Asking for specific things when praying

[Miss Shelby]

My sister recently asked for prayer and told me not to just say 'please bless *her name*' pray for' --and then she specifically told me what to pray for, one of the things being increased income. I told her I don't tell God what to do , but I would pray that His will be done in her life. She responded back 'remember the Bible says, you do not have, because you do not ask' --to which I became very irritated.

So anyways. Thoughts?

 

[Maggie893]

While I don't believe that God minds either prayer, I tend to fall in line with your prayer method. Only God knows the path that will lead to her perfection and that is what you should want for her. I wouldn't let it stand between you though. Prayer is between you and God. It's as much about your relationship with God as it is about what you ask for. Your sister should not be looking to dictate how you relate to God, at least not in my opinion.

As scripture goes, I would hold to 1 John5:
14 And this is the confidence which we have towards him: That, whatsoever we shall ask according to his will, he heareth us. 15 And we know that he heareth us whatsoever we ask: we know that we have the petitions which we request of him.

 

[MikeK]

I don't know that praying for Him to do His will in her life is all you can do, as He will do His will with or without your request. I don't know that I'd ask Him to give her more money, but it probably wouldn't hurt anything to ask that He provide for her a path to greater financial stability and satisfaction, whether that comes through becoming her more frugal and easily satisfied, increasing her income, becoming more finacialy savvy, etc is up to Him.

Of course, I'm no theologian, I just talk to God how I see fit. I understand that you sister wants more money. what is she doing to get herself more money? this might be a good time to explain to her that neither God nor many people frequently just hand out money. There are ways to earn lots of money, and while hard work certainly sucks, it almost always leads to financial reward if that's what you're seeking.

 

[Epiphanygirl]

While I don't believe that God minds either prayer, I tend to fall in line with your prayer method. Only God knows the path that will lead to her perfection and that is what you should want for her. I wouldn't let it stand between you though. Prayer is between you and God. It's as much about your relationship with God as it is about what you ask for. Your sister should not be looking to dictate how you relate to God, at least not in my opinion.

As scripture goes, I would hold to 1 John5:
14 And this is the confidence which we have towards him: That, whatsoever we shall ask according to his will, he heareth us. 15 And we know that he heareth us whatsoever we ask: we know that we have the petitions which we request of him.

I agree too!

 

[tturt]

I've thought about this question also. I really felt uncomfortable being specific for a long time. So researched scriptures and they indicate both - His will and specifics such as Matt 15:32-36 (food) and Mat 20:29-33 (blind men to see).

1Jo 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:"

Luk 11:13 "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him."

 

[plmarquette]

Many lawyers in reading the bible , have become converted ... Charles Finney , Dowie ... for the book read like a law book , citing precidence ( what God did in the past , will do in the future ) .

Isaiah 43.26 says remind me of my promises
( Psalm 103 , 139 , 119.5 , Mark 11.23-4 ; Isaiah 53.3; Matthew 8.17 ; Matthew 7.7-8 ; revelation 3.8-20 )

state your case ... (for healing , forgiveness, deliverance, restoration) before me... as a lawyer would present a case for the prosecution or defense ...

or as mother church has given us a homily ... about the holy family ... as you would present a case before your parents ... " dad , you said ... "

 

[Irenaeus]

One may pray without reserve and condition for what we know is God's will, i.e., the sanctification of our souls and all that entails, such as final perseverance, an increase of grace, protection from temptation, etc. All these things are outlined very well in the 'Our Father'.

However, in regard to temporal benefits, one need be very careful. We must be very careful of presuming upon God's will when it falls in line so suspiciously with our own desires.

God can and does always give answers to specific prayers. The Our Father for example has specific petitions: "Give us this day our daily bread...forgive us our trespasses...lead us not into temptation...deliver us from evil."

God knows exactly what is best for us. It is good to remember that "God is in heaven and you are on earth, therefore let your words be few."

 

[Tigg]

I talk to God, period. I have never demanded that He do anything - not even thought of it. I ask for and discuss anything and know full well that it is His decision to do or not, a given.

I never dictate how anyone else should pray to God. Besides the Lord's prayer as an example, I tell people who ask, to just talk to Him. To me that is prayer. I am sure God is pleased to hear from anyone in any form or manner. Just MO, of course.

Frankly Miss Shelby, I would have been content with your prayer that His will be done. Looks like, perhaps, this can be an opening for further discussion between your sis and you. Who knows. Maybe you each have something to contribute to the others prayer life.

-IMO-
Peace

 

[QuantaCura]

There's nothing wrong with petitioning for specific things--we should always petition for the graces necessary for salvation--especially the grace of perseverence--this is necessary. In fact, he only answers affirmatively those prayers that are conducive to our salvation.

When praying for other things, you can always condition them with ..."if it be profitable for my/her salvation and sanctification" or end with Our Lord's prayer, "Not my will, but Yours be done."

 

[stivvy]

The intent behind prayer is what counts. God can most certainly bless and has blessed many financially.

It sounds like her intent was selfish and greedy (not to judge her by any stretch). Just have to humble yourself before God and ask for His blessings be sent to you in ways that fits into His plan for you. With an open heart and no desire for want or lusting after materialistic or even mental things, God will not foresake His children.

