Why I Pray for Myself and Why You Should Too
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Everyone knows how important it is to pray for others. But have you ever wondered, should I pray for myself too?
The answer is yes.
As you walk through your self-love journey, it’s not just helpful—it’s essential—to pray for yourself. Why? Because only you truly know the battles you’re facing, the healing you need, and the direction you’re seeking. It’s a beautiful blessing when others pray for you, but don’t forget: you’ve also been given the powerful gift of direct communication with God. That means you can—and should—go boldly to Him on your own behalf.
What Is Prayer, Really?
At its core, prayer is simply a conversation with God. It’s praising Him, thanking Him, pouring out your heart, and listening for His voice. Prayer is where relationship happens. It’s not just about asking for things—it’s about aligning your heart with His will and seeking His presence in every moment.
The Bible shows us the many facets of prayer:
- Seeking God’s favor: “But Moses appeased and entreated the Lord his God, and said, “Lord, why does Your anger burn against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?” (Exodus 32:11 AMP)
- Pouring out our souls: “But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman with a despairing spirit. I have not been drinking wine or any intoxicating drink, but I have poured out my soul before the Lord.” (1 Samuel 1:15 AMP)
- Crying out for help: “But Hezekiah the king and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz prayed about this and cried out to heaven [for help].” (2 Chronicles 32:20 AMP)
- Drawing near to God: “But as for me, it is good for me to draw near to God; I have made the Lord God my refuge and placed my trust in Him, That I may tell of all Your works.” (Psalm 73:28 AMP)
No matter the reason, prayer always points us back to God—into deeper fellowship and trust.
Why I Pray for Myself
I pray for myself because I know what I’m carrying. I know the silent battles, the hidden fears, the unspoken hopes. And I also know how much I need to hear from God personally.
When I started taking my self-love journey seriously, I realized that intimacy with God couldn’t be optional. I needed His guidance, His peace, and His truth to rewrite the lies I’d believed about myself for far too long.
As I dove into the Word, one of the first things I learned was how much power God has given us in the words we speak.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.”
— Proverbs 18:21 (AMP)
“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth shall have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth shall have [already] been loosed in heaven.”
— Matthew 18:18 (AMP)
These verses taught me that my words matter. That I have spiritual authority. That I can speak life over myself—and I must.
The more time I spent with God, the more I discovered who I really am in Him. That clarity gave me confidence to pray boldly and specifically for the things He wanted for me—the healing, the growth, the purpose, the peace.
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An Unexpected Lesson from a Car Accident
One moment that forever shaped me happened on the way to my sister’s baby shower. I was merging onto the interstate, frustrated behind a slow-moving van. I decided to go around it, thinking the lane was clear—but it wasn’t. I got sideswiped.
After exchanging insurance information and getting back on the road, I heard God clearly say: “That’s what’s going to happen to you if you try to rush into a relationship.”
I was stunned—but I understood. I still had healing to do, and if I rushed the process, I would hurt myself and others. That moment reminded me that God speaks—even in unexpected ways—when we’re listening. It also reminded me to keep my eyes on Him, not just the destination.
How I Pray for Myself
One of my favorite tools is a simple notebook. Sometimes I use a prayer journal, but any notebook will do. I list out areas of my life where I need God’s help and direction. I also write out specific prayers, pouring out every detail.
Years later, I’ll flip back through those pages and be in awe of how far God has brought me. I’ll read a broken prayer and realize I’m no longer that same woman. That’s the power of restoration.
But don’t get caught up in thinking prayer has to look a certain way—like waking up at 5am and spending a full hour in prayer every day. That mindset can turn prayer into an obligation instead of a sacred connection.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
This scripture reminds us that prayer is meant to be woven into our everyday life—not just reserved for “quiet time.” You can talk to God while driving, doing dishes, walking into work—any time your heart is open.
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Final Encouragement
As you continue walking through your self-love journey, remember this:
- You are not alone.
- God wants to hear from you.
- You have authority to pray over your life.
- The words you speak carry power.
- And the more time you spend with God, the more you’ll begin to see yourself through His eyes.
So yes—pray for your friends, your family, your community. But don’t forget to pray for you, too. You matter. And God is listening.
If this post resonated with you, then my workbook, You Don’t Actually Suck: A Guide to Seeing Yourself Through God’s Lens and Not Your Own, is exactly what you need. This guide will help you break free from negative self-talk, replace lies with truth, and learn to see yourself the way God sees you—worthy, loved, and full of purpose.
Inside, you’ll find practical exercises, biblical encouragement, and space to craft affirmations that speak life over yourself. Don’t let negativity hold you back any longer—start rewriting your inner dialogue today!
