God-Given Priorities in Prayer
Give us this day our daily bread. Jesus’s words teach us to confidently ask for God’s provision and as I prepared to preach these words, it left me considering all the ways God provides. One of those ways is that he provides priority in our prayer life. He does not leave us wondering what should be on our hearts in prayer, but instead, God’s Word is full of instructions regarding what we pray for. Much of those instructions fall into Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6, but what else do we pray for? Here are a few examples that quickly come to my mind. What else might you add?
Pray according to Jesus’ name and character
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13
Pray for gospel advance
Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 Thessalonians 3:1
And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Luke 10:2
Pray for our leaders
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, [2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1 Timothy 2:1–2
Pray for our enemies
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:43–45
Pray for the welfare of our city (even in exile)
But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7
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