Prayer Requests

I often receive prayer requests – from family, friends and mere acquaintances. They come to me because the requester knows that prayer is important in my life, that I believe God answers prayer and that I will approach His throne with love for Him and for them.

Through out the Old Testament, we are told of the children of Israel’s supplications to our God, and His responses. In The New Testament His Son gave a verbal example, but gave greater examples as disciples recorded prayers to His Father. Whether we speak to Him solely in praise or if we come before Him with requests, He has told us he hears our prayers.

Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:2-3 KJV)

There are many times we do not know what we should be requesting. God provided for that, too.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26 KJV)

Other times He is specific as to how we should pray.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)

Often prayers are with generalities in mind, allowing God to provide the specifics. Paul’s prayer here was designed to glorify God, the means were His.

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: (2 Thessalonians 3:1 KJV)

We must trust that God’s response will be even better than what we request.

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:13 KJV)

A huge hindrance in prayer is our inability to work within God’s will. Remember, we don’t know what to request, He promises great and mighty things and He is known for His good gifts. Always seek His will be one, as Jesus prayed.

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (1 John 5:14 KJV)

The obverse would be that He does not heed us when we make requests outside His will. Until we ask, acknowledging His will, we cannot know – as Hezekiah when told he would die, yet requested more time and received fifteen years.

Christians need to take care when praying in Christ’s name. It is not a simple formulaic that gets the job done. There is a pre-requisite. The results must glorify God.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13 KJV)

Please take a Bible and read the verses surrounding what I've chosen, simply to be certain nothing is taken out of context. Finally, read Mark 11:22-26 for prayer instructions – and results to expect. May God bless you in the reading of His word.