What should we pray?
All of God’s Word directs and inspires us as to what we should pray, including the prayer that Jesus Himself taught us.
Ephesians 3:14-21: “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its name. I ask that, through the Spirit and with the power that comes from his glorious riches, he will strengthen you in the depths of his being, so that by faith Christ may dwell in his hearts. And I pray that, rooted and grounded in love, you may comprehend, along with all the saints, how wide and long, how high and deep is the love of Christ; in short, that they know that love that surpasses our knowledge, so that they may be filled with the fullness of God.
To Him who can do so much more than anything we can imagine or ask, by the power that works effectively in us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever! Amen” (NIV).
When we ask ourselves what we should pray, we instinctively go to the Bible, because it is the Bible that inspires and guides us. So whether it is Jesus reminding us to always pray without fainting or Paul reminding the Philippians not to be anxious but to turn to God in prayer, it is the Bible that keeps us on track. When we pray, we are really asking God to align our lives and the lives of others with his purposes. And when we pray that way, we can pray with confidence.
We can pray for our world, that more men and women can believe in the gospel. We can pray that, as Jesus said, more workers will be sent to the mission field. We can pray for the work of the gospel in our lives, that we may be holy, thankful, and joyful. And in doing all this we must remember that God is willing to bless us more than we are willing to ask.
As Jesus said: “If you, even though you are evil, know how to give good things to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Mt 7:11, NIV).
Prayer: Listening God, allow your living Word to shape our desires and our prayers. May he challenge us to pray for things that don’t seem possible. May when we approach You as beloved children, your Word help us to see you as you are. May it bring us to our knees, acknowledging our need for You. Amen.
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