Have you ever listened to yourself pray?
Do you say the same prayer phrases over and over again?
Has prayer become dull, boring and a duty?
What are you praying for your children or grandchildren?
There is a huge difference in praying, “Lord, bless my children. Help them to have a good day,” and praying Philippians 4:8 for your children. For instance . . .
“Lord, help my children today to think what is true and live what is true. May truth guide their every step. May the Word of God come readily to their mind when they are tempted to do wrong or need encouragement to do right. May they commune in prayer with You, Jesus, Who is the Truth. And, Lord, may my children today be truth tellers, speaking the truth and sharing the truth.”
When you pray Scripture, you are praying in the will of God (1 John 5:14-15), your praying comes alive (Hebrews 4:12), and you move from tired, old prayer cliques and empty phrases (vain repetition, Matthew 6:7) to prayer that comes alive (Hebrews 4:12)!
I would challenge you to take your daily prayer list and place Scripture references beside each one. Then, pray that Scripture from a sincere heart of genuine relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ. Pray expectantly! Cry out to the Lord in believing prayer because it is based upon the eternal words of God!
For additional help: 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Children
From A Pastor's Heart 