ELL Resources: 31 Prayer Ideas for the Month of December

December is a special month for many people. For Christians, it is a time to remember that Jesus came to save us. This prayer guide is for students who are learning English (ELL and ESL students) or for people who like easy English. Each day has a short reading and a simple prayer. You can pray in a way that feels easy and natural. God always listens with love.

How to Pray with the ACTS Method

Prayer is a time where you can talk to God. You can use the ACTS method when you pray each day:

A — Adoration (Praise God)
C — Confession (Say sorry for wrong things)
T — Thankfulness (Thank God)
S — Supplication (Ask for help for yourself or others)

This prayer guide will:

Give a Bible verse to think about.
Give some extra information about the Bible verse.
Give a list of questions to think about.
Show an example of how to use the ACTS method to talk to God about the Bible verse.
Give a link that will show you where the verse fits into the Bible.

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template to help you write or say a prayer.

Week 1: Learning to Trust God While We Wait

Advent is celebrated during the four weeks before Christmas. This is a time when Christians wait for the coming of Jesus. Long ago God’s people waited for the Savior he promised. Jesus was that Savior. Now we wait for Jesus to come back again. This week we will learn about the hope God gives us. This hope is strong because God always keeps his promises. Even when waiting is hard, God is always with us.

Day 1: Finding Hope in God’s Words

Bible Verse:
“Hide me and protect me. I trust what you say.” – Psalm 119:114 (ERV)

About This Verse:
This verse teaches us that God keeps us safe. When we feel afraid, we can trust his words. God’s promises give us strength and hope.

Think About:
When you feel afraid, what do you do first?
Do you worry about the news or your own thoughts?
Which promise from God can help you feel safe today?

Talk to God:
Lord, you are my protector and my comfort.
I am sorry when I try to handle my fears without trusting you.
Thank you for the Bible and for your promises.
Please help me trust you and feel safe today.
Amen.

Read More:
What Aleph said: Psalm 119:1-8 (ERV)

Day 2: Learning to Wait Patiently

Bible Verse:
“But we are hoping for something we don’t have yet, and we are waiting for it patiently.” – Romans 8:25 (ERV)

About This Verse:
God wants us to wait patiently for the good things he promises. Even when we cannot see them, we can trust him and stay calm.

Think About:
What are you waiting for right now?
How can you stay calm and trust God while you wait?
What helps you remember that God is with you in waiting?

Talk to God:
Father, you are kind and never late.
Forgive me when I get impatient or want things my way.
Thank you for your Spirit who helps me wait.
Please help me trust your timing today.
Amen.

Read More:
Life in the Spirit: Romans 8:1-17 (ERV)

Day 3: Trusting God’s Faithfulness in Waiting

Bible Verse:
“The Lord is good to those who wait for him. He is good to those who look for him.” – Lamentations 3:25 (ERV)

About This Verse:
God is always good, even when life is hard. Waiting for him and looking to him shows that we trust him.

Think About:
Do you believe God is good even when life is hard?
What does God say that helps you trust him in difficult times?
How can you look for God today, even when things feel sad?

Talk to God:
Lord, you are good and loving.
I am sorry when I doubt your goodness.
Thank you that you stay good even when I feel weak or sad.
Help me to trust you now.
Amen.

Read More:
The Meaning of Suffering: Lamentations 3 (ERV)

Day 4: Receiving Strength While We Wait

Bible Verse:
“But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired.” – Isaiah 40:31 (ERV)

About This Verse:
God gives new strength to people who trust him. Even when we feel weak or tired, he helps us keep going.

Think About:
In what part of your life do you feel weak or tired?
Where do you need God’s help today?
How can you ask God for strength right now?

Talk to God:
God, you give strength to those who trust you.
I am sorry when I try to do life only by myself.
Thank you for promising to renew my strength.
Please give me your strength today.
Amen.

Read More:
People Cannot Imagine What God Is Like: Isaiah 40:18-31 (ERV)

Day 5: Holding on to Jesus with Hope

Bible Verse:
“This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe. It goes behind the curtain.Jesus has already entered there and opened the way for us. He has become the high priest forever, just like Melchizedek.” – Hebrews 6:19-20 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus went before us into God’s presence. Our hope is strong because of him. We can trust what Jesus did for us, not our feelings.

Think About:
How does knowing Jesus went before you give you hope?
What do you trust more, your feelings or what Jesus has done?
How can you remember Jesus’ work today?

