Four Word Prayers

The first time I heard about four-word prayers was when Mark Whitt came to preach at our church early in my marriage, about five or six years ago. I wish I could remember the full message or find my notes, but after searching and searching, I still haven’t.

What I do know, and what has been written on my heart, is the impact it had on me. While I can’t remember the specific points or exact words, I do remember him testifying to the power of simple yet bold prayers. Ever since then, I’ve tried to live my life with the mindset of forward prayers.

Why, you might ask? Because life is busy. Life is challenging. And, sadly, life can become overwhelming. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing, but how do we do that in the middle of such a full and sometimes chaotic life? I believe the answer is four-word prayers.

Now, are they literally four words every time? Probably not. But the posture and mindset are about continually lifting simple, sincere prayers to your Father. It’s asking Him to intervene in your motherhood. It’s asking Him to guide you before you make a hard phone call. It’s asking Him for peace as you walk into a doctor’s office. It’s pausing in gratitude while driving down the road and hearing your children worship.

To be honest, it’s not always perfect, and it’s not always pretty, but it is a constant conversation with your Father, who is also your best friend. It’s similar to how a toddler constantly and randomly talks to you throughout the day. So often, we overcomplicate our relationship with Christ and our faith, but I believe four-word prayers are one of the best ways to bring us back to childlike faith and keep us in a deeply intimate relationship with God.

So let me challenge you: just start throwing prayers up to the ceiling. They can be long or they can be short. I promise, they reach heaven. There is nothing too simple or too complicated to speak out when you need guidance. It might feel silly at first, but it is truly life-changing.

Some of my four word prayers: 

• God give me patience.

• God help me now.

• Lord, give me wisdom.

• Lord, be with me, please. 

• I need Your peace.