Can I Really Pray About That?
Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6
A parking place. A scored goal. Getting a bargain. What do they have in common? They’re all things you can pray for!
What parent hasn’t sat on the sidelines of a sporting event, silently but fervently praying that their child will run in the right direction or do well when the ball comes their way? Can we really pray about things like that—issues that aren’t of life-or-death importance? The Bible says, “Yes! Yes, you can, and you should.”
Scripture encourages us with these words: “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6). Backing up that instruction to pray about everything, the Bible gives us stories of people praying to be able to have children (1 Samuel 1) and to find wives (Genesis 24:12-14). We even see people praying for superhuman strength, (Judges 16:28-30) for it to rain, (1 Kings 17,18) and for the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12-13).
Here are some things we all need, that God specifically welcomes us to ask Him for:
- His will and plan for our lives (1 John 5:14)
- Our daily needs (Matthew 6:11)
- Forgiveness (1 John 1:9)
- Protection (Psalm 91:14-15)
- Physical, spiritual and emotional healing (James 5:14-15, Psalm 147:3)
God welcomes you to talk with Him so specifically in prayer because He cares for you so personally. Jesus said, “… not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows” (Matthew 10:29b-31).
When we pray about everything, God explains what the result will be. He says, “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand” (Philippians 4:7). So, do you need your bus to be on time today, to have a difficult conversation or to find something you’ve lost? Start praying!