Talk to God:
Lord, you are my hope and anchor.
I am sorry when I trust things that change.
Thank you for Jesus who made a way to come close to God.
Help me to hold on to you with strong hope today.
Amen.

Read More:
Warning Against Falling Away: Hebrews 5:11-6:20 (ERV)

Day 6: Rejoicing in Hope

Bible Verse:
“Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time.” – Romans 12:12 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Hope helps us be happy, patient, and prayerful every day. Even when troubles come, God gives us joy and strength.

Think About:
How can you rejoice today even if life is hard?
What can you thank God for right now?
How does hope help you stay patient and pray every day?

Talk to God:
Father, you give hope that does not fade.
I am sorry when I complain instead of rejoicing.
Thank you for the joy and prayer you give even in hard times.
Help me stay hopeful, patient, and prayerful today.
Amen.

Read More:
Give Your Lives to God: Romans 12

Day 7: Waiting with Confidence in Darkness

Bible Verse:
“I am waiting for the Lord to help me. My soul waits for him. I trust what he says. I am waiting for my Lord, like a guard waiting and waiting for the morning to come.” – Psalm 130:5-6 (ERV)

About This Verse:
When life feels sad, scary, or uncertain, we can look to God. Waiting for him is like a guard waiting for morning light.

Think About:
Are you in a dark or scary season right now?
Which promise from God gives you hope when you feel unsure?
How can you wait for God like a guard waiting for morning light?

Talk to God:
God, you are my light in darkness.
I am sorry when I lose heart or give up hope.
Thank you that your words give light and hope.
Please shine your light into my heart today.
Amen.

Read More:
A song for going up to the Temple: Psalm 130 (ERV)

Week 2: Following Jesus, the Light of the World

This week we will learn that Jesus is the light God sent into the world. His light shines in darkness. Because of him, we do not need to live in fear, confusion, or sin. His light shows us truth, gives hope, and helps us live in a way that pleases God.

Day 8: Jesus, the True Light

Bible Verse:
“The true light was coming into the world. This is the true light that gives light to all people.” – John 1:9 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus brings light into the world. He shows us God, truth, and a way out of darkness.

Think About:
How has Jesus brought light into your life?
In what area of your life do you need God’s light to shine now?
How can you follow Jesus’ example today?

Talk to God:
Lord, you are the true light.
I am sorry when I do not follow your ways.
Thank you for coming to show us God and truth.
Help me walk in your light and show your light to others.
Amen.

Read More:
Christ Comes to the World: John 1:1-18 (ERV)

Day 9: Learning that God is Light

Bible Verse:
“We heard the true teaching from God. Now we tell it to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness.” – 1 John 1:5 (ERV)

About This Verse:
God is pure, holy, and good. There is no darkness in him. Light shows truth, holiness, and life.

Think About:
What does it mean that God is pure and good with no darkness?
How does God’s light show truth, holiness, and life?
Where can you see God’s light in your life today?

Talk to God:
Father, you are holy and good.
I am sorry for hiding my sin and ignoring your truth.
Thank you for always being light.
Help me trust you and live in honesty and goodness.
Amen.

Read More:
Christ Comes to the World: John 1:1-18 (ERV)

Day 10: Seeing Light in the Darkness

Bible Verse:
“The people who live in spiritual darkness have seen a great light. The light has shined for those who live in the land that is as dark as a grave.” – Matthew 4:16 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus brings hope and healing to people who live in fear, sin, or sadness. His light helps us see the right way to live.

Think About:
Where in your life do you feel afraid, sad, or lost?
How can Jesus’ light shine in those areas?
What can you do to follow the light today?

Talk to God:
Jesus, you are the great light.
I am sorry for the times I feel lost or afraid and try to hide in darkness.
Thank you for bringing hope and healing.
Shine your light in my heart and help me follow you.
Amen.

Read More:
Jesus Begins His Work in Galilee: Matthew 4:12-17 (ERV)

Day 11: Walking in God’s Light

Bible Verse:
“We should live in the light, where God is. If we live in the light, we have fellowship with each other, and the blood sacrifice of Jesus, God’s Son, washes away every sin and makes us clean.” – 1 John 1:7 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Living in God’s light means being honest and close to him. Jesus’ blood cleanses us from sin, so we can live in love and truth.

Think About:
Is there anything in your life that you need to bring into God’s light?
Are there things you should ask God to forgive?
How can you live more honestly and closely with God today?

