what we should pray for

Often the best thing we can do for someone is just to listen.  The old saying “you have 2 ears and 1 mouth; therefore, listen twice as much as you speak” is the truth.  Listening to someone is a gift we can give.  Did you know that God listens to us?  And we are to listen to Him.

As I sat listening to a precious lady who is seeking God she asked about the right way to pray and what words to use.  It was such an honor to tell her to just talk to God and to listen.  It is about our heart and our motives.  Thinking about prayer what come to mind is what we pray for and the question of what we should pray for.

Here are some pieces of the Bible that stuck out for me:

1 Samuel 1:11  NLT

And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you.  He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.”

Hannah pleaded with God for a child.  He answered her prayer and Samuel was God’s answer.

2 Kings 13:4  NLT

Then Jehoahaz prayed for the Lord’s help, and the Lord heard his prayer, for he could see how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel.

Often we need help or guidance to know how to proceed.  God wants to help us because we are His kids, and He loves us.

Ezra 9:6  NLT

I prayed, “O my God, I am utterly ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to you.  For our sins are piled higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached to the heavens.

This is a place that most of us have been.  Filled with guilt or shame we have to turn to God because in His forgiveness we find peace and confidence.  God wants to fill us with hope and not with false guilt.  Believe God for freedom as you pray.

Job 42:10  NLT

When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes.  In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before!

Job had been through hell.  His health fell apart.  His kids died.  He lost almost all his wealth.  But he prayed for his friends, many of who turned against Job.  Yet God answered Job’s prayer by blessing Job.  Remember life is about God.  Pray for God to bless others.

Psalm 18:6  NLT

But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help.  He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.

God knows our need before we speak it.  He wants to help us.  Seek Him.

Matthew 5:44  NLT

But I say, love your enemies!  Pray for those who persecute you!

Pray for those you have a hard time with.  Pray for their blessing and for God’s glory.

Mark 11:25  NLT

But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.

It is important to pray with an open heart because God will reveal to us things that might be tough.  Responding to what God says will change you and change others.

Acts 12:5  NLT

But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

Join with others and pray for those who are on your mind.  Pray often.  Share your prayers.

Romans 1:10  NLT

One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you.

Pray that God will open doors or give you an opportunity to do amazing things and to follow Him even when it’s not easy.

James 5:16  NLT

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Did you read that verse?  You might want to read it again and again.  God wants to speak to us, through us and to hear from us.  He loves us and wants our time with Him.

I close with a verse and promise that is close to my heart.  We worry too much.  It is time to use our prayers to let go of our stress and worry and let God work through it all.

Philippians 4:6  NLT

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.