Power-Packed Prayer Sample

Precise pleas at work 

After hearing my message on 3-word prayers, a sweet sister in Christ named Nancy went home and immediately wrote out 30 3-word prayers. She told me how easy it was to list them out. She now devotes herself to daily prayer – and more specifically, to using 3-word prayers. 

I asked Nancy to give me examples of 3-word prayers she uses. I wasn’t prepared for how many she uses! Here are examples of how she goes to her “secret place” every day and lifts up powerful, 3-word prayers.

RELENTLESSLY PURSUE FAMILY 

BE MY STRENGTH 

RENEW MY STRENGTH 

KEEP HOLDING ON 

MAKE ME WISE 

BE MY EVERYTHING 

BE MY PEACE 

BE MY JOY 

TRANSFORM MY LIFE 

CONTROL MY WORDS 

And there were many others on her list. I share this with you to challenge you and encourage you to read the Bible in search of prayers and search your heart for the needs you have.

I also want to share with you the 3-word prayer that I may use more than any other. In my opinion, it’s the nuclear option in prayer. It carries more destruction for the enemy than any other prayer. The devil hates it when we use it. He quivers when he hears it. He stomps his feet in disgust when it’s uttered. When spoken from the heart, it possesses eternal power and authority. In all situations, good or bad, always pray this 3-word prayer: THANK YOU, JESUS.

Christians are called to give thanks to God in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Not in a few, some, or most things. But in all things. Christians are not to complain or grumble when life doesn’t go our way. That shows God our unbelief. God despises grumbling. It’s an offense to his ears. Christians are to do everything without grumbling or complaining (Philippians 2:14). 

Your prayers and supplications should always be accompanied with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7). The antidote to grumbling and complaining is thanksgiving in all things. In the good and the bad. 

And here’s why…

God controls all, and He is using everything in your life for your good and His glory. Giving thanks thwarts the evil one’s desire to get you to choose unbelief and doubt. It keeps you from grumbling and complaining – again, something God has no patience for. It takes the stinger out of life’s disappointments. Giving thanks in all things motivates and encourages faith. It grants the great gift of contentment (Philippians 4:11-12). 

THANK YOU, JESUS. It’s a prayer of complete trust. It’s a way of focusing not on what you don’t have, but on what you do have. It’s a prayer that RESISTS THE DEVIL. When you do, the enemy flees (James 4:7). 

I’m convinced that 3-word prayers are like a dagger in your hand in close hand-to-hand combat with the evil one. I hope you’ll use 3-word prayers as part of your spiritual arsenal. 

• It can be surprising that Christians should give thanks in all things. What difficulty or storm in your life do you need to trust God with – even to the point of thanking Him for it? 
• Why do grumbling and complaining come easily and feel like acceptable or understandable sins? Whether you have grumbled out loud or only in your head, take a moment to ask God to forgive you. 
• What 3-word prayer will you repeat when you recognize that you are grumbling?
• What 3-word prayer will you repeat to replace complaining with gratitude?

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