Talk to God:
God, thank you for making me clean through Jesus.
I am sorry for hiding things or living in darkness.
Thank you for the blood of Jesus that washes away my sin.
Help me walk in your light and live with honesty and love.
Amen.

Read More:
God Forgives Our Sins: 1 John 1:5-10 (ERV)

Day 12: Letting Your Light Shine

Bible Verse:
“In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus tells us to show his light to others. We share his goodness when we act kindly and follow him.

Think About:
How can you show God’s light through your actions or words?
What is one kind thing you can do for someone this week?
How can others see Jesus in your life today?

Talk to God:
Father, thank you for calling me to be a light.
I am sorry for when I hide your light or act in fear.
Thank you for your love and help.
Help me show your love to others this week.
Amen.

Read More:
You Are Like Salt and Light: Matthew 5:13-16 (ERV)

Day 13: Living as Children of Light

Bible Verse:
“In the past you were full of darkness, but now you are full of light in the Lord. So live like children who belong to the light.” – Ephesians 5:8 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Through trust in Jesus, we become children of light. Our identity changes, and we belong to God. We can live with love and truth.

Think About:
What does it mean to be a “child of light”?
How does following Jesus change your identity?
How can you live with love and truth today?

Talk to God:
Father, thank you for making me your child through Jesus.
I am sorry for when I act like darkness instead of light.
Thank you for giving me a new identity in Jesus.
Help me live today like your child, full of love and truth.
Amen.

Read More:
The Way You Should Live: Ephesians 4:17-5:20 (ERV)

Day 14: Guided by God’s Word

Bible Verse:
“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” – Psalm 119:105 (ERV)

About This Verse:
The Bible is God’s word. It guides us every day. He shows us the right way to live and helps us make good choices.

Think About:
What decisions or next steps in your life need God’s guidance?
How can God’s word show you the right way to go?
What step do you want God to help you take this week?

Talk to God:
God, thank you for your words that show me the way.
I am sorry for when I try to go my own way.
Thank you for guiding me each day.
Help me trust the Bible and follow your path today.
Amen.

Read More:
What Nun Said: Psalm 119:105-112 (ERV)

Week 3: Experiencing and Sharing God’s Peace

Jesus’ birth brought peace between God and people. His peace helps our hearts feel calm. It helps us trust God and be kind to others. Even when life is scary, Jesus gives real and lasting peace. This week we will pray about his peace and how we can share it with others.

Day 15: Jesus, Our Peace

Bible Verse:
“Yes, at one time you were far away from God, but now in Christ Jesus, you are brought near to him. You are brought near to God through the blood sacrifice of Christ. Christ is the reason we are now at peace.” – Ephesians 2:13-14a (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus brings peace between us and God. He removes the walls of fear, sin, and hate. Following him helps us live in love and peace.

Think About:
Where do you need God’s peace today?
Who can you show kindness to?
How can you let Jesus guide your heart and actions?

Talk to God:
Lord, you are my peace.
I am sorry for when I stay angry or upset.
Thank you for Jesus who made peace for us.
Please help me live in peace and love today.
Amen.

Read More:
One in Christ: Ephesians 2:11-22 (ERV)

Day 16: Letting Jesus Give Us Peace

Bible Verse:
“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Christ’s peace helps our hearts stay calm. Being thankful helps us notice and share this peace with others.

Think About:
How can Christ’s peace control your thoughts today?
What can you thank God for right now?
How can you notice and share his peace with others?

Talk to God:
Lord, your peace guides my mind and heart.
I am sorry for when I worry or get angry.
Thank you for helping me live in peace.
Help me be thankful and peaceful today.
Amen.

Read More:
Your New Life With Each Other: Colossians 3:12-17 (ERV)

Day 17: Being a Peacemaker

Bible Verse:
“Great blessings belong to those who work to bring peace. God will call them his sons and daughters.” – Matthew 5:9 (ERV)

About This Verse:
God blesses people who help others live in peace. Peacemakers show love, kindness, and forgiveness.

Think About:
Who can you help today?
How can you show love, kindness, or forgiveness?
What does it look like to be a peacemaker in your life?

Talk to God:
Father, you give true peace.
I am sorry for when I do not forgive or help.
Thank you for calling me to bring peace.
Please help me be brave and loving today.
Amen.

