We often have something we want to ask God for, but we don’t know how to. This is why many Christians hesitate to say what they really want in prayer and instead opt for what they think God expects. So, instead of circling your main prayer request, learn how to pray for something you really want in this article.
If you’ve ever wondered how to ask God for what you really want, you’re in the right place. We’ll answer all your questions and explain the steps to take when you need to ask God for the things you want. On that note, let’s dive in.
Can You Pray to God for Things You Want?
The simple answer is yes! God wants us to express our desires to Him, and he’s always available to listen to us. Only when we share our desires with Him can He redeem them in a manner that we can discover his original plan for us.
God loves us regardless of our heart desires and doesn’t need us to adjust our requests to enjoy his love. Jesus’ death on the cross has provided us with direct access to His throne, and God’s grace makes it impossible to hinder that relationship. So even if what you really want is harmful and worldly, God will not run away from you.
By making your requests known to God, you’re also bringing them to light. This will help you maintain your relationship with God. Even though we’re not perfect, God is not turned off by our desires and is always ready to hear us out.
So How do You Pray for Something Specific?
There is no set rule about how to pray for something specific from God. However, we’ll share some tips to help you make your request known to God. On that note, let’s begin.
Come with Thanksgiving
Before asking for something from God, it’s essential to always give thanks. Don’t start by asking for something immediately when you go to God. Instead, begin by praising him and expressing gratitude for what He has already done for you. Thank God for His loving and mighty nature and for the unwavering guidance he has provided for you.
When you begin your prayer with thanksgiving, it shows that God is more than just an entity you ask for things. Ensure your thanksgiving is genuine and not a tactic to butter God up so you can get what you want from Him. Remember that he knows your heart’s content, so you must mean what you say.
Table Your Matter Before Him
God is aware of everything we feel and think, so there’s no point in trying to hide your true desires from him. After thanking God for who He is and what He continually does for you, you should table your matter before him. Ensure you’re completely honest about your feelings and thoughts. Your honesty might just be the one that opens God’s ears to your prayers.
Tell Him what you want and ask that He provides it for you. When tabling your matter before Him, ensure you’re very specific. Although God already knows what we want, He still wants us to ask Him for it. Although God answers vague prayers, being specific will create a deeper bond between you. The phrase ‘ask and you shall receive written in the Bible for a specific reason, so don’t hold back with your request.
Pray for His Will to be Done
This is another vital part of praying for something you want. However, it can also be the most challenging part of the praying process. We need to be ready to yield to God’s will in our life when he answers us. Being specific doesn’t guarantee God will answer your request the way you want. Sometimes He has other plans for us, and we need to be ready to accept them.
Remember that God always answers our prayers, but the answer isn’t always yes but ‘no’ or ‘not yet in some cases. Praying for his will to be done shows an attitude of surrender and trust. It shows that you believe in God’s wisdom and the mystery behind his reasoning.
Wait for His Instructions
For most people, the waiting period is the hardest. We all want immediate answers to our prayers, but it doesn’t always happen like that. You must remember that God’s timeline is not the same as ours.
Therefore, if He doesn’t answer your prayer as quickly as you want, you shouldn’t give up on Him. Instead, it’s best to consistently wait on God’s timing because there might be a reason he’s not answering as quickly as you would like Him to.
Be Ready to Obey That Instruction
When God answers your prayers, you should be ready to obey his instructions. Always remember that God knows what’s best and has a plan for your life. Therefore, surrender to his will rather than your own. Remember, obeying God’s instructions allows you to be guided by a light brighter than you can imagine.
Is It Selfish to Pray for Things We Want or Need?
People continually worry that they’re selfish when they pray for what they want. Christians constantly wonder if praying for their own needs is spiritually healthy. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re being selfish by praying for what you need or want, you’re not alone.
Praying for what you want or need is a positive practice, not a self-exalting prayer.
Self-prayer shows that you recognize the power of God and you’re saying that you need him. It acknowledges Matthew 6:33, which says we must seek Him first above every other thing in life. It also rests on the security that God is Supreme and will keep us from falling.
When you pray for what you want or need, you recognize that you can only get through life with God’s power, guidance, grace, love, and mercy.
What does the Bible Say About Praying for What You Want?
Although God knows the desires of your heart long before you ask, He still wants to hear from you. The Bible is full of people who prayed for something they needed or wanted. That’s why the Bible is full of verses directing us to pray for what we want.
Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
This Bible verse clearly states that if you want your prayers answered, you must be specific in your request. So be quite clear about what you’re asking for, and you have a higher chance of receiving what you’re requesting.
Other Bible verses that speak about praying for what you want include:
- Matthew 21:22
- John 14:13-14
- Philippians 4:6-7
Conclusion
Prayer is vital in every Christian’s life and is the one way we ask God for what we really want. Asking God what you want and need isn’t as hard as it seems once you know the proper steps. First, ensure you begin your supplications with thanksgiving and be honest with your requests. Then, although you might not get an answer immediately, don’t stop praying.
