Fulton Church of Christ » 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)