Read More:
Jesus Teaches the People: Matthew 5:1-12 (ERV)

Day 18: God’s Peace Guards Our Hearts

Bible Verse:
“And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” – Philippians 4:7 (ERV)

About This Verse:
God’s peace protects our thoughts and feelings. Trusting Jesus helps us stay calm and safe.

Think About:
Where do you need God’s peace to protect your thoughts and feelings?
How can you trust Jesus when you feel worried?
What helps you stay calm and safe in God’s peace?

Talk to God:
Lord, you guard my heart and mind.
I am sorry for when I try to do everything alone.
Thank you for your peace in my life.
Please help me trust your peace today.
Amen.

Read More:
Some Things to Do: Philippians 4:1-9 (ERV)

Day 19: Doing Things that Bring Peace

Bible Verse:
“Stop doing anything evil, and do good. Look for peace, and do all you can to help people live peacefully.” – Psalm 34:14 (ERV)

About This Verse:
God wants us to live in peace. Doing good and helping others shows his love and brings peace to our lives.

Think About:
How can you bring peace to your home, school, or community today?
Who needs your help?
How can doing good show God’s love?

Talk to God:
Lord, you are the source of peace.
I am sorry for when I choose comfort instead of what is right.
Thank you for teaching me to do good.
Please help me seek peace every day.
Amen.

Read More:
A song of David: Psalm 34 (ERV)

Day 20: Finding Peace in Trials

Bible Verse:
“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” – John 16:33 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus gives peace even in hard times. Trusting him helps our hearts stay calm and brave.

Think About:
What troubles are you facing today?
How can Jesus help you feel calm and brave?
What part of your heart or mind needs his peace most?

Talk to God:
Jesus, you are my peace in hard times.
I am sorry for when fear controls me.
Thank you for your victory over sin and death.
Help me be brave and rest in your peace today.
Amen.

Read More:
Victory Over the World: John 16:25-33 (ERV)

Day 21: Living with Peace in Our Lives

Bible Verse:
“But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things.” – Galatians 5:22-23 (ERV)

About This Verse:
The Holy Spirit grows love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our lives. The things in this list are called the “fruit of the Spirit.” Following the Holy Spirit helps us share these gifts with others.

Think About:
Which fruit of the Spirit do you need most today?
How can you show love, joy, or peace to others?
What does it look like to live with the Spirit’s guidance?

Talk to God:
Spirit of God, thank you for your peace.
I am sorry for when I rely on myself instead of you.
Thank you for helping me live with love, joy, and peace.
Please help me share your goodness with others.
Amen.

Read More:
The Spirit and Human Nature: Galatians 5:16-26 (ERV)

Weeks 4-5: Trusting God at the End of the Year

The year is ending. It is good to think about the good and hard things that happened. God has been with us all year. We can look back with thanks and look forward with trust. Faith means following Jesus, even when we do not know everything. This week we will pray about trusting God, remembering what he has done, and depending on his strength.

Day 22: Trusting God’s Plans

Bible Verse:
“People can plan what they want to do, but it is the Lord who guides their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9 (ERV)

About This Verse:
God guides every step of our lives. We can make plans, but he decides how they turn out. Trusting him helps us not be afraid.

Think About:
Where do you need God’s guidance today?
How can you trust him more with your plans?
What step can you take to follow God this week?

Talk to God:
Lord, you guide my life.
I am sorry for when I try to do everything myself.
Thank you for guiding me with love.
Help me follow you today.
Amen.

Read More:
Some of Solomon’s Proverbs: Proverbs 16 (ERV)

Day 23: Remembering God’s Works

Bible Verse:
“Lord, I remember what you have done. I remember the amazing things you did long ago. I think about those things. I think about them all the time.” – Psalm 77:11-12 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Remembering what God has done gives us hope. Thinking about his goodness helps us trust him today.

Think About:
What has God done for you this year?
How does remembering God’s goodness help you trust him?
Who can you tell about God’s amazing works?

Talk to God:
Lord, you are great and good.
I am sorry for when I forget your help.
Thank you for your amazing works.
Help me remember your deeds today.
Amen.

Read More:
One of Asaph’s songs: Psalm 77 (ERV)

Day 24: God Helps Us When We Are Weak

Bible Verse:
“But the Lord said, ‘My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.’ So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ERV)

About This Verse:
God shows his power when we feel weak. Our weakness gives him a chance to help and guide us.