Just like when you want to give your children something. You should tend to not give it when they demand or even expect it from you, but rather when they deserve it and it is best when they don't expect it!

 

[Miss Shelby]

It sounds like her intent was selfish and greedy (not to judge her by any stretch).

Well no it wasn't I just made it sound that way. She also asked me to pray for her for patience and faithfulness along with added financial income, because she's broke, I imagine, and trying to start a business on the side from what she does which is teach. I was thinking maybe she should be better orgainzed with her money instead of asking for more money, but then I don't want to make the wrong assumption or decide myself what she needs.

 

[Miss Shelby]

I don't know that praying for Him to do His will in her life is all you can do, as He will do His will with or without your request. I don't know that I'd ask Him to give her more money, but it probably wouldn't hurt anything to ask that He provide for her a path to greater financial stability and satisfaction, whether that comes through becoming her more frugal and easily satisfied, increasing her income, becoming more finacialy savvy, etc is up to Him.

Of course, I'm no theologian, I just talk to God how I see fit. I understand that you sister wants more money. what is she doing to get herself more money? this might be a good time to explain to her that neither God nor many people frequently just hand out money. There are ways to earn lots of money, and while hard work certainly sucks, it almost always leads to financial reward if that's what you're seeking.

thanks Mike, this is good advice.

 

[Rebekka]

When praying for other things, you can always condition them with ..."if it be profitable for my/her salvation and sanctification" or end with Our Lord's prayer, "Not my will, but Yours be done."

I always do that too, if I'm praying for specific things - but I often just pray for acceptance of God's will, too.

 

[geocajun]

I think God wants to hear from us, so we should let him know what is on our minds. I can be very specific about what I want at times, of course I always know that if it isn't what God wants, I won't get it, but it seems to me that is always implied in a humble prayer anyway.
I often times try to relate my own fatherhood, to God's fatherhood as I believe he gave it to us as a gift, which helps us know him better, and his desires for us as his children. For whatever it is worth to you, I can say with certainty that I don't want my own children simply telling me "whatever you want, dad", but rather I want to get to know them, and what is on their mind. I want interaction with my children, and I think God wants that with us as well. If they want something specific, then I want to hear about it. I may ignore the request, or I may grant it, but either way I'll have an intimate 'parenting moment' with them.
Your own mileage may vary

 

[Irenaeus]

Geo,

That reflection on your own fatherhood is a penetrating one! I like it.

 

[Caedmon]

That sounds a little too much like Benny Hinn's music:

IIIIIII ex-peeeeect a mi-ra-cllllle to-daaaaay!!!!!

 

[hawko]

I believe that one should be specific in their prayers. With this in mind, we should pray that whatever we are asking for is in accordance with God's will. I don't think that it is wrong to ask for a financial blessing, especially if one is in financial need, as long as we are not asking for it out of greed.

 

[stivvy]

That sounds a little too much like Benny Hinn's music:

IIIIIII ex-peeeeect a mi-ra-cllllle to-daaaaay!!!!!

OOOOO, just seeing that name in OBOB makes me ill.

 

[Miss Shelby]

I think God wants to hear from us, so we should let him know what is on our minds. I can be very specific about what I want at times, of course I always know that if it isn't what God wants, I won't get it, but it seems to me that is always implied in a humble prayer anyway.
I often times try to relate my own fatherhood, to God's fatherhood as I believe he gave it to us as a gift, which helps us know him better, and his desires for us as his children. For whatever it is worth to you, I can say with certainty that I don't want my own children simply telling me "whatever you want, dad", but rather I want to get to know them, and what is on their mind. I want interaction with my children, and I think God wants that with us as well. If they want something specific, then I want to hear about it. I may ignore the request, or I may grant it, but either way I'll have an intimate 'parenting moment' with them.
Your own mileage may vary

You're so smart, geocajun.

 

[WarriorAngel]

My sister recently asked for prayer and told me not to just say 'please bless *her name*' pray for' --and then she specifically told me what to pray for, one of the things being increased income. I told her I don't tell God what to do , but I would pray that His will be done in her life. She responded back 'remember the Bible says, you do not have, because you do not ask' --to which I became very irritated.

So anyways. Thoughts?

I ask for specifics, and IF I am praying for someone I do not know...I say....

"Lord, because I love your ppl....please hear my prayer filled with love for ***** and please 'heal them' or whatever the request.'

I do that during the rosary which is said to never have been known to fail.

It only fails IF we are not trusting it.

Matthew 7: 7-8.
ASK and you SHALL recieve.

My mom always said we shouldnt expect miracles...but I differ in my opinion. I believe if we keep knocking, He will eventually answer. Kinda like the parable of the man in bed...Jesus says the man will eventually get up...not for friendship, but because they know the knocking wont quit.

Jesus also said, we who are NOT good will give our children a fish when they ask. He said we would not give them a scorpion...or a stone. SO how much more does the Lord in Heaven give His children...?

Trust.

Have faith.

Peace.

*There are instances where prayer will not yield a miracle, if someone is going through some sort of expiation while alive.
Or some sort of struggle the Lord is giving them to chastise them...for His purpose.
To refine them to come to Him.