For What Should We Pray

  • God has made promises. Asking that God make those promises happen may be approached with boldness.
    • 1 John 3:22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him because we keep His commandments… (also 1 John 5:15)
    • Luke 11:13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.
    • Luke 18:7 – 8 Shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?
    • Matthew 6:9 – 13 Pray for food (promised in Matthew 6:36), forgiveness (promised in Acts 13:38 – 39 et al), and lack of temptation (promised in 1 Corinthians 10:13).
    • 1 Timothy 2:1 – 2 Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life…
    • Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
    • James 1:5 – 8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
    • James 5:15 – 20 The prayer of faith will save the sick and the Lord will raise him up.  And, if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven…pray for one another
    • 1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give to him life…
  • Aside from specific promises, God has directed us to pray about certain things
    • Matthew 5:44, Luke 11:2 – 4 …pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you
    • James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.
  • Faithful people have prayed, as recorded in the Bible, for several things God did not promise or suggest. These are presented to God as requests, not demands.
    • Matthew 6:9 – 13 Pray for God’s will to happen on earth, which doesn’t happen all that often.
    • Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God
    • 3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
  • Paul asked that various congregation pray that he be bold, clear, and safe. (Colossians 4:3 – 4, Ephesians 5:18 – 20, Romans 15:30)