(2nd in a series on “Questions About Prayer”)
Sometimes it’s hard to know what to pray, like the times it is just too hard to put things into words. When we consider that at least 90% of God’s will is already revealed to us in the Bible, we can gain insight into the kinds of things God wants us to pray. (Praying Scripture is introduced in the first post in this series, “Questions About Prayer.”)
Yes! There are so many things that we can be certain God wants us to pray about! When we read Scripture, the anticipation that there are so many possibilities for praying through the verses we read, change will come to our reading, meditating, and praying.
Let’s begin to answer this prayer Question #2 with some examples of praying things God clearly wants us to pray.
God’s will to be done
We often add “. . . Lord willing,” to things we say. We frequently insert into our prayers “if you are willing.” I wonder if sometimes we say this or pray this way in an “I wish, I hope” kind of way without considering if we truly want to have God’s will done and truly surrender to God’s will. I have to admit that in my experience I’m probably more concerned about my will being done, hoping that it’s God’s will too. I may not have the humility of surrender to my Sovereign’s will. I possibly am not earnestly considering, even wrestling with, what God’s desires are in contrast to my own selfish desires.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays (Luke 22:41-44). He wrestles with his Father’s will. Great drops of blood drip from his face. His desire? “If you are willing, take this cup from me . . . “ (italics added). But it is not about Jesus’ desire. “Yet not my will, but yours be done.” Surrender. The Father’s will, purposes, plan, wins out.
God’s will for the Kingdom to come
In a previous post, we began to consider the Jesus-followers’ request, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Jesus’ following teaching (11:1-13) on prayer, models and instructs in worship, praying for God’s will, petition for daily needs, healing of relations, victory over sin, persistence, and the character of the Father. One could argue that all of these are appropriate things and ways to pray. Jesus taught it!
One pivotal prayer point of Jesus’ model prayer (Luke 11:2-4, Matthew 6:9-13) is “. . . your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (6:11). Very clear: pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth, and for his will to be done on earth–as it is in heaven.
How can what God’s will is in heaven come to earth? One of things God instructs us to do is to pray for it. He starts to tell us the things of heaven he wills for us to pray to be on earth. Adoration and worship of his “hallowed” (holy) name is foremost (Matthew 6:9). Utter dependence on God, even for simple daily needs (6:11). Forgiveness of our sin, and corresponding grace to forgive others (Luke 11:2). Rescue for temptation and deliverance from evil and the evil one (Matthew 6:13).
Are there yet other characteristics of heaven to pray for on earth? So many. Here’s just a few: uninhibited worship (Revelation 4:8-11, 5:8-14, 7:9-12), full joy and pleasure (Psalm 16:11), God’s presence (John 14:1-3), unending blessings (Ephesians 1:3). What would you add?
God’s will for Kingdom expansion
If the Kingdom of God is where God reigns, is within followers, and is to spread to every ethnic group everywhere (Luke 17:20-21, Matthew 24:14), then it is certainly God’s will, something for which he would have his followers to pray.
Consider Luke 10:2: “He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (cf. Matthew 10:36-38).
This is one of those things we can be certain God wants us to pray. Yet, how much of our prayer time personally and corporately is invested in this prayer? I know I need to spend more time praying for these things that are clearly God’s will and desire. Most churches I have ever been a part of . . . well, let’s just say wrestling with God’s will to be fulfilled in and through the congregation isn’t what most of prayer time is used for.
Are there other things I should pray that I can be certain is God’s will?
You tell us. We know there is . . . a lot of things we could, and should, be praying for. What comes to your mind that is clearly God’s will that should be a priority in our prayer? Please share it below. It will probably give others insight and inspiration for prayer!
Coming in the “Questions About Prayer” series:
How can I use this “pray scripture” idea in my devotional life?
How could I ever “pray without ceasing”?!
What and how should I be praying for my family, friends, church, or community?
Are there different kinds of prayer for different situations?
What’s this about “spiritual warfare prayer”?