The Prayer Jesus taught His disciples as recorded in Matthew 6 and Luke 11 gives us a good format for what to pray for.
- The prayer starts with words of honour and praise to the Father - "Hallowed be Thy name"; and continues with our submission to the Father - "Thy will be done".
- It then allows us to bring our petitions before the Father - "Give us this day our daily bread".
- The prayer makes provision for us to consider our sins and to ask for forgiveness - "And forgive us our sins".
- We are encouraged to forgive others, a prerequisite for our own forgiveness - "as we forgive those who sin against us".
- In prayer we can ask Father for protection, firstly against ourselves - "And lead us not into temptation"; and secondly against our enemy - "but deliver us from evil".
- We end the prayer with a salutation to the Father, confirming our faith in who He is - "For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, for ever and ever".
Here are bible verses that provide guidance on what to prayer for according to the format above: Item 1 - Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. (Jer.29:12). Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (IThes.5:16-18)
Item 2 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Phil.4:6).
Item 3 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John1:9)
Item 4 - And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (Mark11:25)
Item 5 - Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1Pet.5:7). If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach. (Jam.1:5). But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. (2Thes.3:3)
Item 6 - But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. (Ps.3:3-5)
My Prayer
Jesus, thank you for teaching us how to pray. Father Yahuah, we thank you that we can lay our petitions before You. Father, Your Word assures us that when we ask according to Your will that You will hear us (1John5:14). Please lead us to remain in Your will. We pray in Jesus' name. Aman.