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MORE PRAYER
The idea of talking to God in prayer can be very intimidating- what if you don't say the right words in just the right way at the right time and in the right place? What if God refuses to hear my prayer? What if He becomes angry by something I say? Let's do a little Q & A:
Can I be confident God cares about me and the things I'm going through?
- First, God demonstrated His love for you when He sent His Son Jesus Christ to save you from your sin by dying on the cross in your place (John 3:16-17). Clearly God cares about the biggest problem that you have. But does He care about the little ones?
- When teaching us not to worry Jesus said, "Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered" (Matthew 10:30). If God cares about something we would consider insignificant then you can be sure that nothing is too big or too little for God to care about. If anything is a concern to you it is a concern to God.
Are my prayers acceptable to God? They are if…
- If you trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior- that simply means to believe that God the Father forgives your failings and accepts you as His child for Jesus' sake (John 14:6).
- If you let God choose how to do what you ask- it is a way of saying, "I trust You heavenly Father! You know what's best for me and for everyone involved. If You want to do this differently than I want that's fine with me."
- If you are confident God will answer your prayers for Jesus' sake. Since Jesus is sitting at our Father's right hand praying for you, you can be sure God will answer your prayers (Romans 8:34).
Do I have to say the right words for my prayer to be heard?
- Paul wrote,
"We do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27)"
The Holy Spirit lives in your heart and knows everything about you. He brings your prayers to God, and prays for the things He knows you need, even if you are not aware of those needs. So don't worry about getting the words perfect- or even getting words out at all. You can speak to God in your thoughts, even in your feelings when words fail you.
Who should I pray for?
How much do I need to tell God about my situation?
- When you pray you aren't telling God anything He doesn't already know. Again Jesus said, "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." (Matthew 6:8)
What types of prayers are there?
- Prayers of praise give God credit for how great He is and the great things He does for us (Psalm 98).
- Petitions are individual requests for things you need (Philippians 4:6).
- Prayers of intercession request God's help for others, bringing their needs to God (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
- Prayers of thanksgiving notice the things God does for us and thank Him for them (Psalm 136). These prayers make us more aware of the wonderful things God does for us every day, and as we remember God's kindness we grow more confident He will take care of us in the future.
The following are some examples of prayers you can bring to God in various situations:
First Prayer of Faith…
O Lord, my God, You made the whole universe, everything that exists in this huge world. When I think of my place in that incredible creation, I am amazed that You care about me. I'm a tiny speck living on a little planet on the fringes of our small galaxy. But You care about every part of my life. You have even numbered each hair on my head. I don't deserve Your loving care because I have said, thought and done so many things against You and the people who live around me. But You showed how much You love me and all people by sending Your only Son Jesus Christ to suffer the punishment each of us deserves. He died and rose again that I might have a new life here on earth as I wait for the day when He will return to make this world and me new and perfect forever. Thank You for giving me faith to believe in Jesus Christ. Bring me closer and closer to You as I read Your Bible and gather to worship with those who also believe in You, so I may serve You and the other people for whom Jesus suffered and died. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
When things are going great…
My Lord and My God, I'm excited because my life is going so well right now. Thank You for watching over me and making so many things work together for my good. I don't deserve this happiness, but because Jesus suffered and died for me You have given me all these good things. Because Jesus rose from the dead, I know that when He comes again my life will be absolutely perfect- and that perfection will last forever! I know that before that day arrives I'll experience troubles again. When that happens remind me that You already punished Your Son Jesus in my place, and You have promised never to leave me or forsake me, but to make all my problems work out for my good. Receive my thanks for all You do for me in this life, and for the promise of the life to come. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
When I want to say thanks…
Father in heaven, what a wonderful world You have made. Thank You for my life, for my family and friends and for all the gifts You give each day that make my life so great. I know that I take so many of Your gifts for granted, and I often misuse these things You give me. Forgive me for being so unthankful and careless. You have every right to punish me, but instead You punished Jesus in my place on the cross. Thank You for His love and His willingness to die and rise again to give me life, peace and faith. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that He may strengthen my faith and love for my Savior, and that I may always be joyful, both in good times and in bad, and share the story of Your powerful love with others. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
In Sickness…
Heavenly Father, I'm tired of feeling bad and struggling with illness. It feels so unfair when I see so many other people who are healthy and active. Help me focus on Jesus and the unfair burden He took upon Himself. He was tortured and killed that I might be healed and live. Give me patience and strength to bear this suffering that others may see Your strength and goodness in me. Remind me that in my sickness You are bringing me close to people I would have never seen if I was healthy. Help me to care for them too. Give me healing and relief in the time You choose, that I may serve You as I serve others. Remind me that when Jesus returns, my body will be transformed and I will live in perfect health and strength forever. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Grieving for a loved one…
Lord Jesus, my Savior, I'm hurting because I lost someone I love so much- and the pain goes so much deeper than I ever thought it could. I can't understand why You let this happen. You seem so far away right now- just when I need You the most. But that is how it really was for Jesus on the cross. He cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Right now You feel far away from me, but it's only a feeling, not reality. You have promised to be right here- and I believe You are. But on the cross You stood far away from Jesus, punishing Him so that You won't have to punish me or my loved one. Remind me that Your Son Jesus died for us, and He conquered death by rising again. Thank You for promising to raise me and all who trust in You to eternal life when Jesus returns again. Comfort me now so I can comfort those who are hurting around me when they lose loved ones. I ask it in Jesus' holy name. Amen.
When my relationships are crumbling…
Lord God, I don't know what to do. It seems that no matter what I try, no matter how good my intentions are, the person/people I love are slipping further and further away. Whatever part of this may be my fault, please show me my errors and forgive my wrongs for Jesus' sake. Remind me that Jesus suffered and died to satisfy Your anger at my sins and restore me as Your own child. Move the heart of my loved ones to forgive me and bring us back together. Whatever fault lies in those I love, grant me mercy, forgiveness and love, that I may forgive them as You forgave me, and truly reach out to them. Move them to recognize their faults and change their lives. Forgive them and turn them to Jesus Christ who can give them the will and the strength to change. Restore our relationship, even as You restored my relationship with You through Jesus Christ. I pray in His name, Amen.
When my life is spiraling out of control…
I have big problems Lord. And no matter what I do, those problems just get bigger and bigger. They are out of control and I am at the end of my rope- help me! I need You to pull me up out of this deep pit and set me on level ground… But You already did that. I was trapped in the pit of my faults and wrongs and there was nothing I could do to turn away Your rightful anger at me. But in Your undeserved love, You sent Your Son to save me out of that pit. He suffered and died on the cross for my sins, so I am forever free from Your wrath, and from eternal punishment in hell. Take charge of my life, and bring all things to work together for me. Teach me to live by Your ways, so I can enjoy the peace and security You want me to have- now and forever. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen
When my prayers have just been answered…
Holy Lord, thank You for hearing my prayers and answering them. Jesus promised that whatever we ask for in Your name, You will do for us. Help me understand that praying "in Your name" means to trust that You are my heavenly Father because Your Son Jesus died to take away my sins. Since You are my heavenly Father, You will only do that which is the very best for me. Remind me that You know my needs even before I ask them, and You are working out all things for my good. That means sometimes You will say "no" to my prayers, but only because You have something in mind which will be much better for me than what I could think or ask. So no matter what, give me confidence to pray to You at all times and in every need- and to thank You for Your fatherly care. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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