Prayers entreating the favor of God from Matthew Henry

Yesterday, I posted a prayer that I crafted from the Psalms to encourage us to entreat the favor of God for our lives, families, and ministries. It is supremely valuable for us to learn to pray God's words. It's theologically accurate, eminently practical, and supremely effectual.


One dead saint who can teach us how to pray God's Word is Matthew Henry. If you haven't read the book, A Method for Prayer, or visit a website devoted to his method, then you might benefit greatly from the exploration.


Henry knew the value of praying God's words to entreat God's favor. Here are two examples:

There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?” But this we say, “O LORD, lift up the light of your face upon us, and that shall put joy in our hearts, more than they have when their grain and wine abound.” Psalm 4:6-7(ESV)

We entreat your favor with all our heart, Psalm 119:58(ESV) for in this we labor, that whether we are at home or away, we may please the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:9(ESV)

Hear our prayer, O LORD, give ear to our pleas for mercy; in your faithfulness answer us, Psalm 143:1(ESV) and be near to us whenever we call upon you; Deuteronomy 4:7(ESV) for you have never said to the offspring of Jacob, “Seek me in vain.” Isaiah 45:19(ESV)

You who hear the young ravens that cry, Psalm 147:9(ESV) be not deaf to us, lest if you be silent to us, we become like those who go down to the pit. Psalm 28:1(ESV)

Let our prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of our hands be acceptable in your sight as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2(ESV)

We entreat your favor, O God, with all our heart; be gracious to us according to your promise, Psalm 119:58(ESV) for in your favor is life; Psalm 30:5(ESV) yes, your steadfast love is better than life itself. Psalm 63:3(ESV)

LORD, make your face to shine upon us and be gracious to us; LORD, lift up the light of your countenance upon us and give us peace. Numbers 6:25-26(ESV)

Remember us, O LORD, with the favor you show to your people. O help us with your salvation, that we may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones and may rejoice in the gladness of your nation and may glory with your inheritance. Psalm 106:4-5(ESV)