What Christians Ought To Pray Series

Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather to explore a vital aspect of our spiritual lives—prayer. Prayer is the lifeline of our faith, a direct line of communication with our Heavenly Father. Through prayer, we express our hearts, seek guidance, and align ourselves with God's will. But what exactly should Christians pray for? Let's delve into the Scriptures and discover the key elements that should shape our prayers.

Main Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7

Let us begin with a powerful passage from Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

From this passage, we can discern several important aspects of prayer: presenting our requests to God, praying with thanksgiving, and seeking peace.

1. Praying for God’s Will to Be Done

One of the most fundamental prayers we should offer is for God’s will to be done in our lives and the world. Jesus Himself modeled this in the Lord’s Prayer, teaching us to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10, NIV). Seeking God’s will aligns our desires with His purposes.

Illustration: The Garden of Gethsemane

Consider Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, as He faced the agony of the cross. He prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39, NIV). Jesus’ prayer exemplifies submission to God’s will, even in the face of immense suffering. We too should seek to surrender our plans and desires to God, trusting in His perfect wisdom and timing.

2. Praying for Daily Needs

Jesus also taught us to pray for our daily needs: "Give us today our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11, NIV). This simple yet profound request acknowledges our dependence on God for provision. By praying for our daily needs, we cultivate a spirit of reliance on God rather than on our own abilities.

Illustration: The Manna in the Wilderness

In the Old Testament, God provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness. Each day, they collected just enough for that day, teaching them to trust in God’s daily provision (Exodus 16). This reliance on God for our daily sustenance reminds us of His faithfulness and our dependence on Him.

3. Praying for Forgiveness and Forgiving Others

Another crucial aspect of our prayers should be seeking forgiveness for our sins and forgiving those who have wronged us. Jesus included this in the Lord’s Prayer: "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12, NIV).

Illustration: The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Jesus told the parable of the unmerciful servant to illustrate the importance of forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35). In the story, a servant is forgiven a massive debt by his master but refuses to forgive a fellow servant a small debt. This parable teaches us that just as God forgives our sins, we too must forgive others. Our prayers should regularly include confession and a commitment to extend forgiveness.

4. Praying for Others (Intercessory Prayer)

Intercessory prayer, or praying on behalf of others, is a powerful and essential part of our prayer life. The Apostle Paul frequently prayed for others, as seen in Ephesians 1:16 (NIV): "I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers."

Illustration: Moses Interceding for Israel

In the book of Exodus, we see Moses interceding for the Israelites after they sinned by worshiping the golden calf. Moses pleaded with God to forgive them and not destroy them (Exodus 32:11-14). His intercession was crucial in securing God’s mercy. Likewise, our prayers for others can bring about God’s intervention, healing, and blessing in their lives.

5. Praying for Spiritual Growth and Guidance

We should also pray for our spiritual growth and guidance, asking God to help us grow in faith, wisdom, and understanding. James 1:5 (NIV) encourages us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Illustration: Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom

When Solomon became king, he prayed for wisdom to lead God’s people. God was pleased with his request and granted him unparalleled wisdom (1 Kings 3:7-12). Praying for spiritual growth and wisdom aligns our hearts with God’s desire for us to mature in our faith and understanding.

6. Praying with Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving should permeate our prayers, as gratitude acknowledges God’s goodness and faithfulness. Philippians 4:6 instructs us to present our requests "with thanksgiving."

Illustration: Paul and Silas in Prison

Paul and Silas exemplified this attitude when they prayed and sang hymns to God despite being imprisoned (Acts 16:25). Their gratitude and faith led to a miraculous intervention. Giving thanks in all circumstances helps us maintain a positive and trusting attitude, even in difficult times.