Prayer for Self-Control
Self-control is a vital virtue that empowers us to live in alignment with God’s will, resisting temptation and making choices that honor Him. This collection of 40 compelling prayers for self-control is designed to strengthen your resolve, guide your thoughts, and anchor your actions in God’s wisdom.
Each prayer is paired with a relevant Bible verse to inspire discipline, peace, and spiritual growth. Whether you seek mastery over emotions, habits, or decisions, these prayers will draw you closer to God’s strength and transform your daily walk with Him.
1. A Prayer for Self-Control in Temptation
Dear God, I seek Your strength to exercise self-control when faced with temptation. Help me resist sinful desires and stay true to Your path.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” I pray for Your help to overcome temptation. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Amen.
2. A Prayer for Self-Control in Speech
Heavenly Father, grant me self-control over my words. Let my speech be kind, truthful, and uplifting, reflecting Your love and wisdom.
James 1:26
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” I pray for discipline in my speech. Thank You for Your guidance. Amen.
3. A Prayer for Self-Control in Anger
Lord, I ask for self-control when anger rises within me. Help me respond with patience and grace, trusting in Your peace to calm my heart.
Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” I pray for Your peace to guide my emotions. Thank You for Your strength. Amen.
4. A Prayer for Self-Control in Thoughts
Dear God, I seek self-control over my thoughts. Fill my mind with Your truth and guard me against negativity and harmful ideas.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” I pray for a disciplined mind. Thank You for Your Word. Amen.
5. A Prayer for Self-Control in Actions
Father, grant me self-control in my actions. Let my choices honor You and reflect Your righteousness in all I do.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” I pray for Your Spirit to guide my actions. Thank You for Your grace. Amen.
6. A Prayer for Self-Control in Desires
Lord, I ask for self-control over my desires. Help me seek Your will above my own and align my heart with Your purpose.
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” I pray for discipline in my desires. Thank You for Your provision. Amen.
7. A Prayer for Self-Control in Time Management
Dear God, I seek self-control in managing my time. Help me prioritize wisely and use each moment to glorify You.
Ephesians 5:15-16
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” I pray for wisdom in my time. Thank You for Your guidance. Amen.
8. A Prayer for Self-Control in Eating
Heavenly Father, grant me self-control in my eating habits. Help me honor my body as Your temple and make healthy choices.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” I pray for discipline in my eating. Thank You for Your care. Amen.
9. A Prayer for Self-Control in Spending
Lord, I ask for self-control in my finances. Guide me to spend wisely and trust in Your provision for my needs.
Proverbs 21:20
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” I pray for financial discipline. Thank You for Your abundance. Amen.
10. A Prayer for Self-Control in Relationships
Dear God, I seek self-control in my relationships. Help me respond with love and patience, building bonds that honor You.
Colossians 3:12-13
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” I pray for relational discipline. Thank You for Your love. Amen.
11. A Prayer for Self-Control in Work
Father, grant me self-control in my work. Help me stay focused, diligent, and faithful in all my tasks for Your glory.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” I pray for discipline in my work. Thank You for Your purpose. Amen.
12. A Prayer for Self-Control in Emotions
Lord, I ask for self-control over my emotions. Let Your peace guide my heart and help me respond with grace in every situation.
Proverbs 25:28
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” I pray for emotional stability. Thank You for Your peace. Amen.
13. A Prayer for Self-Control in Conflict
Dear God, I seek self-control during conflicts. Help me speak with wisdom and act with love, seeking resolution in Your truth.
James 3:17
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” I pray for discipline in conflict. Thank You for Your wisdom. Amen.
14. A Prayer for Self-Control in Distractions
Heavenly Father, grant me self-control to avoid distractions. Keep my focus on You and the tasks You’ve called me to complete.
Hebrews 12:2
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” I pray for focus and discipline. Thank You for Your guidance. Amen.
15. A Prayer for Self-Control in Pride
Lord, I ask for self-control over pride. Humble my heart and help me seek Your glory above my own recognition.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” I pray for humility and self-control. Thank You for Your grace. Amen.
16. A Prayer for Self-Control in Lust
Dear God, I seek self-control over lustful thoughts. Purify my heart and guide me to honor You in my desires and actions.
Matthew 5:28
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” I pray for purity and discipline. Thank You for Your cleansing. Amen.
17. A Prayer for Self-Control in Anxiety
Father, grant me self-control when anxiety overwhelms me. Help me trust in Your plan and find peace in Your presence.
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” I pray for peace and discipline. Thank You for Your care. Amen.
18. A Prayer for Self-Control in Jealousy
Lord, I ask for self-control over jealousy. Fill me with contentment and help me rejoice in the blessings of others.
James 3:16
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” I pray for contentment and discipline. Thank You for Your provision. Amen.
19. A Prayer for Self-Control in Impatience
Dear God, I seek self-control in moments of impatience. Teach me to wait on Your timing and trust Your perfect plan.
Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” I pray for patience and discipline. Thank You for Your timing. Amen.
20. A Prayer for Self-Control in Forgiveness
Heavenly Father, grant me self-control to forgive others. Help me release bitterness and extend Your grace as You have forgiven me.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” I pray for a forgiving heart. Thank You for Your mercy. Amen.
