Our prayers are often of a totally different character to the prayers of the Bible. For example, look at the prayers in the following passages:
* 2 Samuel 7:18-29
* Matthew 6:5-15
* Colossians 1:3-14
Note the concerns of these prayers: the grand purposes of God; the salvation of Israel through David's dynasty; the growth of the gospel and of believers; the coming of the Kingdom of God; the renown of God. In short, they are God-centered, not self-centered, prayers. They are full of thanks to God, rehearsing his holiness and saving power, and asking him to fulfill his plans to save the world.
Paul sets an agenda for prayer meetings in 1 Timothy 2:1-7. Read this now.
We are to pray for everyone, with the focus upon godly living and the salvation of all. Of course, we can bring our personal needs to God in prayer (see 1 Pet 5:7; Matt 6:25-34). By bringing all matters to God, even the minor details of our lives, we express faith in God's rule over all things. God has committed himself to provide and care for us.
HT: The Sola Panel
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