So Many Things to Pray About

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Philippians 4:6

So Many Things to Pray About

            I have noticed lately that when people have more things on their plates and on their schedules than we can realistically handle, we often have a difficult time deciding where to start. There are days when the list seems so long and the tasks so daunting that the prospect of just forgetting it all and going back to bed seems like the only logical solution. I think the same thing happens with our prayer life. When we really begin to think about the number of things that we should be lifting up to the Lord, the prospect of taking the time to do it all seems overwhelming. And like the task of cleaning the living room knowing that the 2-year-old will be back in in minute, prayer seems like a never-ending cycle. There’s always going to be something new to pray about and the conversation will never be over. But that’s exactly how God desires for it to be. He wants there to be a continual conversation between you and your God. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).

Don’t be overwhelmed by the sheer number of things you have to pray about, but instead be overjoyed by the opportunity to be in relationship and conversation with your God. Find a comfortable place, close your eyes to avoid distractions, and just start talking. God hears you. And it doesn’t have to be formal or fancy. Just tell Him what’s on your mind. And if you’re a check the items off the list kind of person like I am, here are some of the things you might want to keep in prayer in the coming weeks and months.

God’s Will Be Done – You can never go wrong with this prayer. God knows better than we do what we need and praying that His will would be done in all aspects of our lives is a great way to open or close any prayer.

Forgiveness – Not a day, or even an hour, goes by when we’re not in need of God’s forgiveness. You don’t have to name every sin individually, but even so, this one will keep you in constant communication with the One who forgives all sins.

Your Spouse, Future Spouse, Children, and All Family – Those closest to us are generally the ones we think about the most and the ones whose needs we’re most aware of. Lift all these things up to God who desires to hear and answer your prayers.

Your Church – Emmanuel is a vibrant community of believers, but we are constantly in need of God’s guidance and care. Prayers for faithful following of our Good Shepherd are always in order.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod – As our church body gathers in convention this summer in Milwaukee to elect leaders, discuss overtures, determine direction, and worship together, keep the broader church in your prayers for a faithful following of God’s Word  and direction.

Give Thanks – We have a wall hanging in our home that says, “There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.” It’s a reminder that we have no shortage of blessings for which we should be thanking the giver of all good gifts. And especially, “thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57)

This is certainly not an exhaustive list of all the things you could, and should, be praying about, but maybe it will kickstart your prayers and help to form the healthy habits of a daily prayer life. God wants to hear from you. And He promises that your prayers will not go unanswered. His answer may not always be what you ask for, but you will be blessed to be forming a closer relationship with your Creator and Savior.