Think About:
Where do you feel weak or unable to do something?
How can you rely on God’s power in those areas?
What helps you remember that his grace is enough?

Talk to God:
Father, your power is strong.
I am sorry for when I try to do everything alone.
Thank you for your grace and strength.
Please help me rely on you today.
Amen.

Read More:
A Special Blessing in Paul’s Life: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (ERV)

Day 25: Living by Faith

Bible Verse:
“We live by what we believe will happen, not by what we can see.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Faith means trusting God, even when we cannot see the future. Believing his promises gives hope and courage.

Think About:
Where can you trust God today, even when you cannot see the future?
Which of God’s promises gives you courage?
How can you take a step of faith right now?

Talk to God:
Lord, you are faithful.
I am sorry for when I only trust what I see.
Thank you for your promises that do not fail.
Help me trust you in all I do.
Amen.

Read More:
Living by Faith: 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 (ERV)

Day 26: Staying Faithful with Hope

Bible Verse:
“But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved.” – Matthew 24:13 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus tells us to stay faithful every day. Trusting him helps us keep walking with him, even when life is hard.

Think About:
How can you stay faithful today?
Who encourages you to keep walking with God?
What helps you keep hope alive during hard times?

Talk to God:
Jesus, you are my strength and my hope.
I am sorry for when I feel weak or discouraged.
Thank you for never leaving me.
Help me stay faithful and hopeful today.
Amen.

Read More:
Jesus Warns About the Future: Matthew 24:1-35 (ERV)

Day 27: Holding on to God’s Promises

Bible Verse:
“We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what he promised.” – Hebrews 10:23 (ERV)

About This Verse:
God always keeps his promises. Trusting him gives us confidence and helps us share hope with others.

Think About:
Which promise from God encourages you most today?
How can you share that hope with others?
What keeps you confident in God’s faithfulness?

Talk to God:
Lord, you are faithful.
I am sorry for when I doubt you.
Thank you for your promises and hope.
Please help me trust and share your hope today.
Amen.

Read More:
Come Near to God: Hebrews 10:19-23 (ERV)

Day 28: Preparing for a New Year

Bible Verse:
“Turn to the Lord for help in everything you do, and you will be successful.” – Proverbs 16:3 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Giving our plans to God lets him guide us. Seeking his help brings peace and success in the end.

Think About:
How can you give your plans to God?
What help do you need from him?
How can trusting God bring peace and success?

Talk to God:
Lord, I give my plans to you.
I am sorry for when I try to do everything alone.
Thank you for guiding and blessing me.
Help me trust you in the new year.
Amen.

Read More:
Some of Solomon’s Proverbs: Proverbs 16 (ERV)

Day 29: Resting in God’s Unchanging Nature

Bible Verse:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus never changes. Knowing this helps us trust him and feel peace, even when life feels uncertain.

Think About:
How does knowing Jesus never changes help you trust him?
Where do you need reassurance today?
What can you remember about God’s unchanging nature this week?

Talk to God:
Jesus, you never change.
I am sorry for when change makes me anxious.
Thank you for being faithful always.
Help me rest in your love today.
Amen.

Read More:
Worship That Pleases God: Hebrews 13 (ERV)

Day 30: Reflecting with Gratitude

Bible Verse:
“Give thanks to the Lord and call out to him! Tell the nations what he has done!” – 1 Chronicles 16:8 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Remembering God’s work helps us give thanks and praise. Sharing what he has done encourages others too.

Think About:
How have you seen God work this year?
Who can you tell about what God has done?
How does remembering his work help you give thanks and praise?

Talk to God:
Lord, you deserve all my thanks.
I am sorry for when I forget your goodness.
Thank you for protecting and guiding me.
Help me remember your works and share them.
Amen.

Read More:
David’s Song of Thanks: 1 Chronicles 16:8-43 (ERV)

Day 31: Finishing the Year with Joy

Bible Verse:
“You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness. Being at your right side will make me happy forever.” – Psalm 16:11 (ERV)

About This Verse:
True joy comes from being close to God. Following him brings happiness no matter what happens.

Think About:
How can you find joy in God today?
What helps you stay close to him?
How can following Jesus bring lasting happiness?

Talk to God:
God, you are the source of joy.
I am sorry for when I chase the wrong things for happiness.
Thank you for joy in your presence.
Help me follow you and find joy each day.
Amen.

Read More:
A miktam of David: Psalm 16 (ERV)