calm my 

mind. Show me what to do and how to do it. Help me listen 

for your answer and know the answer when it comes. 

Above all, help me know that it will come. In Jesus’ name. 

Amen. 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in 

trouble. (Psalm 46:1) 

For God’s Power 

God, help me to know that nothing can defeat me if I keep myself humbly in contact with you. Grant me 

the greatness of soul to confront my problems intelligently 

and courageously. For this I thank you. Amen. 

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to 

become the sons of God. (John 1:12) 

At the End of the Day 

Heavenly Father, I close this day with thoughts of you. 

All day long, you have watched over me. Forgive the 

sins I committed today. Give me insight and understanding 

so that I will not commit them again. Watch over me and 

give me a good night’s rest. Give your angels charge over 

all of us this night and every night as long as our lives shall 

last. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie 

down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24) 

When You Miss Someone 

God, my loved ones are far away. I miss them so much.I’m lonely. Keep them safe and help them know

 I am 

thinking of them now. Thank you for the gift of loving 

relationships. Bring my loved ones home and make our 

reunion joyous. Amen. 

I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a 

good courage. (Joshua 1:5-6) 

When You Are Far from Home 

Dear Lord, I am far from home and I miss everyone 

and everything. I think about my children and wish 

I could tuck them in at night. 

I miss my spouse, my family and our special times. I 

miss all the little things I usually take for granted. Help this 

time pass quickly. Bless those I love. Help them know they 

are always in my thoughts and prayers. And bring me 

home safely. Amen. 

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. 

(Genesis 28:15) 

PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES 

When Family Relationships AreTroubled 

God, help us to see the good in those who make us so unhappy. Help us to be as generous as you are. 

Replace hostility with love and understanding. Help us 

search our hearts and be honest about our faults. Give us 

the happiness that families are meant to know. Amen. 

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. (John 

14:27) 

When There Are Problems at Work 

Lord, there is trouble at my work. Please give me the 

skill, tact and courage to fix it. Help me be an example 

and a resource to my boss and colleagues. Banish my fears 

and replace them with trust in you. Help me remember that 

all jobs, no matter how humble, are a calling from you, an 

opportunity to practice following your ways and making 

your presence known. Thank you for the gift of work. Help 

me use it wisely. Amen. 

Commit your way to the Lord; and trust also in him, and 

he shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:5) 

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When in Grief 

Heavenly Father, you know how deep my grief is. I 

long for the touch of a hand, the sound of a voice that 

is stilled. You are merciful and kind. You will comfort my 

wounded heart. Wipe the tears from my eyes. Thank you 

for understanding so well our poor human hearts and for 

letting us lean on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. 

(Revelation 7:16-17) 

When in Financial Trouble 

od, help us straighten out our financial problems. We Ghaven’t been good stewards of our money. Give us a 

new attitude and a new commitment to managing our 

finances wisely and responsibly. If our problems are 

beyond our repair, help us find a way, your way, to meet 

our obligations. We place this need before you, knowing 

that you will guide us to a good solution. Amen. 

But my God shall supply all your needs according to his 

riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19) 

When Children Misbehave 

od, I love my children but they are driving me toGdistraction. I’m losing control. I need help. I realize I 

can never direct them in their young lives until I live my 

own life with integrity. Give me the strength and wisdom 

to be a good example. Replace my anger and shouting with 

patience, trust and a sense of humor. Help me see their 

restless energy as a sign of vitality and a part of their 

development. Even when I am tired and upset, help me find 

joy with them. Help me remember that children are a gift 

from you, an opportunity to learn wisdom, discipline and 

true, selfless love. Thank you for that gift. Please don’t let 

it get me down. Amen. 

Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither 

be thou dismayed. (Joshua 1:9) 

When Husband and Wife Are Fighting 

Lord, help us to remember when we first met and the 

strong love that grew between us. At some point, we 

stopped putting you at the center of our relationship, and 

our love faltered. Help us to restore our marriage by 

turning to you. Harmonize our misunderstandings and 

show us the good in one another. Make us mindful of our 

tongues, controlling the unkind remark and the sharp retort. 

Help us instead say kind and loving things and ask 

forgiveness of one another. We put our marriage into your 

hands, God. Please heal it. All this we ask in the name of 

your Son, Jesus. Amen. 

And the most important piece of clothing you must wear 

is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect 

harmony. (Colossians 3:14) 

For Someone Who Doesn't Like Me 

God, there is a person in my life who doesn't like me. Or so it seems. If there is something I am doing to rub 

that person the wrong way, please help me recognize it and 

stop. Help me see myself as they see me, and give me the 

strength and humility to change the things that offend 

them. Establish a good spirit between us. I want a loving 

relationship with this person. Help me do what it takes to 

achieve that. Amen. 

