What are You Praying For

As a Christian, prayer is an essential aspect of spiritual life, and it encompasses various forms and expressions. While it is natural to bring our needs and desires before God in prayer, it is also important to cultivate an attitude of seeking God’s will and understanding His purpose for our lives. This aligns with the idea of focusing on what we can do for God and others rather than solely on what we can receive.

One biblical passage that addresses this is found in the book of James, where it says, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (James 4:3, ESV). This verse highlights the importance of examining our motives in prayer and seeking God’s will above our own desires. It encourages a shift in focus from self-centered requests to a willingness to align our prayers with God’s purposes.

Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes the importance of selflessness and serving others. In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul writes, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3, ESV). This principle can also be applied to our prayers, encouraging us to consider the needs of others and how we can contribute to their well-being through our prayers and actions.

Additionally, Jesus taught his disciples to pray in what is commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer or the Our Father. This prayer, found in the book of Matthew, emphasizes the acknowledgment of God’s holiness, the submission to His will, the request for daily provisions, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil. The focus of this prayer is on surrendering to God’s will and seeking His provision and guidance, rather than solely on personal gain.

In light of these biblical teachings, Christians can strive to incorporate an attitude of selflessness, service, and surrender to God’s will into their prayers. This can involve praying for wisdom, strength, and opportunities to serve others, as well as seeking alignment with God’s purposes in their own lives and the lives of those around them.

Ultimately, while it is important to bring our needs before God, cultivating an attitude of selflessness and service in prayer can help Christians to grow in their faith, deepen their relationship with God, and contribute to the well-being of others in accordance with biblical principles.