James says, quite simply:
You do not have because you do not ask God.
(Jam. 4:2b NIV)
I’m trying to become quicker to ask GOD.
When I study the Scriptures, I see repeatedly that GOD’s heart longs to provide good things for His children.
For example, Jesus said:
9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
(Luke 11:9-13 NIV)
In addition to my desire to become quicker to ask GOD for help, I’m also trying to improve at maintaining a continuous awareness of how I need GOD for every single little thing in life.
I know that I need Him to do everything, because without Him, I can do nothing (John 15:5).
Not one thing.
So, toward this aim of becoming quicker to ask for everything, here are three simple, but powerful prayer requests I’ve tried to incorporate throughout each day.
Prayer Request #1: Father, help me remember ____.
How many times do you find yourself thinking, “Ooh, I need to remember to do that.”, or “I can’t forget about ____.”?
I do it all the time.
I’ve even utilized voice-enabled notes on my phone in order to improve my ability to remember things that pop into my brain in a moment (and often leave the very next).
Unfortunately, even a phone isn’t always convenient or accessible for capturing the thought when it enters the brain.
I can say that since I’ve begun regularly praying for GOD to help me remember specific things, not one of the things I’ve prayed for has gone undone or forgotten. By contrast, for the list of things I’ve forgotten to ask GOD to help me remember…well, those items quite frequently get forgotten.
Got an unreliable memory?
Simply start asking GOD for help with specific items as you think about the need to remember them.
Prayer Request #2: Father, help me do ____ when the time is right.
Ever have something specific you know you need to do or someone you know you need to talk to but you aren’t sure exactly when would be the best time?
This happens to me often.
When I’ve remembered to ask GOD to make it plain—to help me do whatever it is when the time is right, I’ve never been disappointed in the outcome.
Not only does He answer, but the conversation/activity I prayed about has consistently turned out better than I had hoped.
Perhaps He’s trying to show me something, huh? Like positive behavior reinforcement in action, maybe? I love my GOD! His Fathering is so beautiful to behold.
11 He has made everything beautiful in its time.
(Eccl. 3:11a NIV)
Prayer Request #3: Father, give me wisdom to handle situation ____.
Ever face a situation that seems bigger (i.e., more complex or difficult) than you can handle?
I do.
Again, I’ve tried to remind myself that every situation is bigger than I can handle.
James says:
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
(Jam. 1:5 NIV)
When I remember to ask GOD—in faith of course—He’s never let me down.
In these situations, He has consistently come through, providing what I’ve needed for the moment. These answered prayers are a testament to His faithfulness.
So, as I reflect upon these three beautiful specific requests that have blessed my life and strengthened my faith, I am struck by a fourth request (which is essentially a modified application of #1):
Father, help me remember to ask for these things more consistently every day. Help me become quicker to ask You. Thank You for always answering. Thank You for Your faithfulness.
These prayer tips have blessed me.
Now I want to learn from you.
Got a specific prayer request that has blessed your life?
Share it in the comments below.
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