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one 

another above yourselves.(Romans 12:10) 

PRAYERS FOR 

RELATIONSHIPS 

When You Feel Resentful 

God, I am feeling resentful. Maybe there are good 

reasons for my resentment. Maybe there aren't. Either 

way, take these feelings from me. Resentment is really just 

a desire to hurt another—but I am only hurting myself. 

Help me forgive. Make me bigger than my resentment. 

Amen. 

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and 

slander be put away from you. (Ephesians 4:30-32) 

For the Power to Forgive 

God, you told us to forgive those who hurt us. And yet, 

I find this hard to do. Deliver me from the hateful 

pleasure of nursing a grudge. It brings only misery. Instead, 

help me want to forgive. Then fill my heart with 

generosity. Make me bigger than my little self. Help me 

know the incredible pleasure of reconciliation. Amen. 

A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to 

overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11) 

For a Competitor 

Heavenly Father, I live in a society that values 

competition highly, a dog-eat-dog world that 

encourages people to win at all costs. But that’s not how 

you are at all. You are humble and kind and encourage us 

to love even our enemies. God, help me love those who 

compete against me. Help me do the right thing. And if 

someone who competes with me treats me badly, help me 

remember what you say: “Justice is mine; I will repay, 

saith the Lord.” 

I commit this competitive situation into your hands and 

ask for your guidance. Help me behave with integrity and 

seek your blessing even for those who treat me poorly. 

Help me love them as you love me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord 

delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19) 

PRAYERS WHEN 

TRAVELING 

On the Street 

Dear Lord, keep all members of my family in your 

watchful care as they make their way on the streets. 

Keep them safely in your sheltering arms. In Jesus’ name. 

Amen. 

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (I 

Peter 5:7) 

In the Car 

od, I commit this car and everyone in it to yourGprotection. The streets are busy and the way can be 

confusing. Keep us safe from the dangers of the road. Give 

us courtesy and patience with other drivers. And help us 

reach our destination swiftly and easily, always knowing 

that you are with us. Amen. 

How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low 

among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. 

(Psalm 36:7) 

In a Plane 

God, sometimes flying makes me nervous. I know airplanes are safe, but still I worry. Give me your 

peace, God, and help me remember that you are watching 

over this plane every moment it is aloft. Bless the men and 

women in the cockpit. Bless the flight attendants and all 

the passengers. Keep your hands on the intricate workings 

of the engines and all other parts of this plane. Remind me 

that flight is a miraculous gift from you, and that when this 

plane speeds through the air, it is obeying the physical laws 

of the world you created. As I look at the sky above and the 

earth below, I praise you for the beauty of your creation. I 

place myself confidently in your care, knowing that, just as 

you guide me on the ground, so your loving arms protect 

me in the air. Amen. 

Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am 

your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will 

uphold you with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) 

PRAYER FOR 

PROTECTION 

Those who go to God for safety will be protected by him. 

I will say to the Lord, “You are my place 

of safety and protection. 

You are my God, and I trust you.” 

God will save you from hidden traps and 

from deadly diseases. 

He will protect you like a bird. 

His truth will be like your armor and shield. 

You will not be afraid of diseases that come in the 

dark or sickness that strikes at noon. 

At your side 1,000 people may die, or even 10,000 right 

beside you. 

But you will not be hurt. 

You will only watch what happens. 

You will see the wicked punished. 

The Lord is your protection, 

You have made God most high your place of safety. 

Nothing bad will happen to you. 

No disaster will come to your home. 

He has put his angels in charge of you. 

They will watch over you wherever you go. 

They will catch you with their hands. 

And you will not hit your foot on a rock. 

You will walk on lions and cobras. 

You will step on strong lions and snakes. 

The Lord says, “If someone loves me, I will save him. 

I will protect those who know me. 

They will call to me, and I will answer them. 

I will be with them in trouble. 

I will rescue them and honor them. 

I will give them a long, full life. 

They will see how I can save.” Amen. 

(Psalm 91) 

PRAYERS FOR HEALING 

When a Loved One Is Ill 

od, my loved one is ill. I ask for your healing powerGto come upon them. You give us life and you have the 

power to renew life. I believe in your power to heal. Open 

my loved one to whatever form your healing power takes. 

And help me remember that, no matter what happens, you 

are the same yesterday, today and forever. You are always 

with us. Amen. 

With God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) 

For My Doctor 

Thank you, God, for my doctor. Thank you for her 

skills and training. Give her the insight she needs to 

diagnose my illness and determine the right treatment. 

Steady her hand and give her the power to heal in your 

name. Amen. 

And all who touched him were healed. (Mark 6:56) 

When You Are Ill 

Heavenly Father, you are the Great Physician. I turn to 

you in my sickness and ask for your healing. Put your 

hand upon me and let health and wholeness flow into me. 

