Ten New Testament Prayers That Are Easy to Memorize 

Paul prays that the Philippians will have a grounded love that will give them the ability to choose that which is vital. Love is what helps us determine the choices to make. This is great to pray when we face decisions and when we need to increase our love.

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” - 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

While Philippians connects decision making with love in his prayer for the church at Philippi, here in Thessalonians he connects love with strength. Love strengthens our hearts. This prayer underscores the importance of love and holiness as we prepare for the return of Christ.

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”- 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Paul prayed for the Thessalonians that God’s sanctifying work would be made complete in their life. We can adapt this prayer for our own battle to become more like Christ. We can also pray it for others that God would give them growth in the gospel.

“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.’” - Revelation 5:9-10

It seems that this will be a prayer that we pray in heaven. It is the prayer of all the redeemed as we praise Christ for His victory. But why not start now? Have it memorized even today as we begin our eternal call to praise?

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

This is Paul’s benediction at the closing of the book of Romans. It is a prayer that we can pray over others (echoing the priestly benediction of Numbers 6:24-26) as well as ourselves. It is mercifully short and easy to memorize as an added bonus.

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” - Luke 23:34

This is a short one to memorize, but it packs a mighty punch. In one sense this isn’t ours to pray. This was prayed for us. You and I are forgiven today because of what Christ cried out to the Father here. But we are also told in Scripture to forgive as God in Christ has forgiven us. In that sense, we can make this our own prayer.

“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - Hebrews 13:20-21

The author of Hebrews ends this lengthy sermon with a prayer for the congregation. It is a prayer asking for God’s peace and strength. The church seems to be in the midst of persecution and will need God’s strength to do God’s will. This benediction is encouraging. It’s a little lengthy and might we one of the more difficult to memorize but it has a type of cadence to it that makes it doable for even beginning memorizers.

“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” -  2 Thessalonians 3:5

Perhaps this would be a good one to memorize as you begin your journey. It’s about persevering in God’s love and doing it with Christ’s very own perseverance. Maybe if we can get this one down deep in our bones, it will empower us to complete this journey of Scripture memorization.

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