According to the 18th-century Scottish philosopher named David Hume, a miracle is a “violation of the laws of nature.” It has been a classic way of defining what a miracle is. By its very definition, it is supernatural. No man can make miracles; only the Almighty God can.
For many people, a miracle is something grand and extraordinary, like the parting of the Red Sea or the manna that fed the hungry Israelites. It could even be something less grand in scale, like Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. Or it could be Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, or healing the centurion’s servant from afar.
For people like the centurion, or Mary and Martha (the sisters of Lazarus), they were desperate for a miracle. Their loved ones were dying, and they wanted Jesus to instantly heal them. But for many of us, we are not in the same situation.
Some of us may just be feeling tired, worn, or spent. Perhaps work has been very stressful lately. Or it could be a financial struggle and our families are severely affected by it. It could also be us undergoing a stage of depression, anxiety, or some other condition that negatively affects our state of mind. It may not be the death of a loved one we are facing, but these are equally trying times in our lives where we could use a miracle.
A miracle is not limited to raising people from the dead. It can also be, for example, peace of mind despite our struggles. It can come in the form of the financial provision at just the right moment that we need it the most. And it can also be a life-changing paradigm shift that God will make us realize through our trials.
Miracles can happen every single day of our lives. If God wills it, He can make them happen. Certainly, we can also ask for them in Christ’s name. Jesus Himself said to “Ask and it shall be given to you. Knock and the door shall be opened. Seek and you shall find. (Matthew 7:7)”
There is no hard and fast rule for how to pray for God to make miracles in your life. However, we can learn from a few examples in the Bible.
The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, you will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
This is perhaps the most well-known prayer for believers in Christ the world over. And while the words may not directly ask for miracles, a lot of its words indicate asking for supernatural help from God the Father. For instance, “your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven” is not a human task. Only God can achieve that, and certainly, God can make miracles in people’s lives to bring about His will here on earth.
Daily provision (“give us this day our daily bread”), as well as deliverance from evil, are also two forms of God’s everyday miracles in our lives. We may not notice it, but God is always providing for us and protecting us in ways only He can do. Those in themselves are miracles.
“Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.”
This is the story of the faith of the centurion, who was a high-ranking officer of the Roman Army. In his home, his beloved servant fell ill, and he went to Jesus to ask Him to heal his servant. This was his plea.
The second sentence expressed how strong his faith was in what Jesus can do. He believed in the power of the words of Jesus to make miracles.
Jesus was amazed at the man’s faith. He later declared, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would,” and at once, the centurion’s servant was healed (Matthew 8:13). Jesus did not even have to go to his house!
This prayer shows us the power of Jesus to make miracles in anyone’s life. Even His words have power. Those of us who believe in that just have to ask.
“I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
This was the Apostle Peter speaking to a lame man who was begging for money in the Temple. Peter had nothing to give the poor man, but he did have one thing, and that is his faith in Jesus Christ. Instantly, as he spoke those words, Peter helped the man up to his feet. The man realized that he could walk! As a result, he walked and leaped and praised God as he went inside the Temple.
Peter did not speak healing by himself. He attributed the power to Jesus Christ, whom he believes can make a miracle in the life of the lame man. This shows us that miracle prayers spoken in the name of Jesus Christ are very powerful indeed.
Again, there are no such things as “magic formulas” to bring about God’s miracles. If you need some help, here are a few examples to get you started. Always remember to pray from the heart and in the name of Jesus.
Miracle Prayer #1
God above, I stand before You today as Your humble servant, powerless and weak when compared to Your vast excellence. In this world and the next, You control all, including my life and I stand to gain everything in my worship of Your name. Lord Almighty, I pray for instant miracles that will turn the supposed disadvantages in my life to advantages. Your miracles will touch all parts of my life and testimonies will not be far from my mouth in my long life Father. I pray that You allow not the jest from my enemies and instead, make me a living wonder that will preach Your mercies all the days of my life. I thank You for Your answers and In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen.
~ Anonymous
Miracle Prayer #2
Father, I come to you today with faith so small I cannot see a way. I want to believe you are able to do more than I ever imagine. I want to walk by faith and not by sight. God, please bring a miracle into my life. I know that you can do the impossible in my life and I am trusting in your promises. Thank you for being a God who sees and hears my every need. In Jesus' name, amen.
~ Anonymous
Miracle Prayer #3
Dear God, thank you that you love me and want to keep me from depending on other things instead of you. Forgive me for when I’ve depended on my job and other people instead of you. Thank you that you haven’t forgotten me. Lord, the days ahead may be a little scary at times, but I understand now that the path to a miracle is through uncomfortable territory. I understand now that the source of a miracle will be unexpected, so I shouldn’t try to figure it out. I should just trust you. When you tell me what to do, and it doesn’t always make sense, I will still do what you want me to do. Help me to remember that you’re all I need and that where you guide, you’ll provide. I want to learn to trust you one day at a time. I want to go your way, not my way. I want to follow you, and I ask you to save me and come into my life. I claim your promise that if I trust you, you’ll meet my needs. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
~ Rick Warren
This article is part of Christianity.com's prayer answers including famous, topical prayers and information about the power of prayer. Find more related articles in the collection of prayers below:
The Serenity Prayer, The Lord's Prayer, Morning Prayers, Prayers for Healing, Thanksgiving Prayers, Advent Prayers, Christmas Prayers, Prayers for Peace, Prayers for Protection, Prayers for Strength, Praying in the Spirit.