Fruitfulness: Biblical Prayers

In the last Word of the Year post on Fruitfulness, I developed an acrostic and prayer. It got me thinking about the prayers in the Bible that are for fruitfulness. I recently did a group study on Ephesians and was reminded of Paul’s prayers for our spiritual fruitfulness. So, I went looking for prayers of fruitfulness. I’m not big on sharing lists, but here it is:

Genesis 1:28 – God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it…”

Genesis 24:60 – Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands; may your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.

Deuteronomy 28:1–12 – The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground…

Psalm 1:1–3 – That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season…

Psalm 90:17 – May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 128:1–4 – You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine…

John 15:1–8 – If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit… This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

John 17 – I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.

Philippians 1:9–11 – ...that you may be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Colossians 1:9–10 – ...so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…

While studying Ephesians as a group, we talked a bit about how Paul didn’t ask for things but prayed for the spiritual growth of the congregation. His prayers were for others. So, how about praying for someone else or a group or a family?

Lord,
May they remain in You, as You remain in them—
for You have said, “If you abide in Me, you will bear much fruit.”
Plant them like trees by streams of water,
deeply rooted, drawing strength from Your love,
yielding fruit in the right season, and not withering in the heat. (John 15:5, Psalm 1:3)

Grow in them the fruit that only Your Spirit gives—
love that endures, joy that sustains,
peace that calms, kindness that reaches,
faithfulness that holds fast. (Philippians 1:11, Galatians 5:22–23)

Cause them to walk in a way that pleases You.
Let them bear fruit in every good work
and keep growing in the knowledge of You,
even in the quiet seasons. (Colossians 1:10)

Bless the work of their hands, Lord.
Let their labor bring forth good fruit.
May their homes be filled with peace and purpose,
their relationships reflect Your grace,
and their lives overflow with quiet abundance. (Psalm 90:17, Psalm 128:2–3)

When their prayers feel small or go unspoken,
establish what they cannot finish.
Hear what their hearts cry even when lips are silent.
Let their time with You shape eternal things. (Psalm 90:17, John 17:4)

You have declared that there is a time for everything—
a season to sow and a season to reap.
So I ask that in Your perfect time,
You would bring blessing, fruitfulness, and joy.
May they not grow weary, but trust You through every season,
until the harvest comes. (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2, Deuteronomy 28:11–12, Galatians 6:9)

Amen.

 I admit I prayed this over myself as well… but I have been trying to embrace praying for others beyond what they have asked for and more about their lives as glory to God.

Who did you pray this over? I’d love to read it in the comments. Bless you!