21. A Prayer for Self-Control in Laziness
Lord, I ask for self-control over laziness. Inspire me to be diligent and faithful in the work You’ve called me to do.
Proverbs 13:4
“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” I pray for diligence and discipline. Thank You for Your purpose. Amen.
22. A Prayer for Self-Control in Gossip
Dear God, I seek self-control to avoid gossip. Help me speak words that build up and honor You in all my conversations.
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” I pray for disciplined speech. Thank You for Your truth. Amen.
23. A Prayer for Self-Control in Addiction
Father, I ask for self-control to overcome addiction. Break the chains that bind me and fill me with Your strength to walk in freedom.
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” I pray for freedom and discipline. Thank You for Your power. Amen.
24. A Prayer for Self-Control in Fear
Lord, I seek self-control when fear grips my heart. Help me trust in Your protection and walk boldly in Your love.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” I pray for courage and discipline. Thank You for Your Spirit. Amen.
25. A Prayer for Self-Control in Prideful Ambition
Dear God, grant me self-control over prideful ambition. Align my goals with Your will and help me seek Your glory above my own.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” I pray for humble discipline. Thank You for Your example. Amen.
26. A Prayer for Self-Control in Envy
Heavenly Father, I ask for self-control over envy. Fill me with gratitude for Your blessings and help me celebrate others’ success.
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” I pray for contentment and discipline. Thank You for Your provision. Amen.
27. A Prayer for Self-Control in Criticism
Lord, I seek self-control to avoid harsh criticism. Help me speak with love and offer encouragement that reflects Your grace.
Matthew 7:1
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” I pray for compassionate discipline. Thank You for Your mercy. Amen.
28. A Prayer for Self-Control in Rest
Dear God, grant me self-control to prioritize rest. Help me balance work and renewal, trusting You to sustain me.
Psalm 127:2
“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.” I pray for disciplined rest. Thank You for Your care. Amen.
29. A Prayer for Self-Control in Decision-Making
Father, I ask for self-control in my decisions. Guide me with Your wisdom and help me choose paths that honor You.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” I pray for wise discipline. Thank You for Your guidance. Amen.
30. A Prayer for Self-Control in Social Media
Lord, I seek self-control in my use of social media. Help me engage positively and avoid distractions that pull me from You.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” I pray for disciplined engagement. Thank You for Your purpose. Amen.
31. A Prayer for Self-Control in Grief
Dear God, grant me self-control in my grief. Help me process pain with hope, trusting in Your comfort and eternal promise.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” I pray for disciplined mourning. Thank You for Your comfort. Amen.
32. A Prayer for Self-Control in Greed
Heavenly Father, I ask for self-control over greed. Fill me with contentment and trust in Your provision for all my needs.
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” I pray for contented discipline. Thank You for Your provision. Amen.
33. A Prayer for Self-Control in Bitterness
Lord, I seek self-control to release bitterness. Help me forgive and embrace Your peace, letting go of resentment.
Hebrews 12:15
“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” I pray for a forgiving heart. Thank You for Your grace. Amen.
34. A Prayer for Self-Control in Procrastination
Dear God, grant me self-control to overcome procrastination. Inspire me to act promptly and faithfully in Your calling.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” I pray for diligent discipline. Thank You for Your purpose. Amen.
35. A Prayer for Self-Control in Doubt
Father, I ask for self-control over doubt. Strengthen my faith and help me trust in Your promises even when I cannot see.
Mark 9:24
“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” I pray for faithful discipline. Thank You for Your truth. Amen.
36. A Prayer for Self-Control in Overindulgence
Lord, I seek self-control to avoid overindulgence. Help me practice moderation and honor You with my choices.
Proverbs 25:16
“If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.” I pray for balanced discipline. Thank You for Your wisdom. Amen.
37. A Prayer for Self-Control in Arrogance
Dear God, grant me self-control over arrogance. Humble my heart and help me walk in Your truth with meekness.
Proverbs 8:13
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” I pray for humble discipline. Thank You for Your righteousness. Amen.
38. A Prayer for Self-Control in Impulsiveness
Heavenly Father, I ask for self-control over impulsiveness. Guide me to pause and seek Your wisdom before acting.
Proverbs 19:2
“Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way!” I pray for thoughtful discipline. Thank You for Your guidance. Amen.
39. A Prayer for Self-Control in Resentment
Lord, I seek self-control to let go of resentment. Fill me with Your love and help me embrace forgiveness and peace.
Ephesians 4:31
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” I pray for a peaceful heart. Thank You for Your grace. Amen.
40. A Prayer for Self-Control in Daily Life
Dear God, I ask for self-control in every aspect of my life. Let Your Spirit guide my thoughts, words, and actions to reflect Your glory.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” I pray for daily discipline. Thank You for Your Spirit. Amen.
Conclusion
These 40 prayers for self-control, each rooted in the truth of Scripture, offer a powerful way to seek God’s strength in mastering your thoughts, words, and actions. By turning to Him in prayer, you invite His Spirit to guide you toward a life of discipline, peace, and righteousness.
May these prayers inspire you to rely on God’s wisdom daily, transforming your heart and empowering you to live for His glory. Let self-control be a testament to His grace working within you.
