20-May-21

When we pray, do we offer prayers centered entirely around ourselves and our comfort? Do we pray for growth, God’s intervention, and the needs of others? What should we pray for?

I recently heard a young priest praying at a gathering for middle school youth. During his prayer, he asked for sunny weather for their outing (despite the local farmers suffering from drought) and requested money for the climbing wall in the youth area they had planned. He ended the prayer by thanking the Lord that a pizza restaurant had burned down. The inconvenience of having to go to the restaurant’s temporary location to get pizza allowed them to get it for free.

This is something to think about.

When it comes to knowing what we pray for, for ourselves and for the children under our care, God’s word provides the best examples.

12 Things to Pray For:

1. “That we may not do wrong, but do what is right.” (2 Corinthians 13:7)

2. “That the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened (so that we may have wisdom and insight).” (Ephesians 1:18)

3. “That we may be strengthened.” (Ephesians 3:16)

4. “That we may be rooted and established in love.” (Ephesians 3:17)

5. “That we may have the power to grasp the width, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love.” (Ephesians 3:17)

6. “That we may have the words to make the gospel known.” (Ephesians 6:19)

7. “That our love may abound more in knowledge.” (Philippians 1:9)

8. “That God may open a door for the message of grace.” (Colossians 4:3)

9. “That we may stand firm in the will of God.” (Colossians 4:12)

10. “That the name of Jesus may be glorified in us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:12)

11. “That the message of the Lord may spread quickly because of our testimony.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

12. “That we are exceedingly grateful for the children and other adults in our ministry.” (Ephesians 1:16)

Next time you read the Bible, look for other examples you can pray for on behalf of those you care about, and share them with us in the comments.

For more benefit: read and reflect on the scriptures (Ephesians 6:18, 19; Colossians 4:2, 3).