Prayers for Obedience to God

For the thing you know He has asked, and you haven’t done yet.

Lord, I know what You’ve asked of me, and I’ve been slow to do it. I’ve had reasons, and most of them were excuses. Give me a heart that says yes before I’ve figured it all out. Where I’m afraid, give me courage. Where I’m stubborn, soften me. I don’t want to obey only when it’s easy. Teach me to trust that Your way is better than mine. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Obedience that comes from love, not from fear.

If you love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15

But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. James 1:22

Father, I love You, and I want my life to show it. Help me do what You say, not only hear it. Where I’ve known the right thing and put it off, forgive me, and give me a push today. Make obedience feel less like a rule and more like love. Let my yes be quick and my heart be glad. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A prayer of surrender: your plans, in His hands.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10

Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law. Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart. Psalm 119:33-34

Lord, teach me to do Your will, because You are my God. Give me understanding so I can follow You with my whole heart. When Your way costs me something, remind me that You never ask for something You won’t carry me through. I surrender my plans. I’m Yours, so lead me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Short and simple, for the start of a day or a hard decision.

Yahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:10

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening. I don’t need to see the whole road, only the next step. Show me the one thing You want me to do today, and give me the courage to do it. I’ll trust You with the rest. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For when you’ve been running from what He asked you to do.

God, I’ve been running, and You know it. Like Jonah, I’ve been going the other way and calling it something else. I’m turning around. Forgive me for the delay, and help me take responsibility for what I’ve put off. Give me the courage to do what You asked, even if it’s hard, even if no one sees. I’m done running. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Before the day starts, say yes ahead of time.

Lord, before this day starts, I’m saying yes. Whatever You ask of me today, in big things and small, let me be quick to say yes. Make me sensitive to Your voice in the middle of a busy day. Keep me from telling myself I’ll do it later. I want to follow You today. In Jesus’ name, amen.