11. Petitions
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
— Heb. 4:16
And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.
— Matt. 21:22
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
— John 15:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
— Matt. 7:7-12
This section is for any prayer needs that you may have in your own life. If we do not petition God for our needs, we should not be surprised if He does not meet our needs. As James says, “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2). Here is a sample prayer to get you going:
Father, what a privilege it is to be able to pray in freedom and to know that You are a generous God who delights in delighting Your people. And The first thing that I pray for this morning is eyes to see life as You see it. Take away any blindness that hinders us from seeing how good You are and how full and blessed we are. Take away any bitterness that keeps us from appreciating both the good and the difficult that You trust us with – and we do acknowledge that even difficulties are a stewardship trust that You have put into our lives. May we use these to grow in You.
I pray secondly for hearts of worship. Father, it is so easy for us to become apathetic and to go through the motions. But Father, we want hearts that burn for You. We desire to be God-chasers; to catch the uncatchable and to be like children caught by their father. Lord, we want You. We want to know You. We want to grow in You. I pray that You would fill our hearts with such love for You that worship would be easy and worship would be a delight.
I pray third for hearts that overflow in blessing into the lives of others. As we taste and see that You are good, may those living waters flow out of our innermost being and bring blessing to our family members, other church members, neighbors that we see during the week and work associates. Yes, Father, may this flow of Your Spirit from within us move us against all obstacles and against all excuses to serve.
I pray for expanded ministry opportunities and expanded resources and finances to be able to achieve those opportunities. As I am faithful with what You have given, I pray that You would trust me with more. I lay claim to John’s prayer when he prayed on our behalf: “that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2).
I pray for Your protection of my family and of our property. Thank You for Your promise that Your covenant mercies flow to a thousand generations of those who love You (Deut. 7:9). We plead your mercies and provisions for this day. May You protect our family from the arrow that flies by day and the pestilence that stalks at night. You have said that You are able to keep us from stumbling (Jude 2), and I pray that you would keep our family from stumbling into sin this day. May we finish this day with You being delighted that we have done all by Your Spirit and through the merits of Jesus, because we want to receive Your “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21).
I ask all of these petitions in the strong name of Jesus, and with thanksgiving for Your perfect answers. Amen.