Help me remember, in this time of vulnerability, my utter 

dependence on you. 

I commit myself to your loving arms. Amen. 

Bless the Lord, O my soul … and forget not all his 

benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all 

thy diseases. (Psalm 103:2-3) 

When Entering the Hospital 

od, I am going into the hospital, and I am nervousGabout it. Help me find, in this strange world of 

sickness, much love and many new insights. Above all, 

help me hear your footsteps along the corridors and feel 

your presence when I am most frightened. With you at my 

side, I am confident and assured. Amen. 

I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, 

declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 30:17) 

PRAYER IN CRISIS 

God, I feel lost and overwhelmed. The world seems out of control, full of evil. Life has become a nightmare. 

Please help me remember that you made this world and 

declared it good. Give me the comfort of your presence and 

the confidence to trust you even when nothing seems to 

change. Calm my mind, bring peace to my heart and 

strengthen my spirit to carry on in the midst of loss. Lay a 

path for me, and help me follow your way as I move 

forward. Amen. 

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares 

for those who trust in him. (Nahum 1:7) 

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PRAYERS FOR SPIRITUAL 

NEEDS 

For a Stronger Faith 

Lord, my faith feels weak. I sometimes doubt you and 

do things I wish I hadn’t done. But in weakness there 

is strength, and I thank you for the wonderful truth of what 

you do for human lives. You give us life, vibrant, exciting, 

unending life with an enthusiasm that never runs down. 

Help me to believe that with all my heart. For this I give 

you thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I will strengthen the weak. (Ezekiel 34:16) 

For Salvation 

God, you created us for fellowship with you. We aredesigned to walk with you and delight in your ways. 

But every day, we choose not to do that. We choose to go 

our own way. We put up a sign on our heart: Keep Out. 

You could just let us wander off. You could see that sign 

and walk away. But you don’t. You seek after each one of 

us, and you sent your Son, Jesus, among us to call us back. 

Back to a full, open and loving relationship with you. Back 

home. Help us respond to that call. 

Help us turn away from ourselves and toward you. We 

are awestruck at this amazing gift you offer—life with you, 

forever. It is hard to comprehend such a gift. All we can do 

is touch it at the edges. But where knowledge fails, faith 

and love succeed. Give me faith in your saving power. And 

thank you for the love that rescues me. In the name of your 

Son, my redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

d 

thank you for the love that rescues me. In the name of your 

Son, my redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Behold, I have put before you an open door, which no 

one can shut. (Revelation 3:8) 

FLASH PRAYERS 

When someone on the street looks tired or 

sorrowful: God, put your hand on that poor person and 

lift their spirit. Comfort them in whatever makes them sad. 

When unexpected bad news hits: Lord, help 

me to take this. Help me to meet it with dignity and 

courage. Don’t let my faith sag. Lord, I need you now. Be 

with me. 

When you’re feeling stressed: God, don’t let 

me get too frazzled. Keep me calm and doing one thing at a 

time. I feel your presence. Thank you. 

When someone is bothering you: God, give 

me self-control. Don’t let me say anything I will regret 

later. Also, keep me from looking like I am fighting for 

control. Help me to say the right thing now. 

When you read about a family that hassuffered a tragedy: God, with your great love bring 

comfort and peace to that sad family. 

When you see a couple fighting: Father, 

underneath it all they love each other. Help them remember 

that and help them be kind, thoughtful and peaceful. 

When you’re making dinner: God, season this 

food with love so that my family may be healthy and 

strong.

When you’re about to give a speech: Lord, 

help me to help these people. Speak through me. Stay close 

beside me. 

When you’re about to meet a client: God, 

help me be at ease with this person. 

Help me be my best self. Help me to help them. Amen. 

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GRACE AT MEALS 

God, thank you for all the good things in our life— 

food, loved ones, our home and the little things we 

take for granted. We owe it all to you. Thank you. Amen. 

God, we give you thanks for the delicious food on our 

table, for the loved ones gathered around, and for you, who 

make it all possible. We are humbly grateful. Amen. 

Heavenly Father, for food and drink and health and 

strength and love and salvation we give you thanks. Amen. 

God, grant that everyone gathered around our table may 

be strengthened by the food you have given us. Inspire us 

by fellowship with one another and with you. Amen. 

Lord, bless this food to our use and us to your service. 

Amen. 

God, many hands made this meal possible. Farmers grew 

it. Truckers drove it. Grocers sold it. We prepared it. Bless 

all those hands, and help us always remember our 

dependence on you. Amen. 

Father, we thank you for this food and ask you to be with 

us as we share it. Help us go forth to serve you renewed 

and strengthened by your bounty. Amen. 

God, we thank you for your great goodness in providing 

this food. Make us mindful of those who have less. And 

help us use our many blessings to aid those in need. Amen.