When We Pray

Beloved, when we pray, we should know and do the following:

1) Acknowledge that our help comes from above (Psalm 121:1-2).
2) Acknowledge that if God is for us, no one can be against us (Romans 8:31).
3) See our unworthiness contrasted with the magnificence of God (Nehemiah 1:5-7).
4) As God’s children, we can talk to our heavenly Father (Luke 18:1; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2).
5) Seek God’s will in our life (Matthew 26:39).
6) Seek true wisdom (James 1:5; cf. Proverbs 2:1-6).
7) Seek God’s blessings on behalf of our loved ones (John 17:19-21).
8) Seek forgiveness — even for our secret sins (Acts 8:22; cf. Ecclesiastes 12:14).
9) Ask whatever we want — as long as its according to God’s will (1 John 5:14).
10) Have confidence in the fact that our prayers will be heard (1 John 5:14-15).
11) Thank God for all that He has done, and is doing on our behalf (Philippians 2:13; Philippians 4:6).
12) Thank God for our brothers and sisters in Christ (Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:4-5).
13) Thank God for providing us with all spiritual blessings “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3; cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 1 Peter 1:3-4).
14) Draw closer to God (James 4:8).
15) Petition God on behalf of the sick (James 5:13; James 5:16).
16) Take advantage of the promises God has made (2 Corinthians 1:19-20; cf. Romans 15:8-9).
17) Tap in to the vast resources of heaven (Ephesians 3:20; cf. Romans 16:25).
18) Request assistance in resisting the devil (1 Peter 5:8-9; cf. Luke 22:31-32; John 17:9; John 17:11; John 17:15).
19) Win the battle against the devil (James 4:7; cf. Ephesians 4:27; 1 Peter 5:8-9).
20) Pray to our Father without any outside influence or interruptions (Matthew 6:6; cf. 2 Kings 4:32-33).
21) Expect mercy and grace in time of trouble (Hebrews 4:16).
22) Find God’s peace (Philippians 4:7).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets