Lord, Teach Me to Pray

Lord, Teach Me to Pray

Discovering How, What, When, and Where to Pray

Prayer is one of the most personal and transformative experiences in the life of a believer. It’s a direct line to God—a place to pour out our hearts and listen for His voice. Yet, many of us ask: Lord, teach me how to pray, what to pray for, and when and where it’s best for me to meet with You. These questions are not new. Even Jesus’ disciples once asked Him the same:

"Lord, teach us to pray..." (Luke 11:1).

In response, Jesus shared what we now call The Lord’s Prayer, offering a beautiful framework for approaching God in prayer. Let’s reflect on how we can apply Jesus’ guidance while nurturing a deeper connection with God.

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How Should I Pray?

Prayer is not about following a rigid formula; it’s about an honest and open relationship with God. Jesus said:

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:6)

Here are ways to structure your prayer life:

• Speak or write from the heart: Use your own words to express your emotions, thoughts, hopes, fears, and joys. God listens to your honest heart more than polished words.
• Pray with thanksgiving: Begin with gratitude for what God has done. Thankfulness opens the door to God’s peace (Philippians 4:6-7) and shows your faith in His good will and plans.
• Be still and listen: Prayer is a conversation. Spend time listening for God’s guidance, not just speaking or writing.

I personally sometimes pray by writing down matters and goals that are important to me and pray for each. I feel more connected that way and I can express myself better and easier and in a more structured way and listen to what divine messages I hear regarding how to approach each goal and record. I may pray for other people too if it's in my mind like their peace, success, wisdom and blessing.

Sometimes my prayer becomes a silent worship in Holy Spirit and feeling his beautiful, kind and peaceful presence.

Sometimes I just sing a prayer song.

See what works for you best and what your spirit desires at each session.

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What Should I Pray For and Why?

Jesus encourages us to pray for God’s Kingdom and will to be done in our lives:

"This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’" (Matthew 6:9-10)

When we pray, we can:

• Ask for guidance and strength: Seek God’s wisdom for the decisions and goals in your life - list your goals and bring them to God's presence and seek his divine messages and guidance.
• Pray for protection from evil and temptation: Just as Jesus instructed, ask for deliverance from anything that leads you away from God’s perfect will (Matthew 6:13).
• Bring every aspect of life to God: No thought, emotion, or dream is too small. Share your fears, anger, hopes, and joys with Him. He cares about it all.

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

If you're dealing with a challenge, God is there and is interested in inviting Him to bless you and help you overcome the challenge. If you don't, it's your loss! He's there to lead you.

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When and Where Should I Pray?

The beauty of prayer is that it can happen anytime and anywhere. However, setting aside dedicated moments each day to connect with God can deepen your spiritual life.

Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray:

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." (Mark 1:35)

You might find it helpful to:

• Create a quiet prayer space: Light a candle, play gentle music, or surround yourself with comforting items like a Bible or journal. These physical cues can help you focus.
• Set a routine: Morning, evening, or during a midday break—find a time that works for you and commit to it.
• Pray in the spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you pray (Romans 8:26-27).

For me personally, I enjoy praying when I'm alone as it's the least distracted.

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Prayer as a Joyful Connection with God

Prayer is not only about requests; it’s a time of joyful connection with God. Approach Him with a heart full of faith, hope, and joy, trusting that His plans for your life are good (Jeremiah 29:11). Let each prayer be an act of surrender to God’s perfect will. Ask Him to help you listen, stay away from distractions, and receive His divine wisdom and blessing.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

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Practical Steps to Deepen Your Prayer Life

• Start and end your day with prayer.
• Use prayer music to help focus your mind and heart.
• Keep a prayer journal, recording your thoughts and God’s responses.
• Pray with others when possible, but cherish your personal time with God.
• Bring a pure heart and good intentions. God loves a heart that seeks Him with sincerity.

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A Life of Prayer and Faith

As you build your prayer life, remember that it’s not about perfection but persistence. God is always there, ready to listen, guide, and bless you as you align your heart with His. Pray with thanksgiving, trust His good plans for you, and rest in His loving presence.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)

May your prayer journey be filled with His peace, joy, and unshakable hope.

Pray With

• With thanksgiving for all the past, present and future blessings, seen and unseen, that God has provided and will provide.
• With faith in His good plans for your life, trusting that His ways are higher and better.
• With faith in His will to lead you on the right path, even when the road is unclear.
• With willingness to learn and listen to His divine messages.
• With seeking His wisdom for every decision you face and trusting His guidance.
• With humility, acknowledging your need for His grace and strength.
• With a heart full of gratitude, offering praise for His constant love and mercy.
• With a desire for peace, asking for His comfort in troubled times.
• With joy and hope, knowing that He is working all things together for good.
• With openness to His correction, trusting that He disciplines in love.
• With trust in His timing, knowing that His delays are not His denials.
• With repentance, seeking His forgiveness and grace to start anew.
• With perseverance, continuing in prayer even when the answers seem delayed.
• With forgiveness for others, just as He has forgiven you.
• With a pure heart and good intentions, seeking to honor Him in all you do.
• With confidence in His promises, knowing that He is faithful and true.
• With a thirst for righteousness, asking Him to align your desires with His.
• With a heart willing to surrender, trusting His plans over your own.
• With faithful declaration in manifestation of the result, believing in His power to fulfill His promises.

Tools

XMind Brainstorming

One of the ways you can brainstorm about things is using XMind. You can visualize different aspects of things. You should create an XMind for every aspect of your life that require analyzing or thinking decisions, your goals, situations, challenges, etc.

Watch Monitor Diary of Challenges

One of the great ways of monitoring your emotions is via writing them down and keeping them in control. Create tables of 3 columns.

Stressors / Challenges / Goals	Positive Affirmations and Thought Replacements	Positive Action Plans and Ideas

Health: Struggling with energy and fitness

"I am strengthening my body and mind daily. My energy is increasing, and I am becoming healthier with every choice."

- Create a meal plan with nutritious foods. - Set a realistic exercise routine (e.g., walking 30 mins daily). - Track progress weekly.

Education: Difficulty focusing on studies

"I am capable of learning and growing. Every small step takes me closer to my goals."

- Break study tasks into smaller chunks. - Set dedicated study hours. - Use Pomodoro for focus. - Reward progress.

Business: Uncertainty in achieving goals

"I trust in God’s timing and guidance. New opportunities are opening up for me. I am resourceful and capable."

- Review and adjust business strategy. - Seek mentorship or networking opportunities. - Create a step-by-step action plan.

Relationships: Miscommunication with loved ones

"I communicate with love and clarity. My relationships are growing in harmony and understanding."

- Practice active listening. - Schedule time to talk openly and without distraction. - Seek reconciliation when needed.

Financial Goals: Worry about finances

"God is my provider. Abundance flows to me, and I am wisely managing my resources."

- Create a monthly budget and savings plan. - Explore new income opportunities. - Track expenses regularly.

Career: Feeling stuck professionally

"I am growing and developing the skills I need for the next chapter of my career."

- Update your CV and LinkedIn profile. - Apply for roles aligned with your goals. - Take relevant courses to build new skills.

Examples

Here are some prayer examples—organized by different categories, such as gratitude, guidance, protection, healing, confession for some ideas:

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Prayers of Gratitude

1. "Lord, thank You for Your love and mercy that sustain me every day."
2. "Heavenly Father, I’m grateful for the gift of life and the breath in my lungs."
3. "Jesus, thank You for the blessings I often take for granted—my home, family, and health."
4. "Father, thank You for guiding me through difficult moments with Your peace."
5. "God, I am thankful for Your faithfulness and never-ending grace."
6. "Thank You, Lord, for the answered prayers and lessons in waiting."
7. "Thank You for the beauty of creation that reminds me of Your greatness."
8. "Father, I praise You for the small victories and joys of today."
9. "Thank You for placing kind people in my life who reflect Your love."
10. "Lord, I’m grateful for Your Word that nourishes and strengthens my soul."

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Prayers for Guidance and Wisdom

11. "Lord, guide me in making the right decisions today."
12. "Heavenly Father, help me walk according to Your will and purpose for my life."
13. "Father, show me the path You want me to take."
14. "Give me wisdom, Lord, to know what is right and courage to follow it."
15. "Help me seek Your Kingdom first in every choice I make."
16. "Jesus, lead me when I feel lost and confused."
17. "Direct my thoughts, words, and actions according to Your truth."
18. "Lord, help me discern the people and opportunities You’ve placed in my life."
19. "Grant me clarity and peace in moments of uncertainty."
20. "Holy Spirit, fill my heart with divine understanding and discernment."

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Prayers for Protection and Strength

21. "Father, protect me from harm and evil today."
22. "Lord, be my shield in times of trouble and hardship."
23. "Jesus, surround my family with Your protection and love."
24. "Strengthen me when I feel weak and weary."
25. "Lord, keep me safe and give me peace in every storm."
26. "Deliver me from temptation and guard my heart."
27. "Holy Spirit, be my defender in moments of spiritual battle."
28. "Father, grant me the strength to overcome fear and anxiety."
29. "Cover my home with Your presence and peace."
30. "Protect my mind and thoughts from negativity and doubt."

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Prayers for Healing and Restoration

31. "Lord, heal my body and restore my health."
32. "Father, bring emotional healing to my heart."
33. "Jesus, touch the broken parts of my life with Your power."
34. "Heal the relationships that have been strained or hurt."
35. "Holy Spirit, bring renewal and refreshment to my soul."
36. "Lord, heal my mind from anxious and troubling thoughts."
37. "Father, restore my joy and fill me with hope again."
38. "Jesus, mend my spirit where it feels wounded."
39. "Bring comfort and peace to those who are suffering."
40. "Lord, help me trust Your healing power and timing."

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Prayers of Confession and Repentance

41. "Lord, forgive me for the times I have failed You."
42. "Father, I confess my impatience and ask for Your grace."
43. "Jesus, cleanse my heart from anger and bitterness."
44. "Forgive me, Lord, for relying on my own strength instead of Yours."
45. "Father, I repent of my pride and selfishness."
46. "Lord, help me turn away from distractions that pull me from You."
47. "Jesus, wash away my sins and make me new."
48. "Forgive me, Lord, for judging others harshly."
49. "Father, I am sorry for neglecting my time with You."
50. "Lord, renew a right spirit within me."

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Prayers for Peace and Joy

51. "Jesus, fill my heart with Your peace that surpasses understanding."
52. "Lord, calm the storms in my life with Your presence."
53. "Father, help me rest in Your peace and not be troubled."
54. "Grant me joy even in the midst of trials."
55. "Holy Spirit, fill me with unshakable hope and gladness."
56. "Lord, let Your joy be my strength."
57. "Give me peace as I wait for Your promises."
58. "Father, replace my worries with Your perfect peace."
59. "Help me find joy in the small, everyday moments."
60. "Lord, be my comfort and my joy in all circumstances."

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Prayers for Family and Relationships

61. "Lord, bless my family with unity and love."
62. "Father, protect my children and help them walk in Your ways."
63. "Jesus, strengthen my marriage and relationship with my spouse."
64. "Help me be a source of love and peace in my home."
65. "Lord, guide my friends and family with Your wisdom."
66. "Bless those who care for me and bring joy to their hearts."
67. "Father, help me forgive and reconcile where needed."
68. "Jesus, give my family faith and hope in hard times."
69. "Help me to be a good example of Your love."
70. "Protect and provide for those I love, Lord."

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Prayers for Purpose and Goals

71. "Father, align my goals with Your will."
72. "Jesus, help me pursue the purpose You have for my life."
73. "Guide me in setting and achieving my goals with integrity."
74. "Lord, help me use my talents for Your glory."
75. "Grant me clarity and motivation in my work and studies."
76. "Help me persevere and not grow weary in doing good."
77. "Lord, open doors of opportunity that align with Your plan."
78. "Holy Spirit, inspire me with creativity and vision."
79. "Help me trust in Your timing and not rush ahead."
80. "Bless my plans and let them bear fruit for Your Kingdom."

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Prayers for Faith and Trust

81. "Lord, increase my faith and help me trust You."
82. "Jesus, remind me that You are always in control."
83. "Help me trust Your plans, even when I don’t understand."
84. "Father, give me the courage to walk by faith, not by sight."
85. "Jesus, help me believe in Your promises."
86. "Lord, strengthen my faith when I feel weak."
87. "Father, help me trust in Your provision and timing."
88. "Jesus, replace my doubts with unshakable confidence in You."
89. "Help me live each day with faith and hope."
90. "Lord, let my trust in You be greater than my fears."

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Prayers for Daily Life

91. "Lord, bless my day and help me be a light to others."
92. "Jesus, help me speak with kindness and patience."
93. "Guide my steps and protect me from harm."
94. "Lord, help me manage my time wisely."
95. "Bless the work of my hands and let it glorify You."
96. "Jesus, help me make today meaningful and fruitful."
97. "Grant me peace in every situation I face today."
98. "Lord, help me find joy in the ordinary moments."
99. "Give me strength for the challenges ahead."
100. "Lord, help me end the day with gratitude and peace."

True Meaning of Asking Receiving

 

The Power of Asking: Faith, Action, and Building the Means

The well-known verse from the Bible, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7), is often taken as a simple promise: if you ask, you will receive. But is it really that straightforward?

The Reality of Asking Without Means

Many people ask for things in life—success, wealth, opportunities, or even wisdom—but receive nothing. Why? Because asking without the means is asking without faith. If faith is truly believing in what you seek, then action must follow. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26), and the same applies to asking without preparing.

Imagine two people asking for success in their business:

• One prays every day but does nothing to improve their skills or expand their knowledge.
• The other prays but also studies, strategizes, and works hard to build a strong foundation.

Who is more likely to receive what they ask for? The one who builds the means.

Seeking Requires Strategy

The verse doesn't just mention asking—it includes seeking and knocking. These are active, intentional steps:

• Seeking implies effort and pursuit, not passively waiting.
• Knocking means taking action, creating opportunities, and positioning yourself for success.

Someone who seeks knowledge, builds connections, and refines their craft is far more likely to find what they desire. The stronger and more prepared you are, the more powerful your ask becomes.

Power Determines Fulfillment

Life often rewards those who are positioned to receive. The more powerful a person is—whether in knowledge, skills, or influence—the greater their ability to turn an ask into a reality. Power here does not necessarily mean domination; it means preparedness, capability, and alignment with opportunity.

In practical terms:

• A trader who deeply understands market manipulation patterns will have an "ask" (profit) fulfilled more often than one who blindly follows signals.
• An entrepreneur who studies market needs and builds a solid business model is more likely to receive funding than one who simply wishes for investors.
• A job seeker who continuously improves their skills, networks, and positions themselves well is more likely to land opportunities than someone who sends out applications without effort.

Asking with Power

The Bible verse is not false; it is simply misunderstood. It is not a passive formula but an invitation to persistence, preparation, and faith-driven action.

The true formula is this:

1. Ask, believing—Have a clear vision of what you want.
2. Seek, building the means—Acquire the knowledge, skills, and positioning necessary.
3. Knock, taking action—Step forward boldly, ready to walk through the doors that open.

The one who builds power in their ask will see it fulfilled. Asking alone is not enough; but asking while building the means creates unstoppable momentum.

What are you asking for today? And more importantly—what are you doing to make sure you're ready to receive it?

Go through the process for everything you want in life. Have a table and write them down. Meditate and be inspired.

I also think this is a great way to learn about prayer, understanding that it's aligning ourselves in receiving the divine revelations.

Example

A Prayer for Seeking Guidance in Losing 5% Body Fat

Lord, I seek to reduce my body fat by 5% in a way that is healthy and sustainable.

Show me the means to achieve this—what are the most effective strategies for my body and lifestyle?

Show me the way—which habits must I build, and which must I let go of?

Show me the right experts to learn from—who has the knowledge and experience to guide me?

Which books or resources will give me the wisdom I need?

Which routine will best support my goal—how should I structure my workouts and recovery?

Which foods will fuel my body for fat loss while keeping me strong and energized?

Give me the willpower to stay disciplined, the strength to push through challenges, and the patience to trust the process.

Let my actions align with my ask, and let me recognize the answers when they come.

Amen in Jesus name.

Next Steps

As you can see prayer is meditation. Set routines to meditate and go through the process. Spend like 30m every morning. Ask the right questions and take note of the revelations and guidelines your spirit and mind receives and take actions.

“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:24

Abide in Faith or Abide in Pain, Your Choice!

 Life is full of pains, worries, doubts. Our expectations can not always be met. Frustrations always there. Challenges and problems that we sometimes feel are beyond our strength. People betray and we feel revengeful. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed, confused, snowed under.

But your mind can focus on only one thing at a time. What are you thinking about?

If you stare at, live and abide in your pains, the lacks, the issues, the uncertainties, the unknowns you live in the cycle of pain and the pains never goes away.

Instead choose to live in faith IN EVERY MOMENT!

But how?!

By declaring your desired results and constantly abiding in this declaration throughout the day, every second, every moment - see it as as meditation. No matter what life throws at you, you abide in this meditation. Specially when you don't see any evidence!!!

The challenges will be overcome.

The solutions will come to you.

The exams will be passed.

The wealth and abundance will come to you.

Healing are attracted to you. Your health will be restored. Your body will be fit. You'll have excellent exercise and nutrition regime.

Your brain will flourish with creativity.

Blessings pour into your life.

Your relationships with colleagues, family and friends improve everyday.

Your business will flourish and your income grows massively.

Good people come to your life, stay in your life bless you.

I might not be ready now but I will be ready!

Keep declaring and you'll gradually see them realized and self-actualized and your joy may be full.

Thank you Jesus!

How do you fall in love with God?

You can not truly have love for God unless you feel first loved, protected, guided and directed by him.

You know God is the King but you don't necessarily naturally love any King, you fear the King for the power that he has over your life and hate him for his negligence of your needs and wants.

Obviously, life is mostly insecure, we feel overwhelmed, unprotected, risks and uncertainties, redundancies, crimes, dangers which strengthens these negative feelings about God. Why so much pain in the world, why so much suffering, so much harm, so much betrayals.

So how do you move to the position of actually loving God which is the result of genuinely feeling his love for you, his security for you, his protection for you, his healing and kindness for you, his wealth and health for you, his guidance for you, his goodness for your life and humanity?

The feeling that he truly cares for you and is there for you and keep holding to that feeling regardless of what happens in your life. 

How could that be possible? How to resolve these contradictions?

What is obvious is that the interpretations of your life events is critically important.  How you interpret. To interpret in a way that is helpful, positive, good and amazing and support you.

Say As If Everyone Will Hear It!

I have a new mission for you to bless you abundantly!

To people, ONLY say what is good, what is positive, what is blessing, what is encouraging, what is amazing, what is grateful and graceful.

And to GOD, after your thanks, say what frustrates you, what hurts you, your complains, what offends you, the pains or challenges that you'd have to endure or go through. No one could help you apart from Him that leads your path, eases your pains, heals your body and mind with solutions and miracles.

Live as if the words you speak will be heard in the public and in the throne of God and everyone will hear it!

Live as if what you say, is said in a court and could be used against you.

What words do you use to describe things, events, people to other people? Will you not be much more thoughtful before you say anything, what you say and how you say it?

What about your emotions, negative thoughts and words? 

Only God is allowed to hear those.

Using this technique:

• You build a mature personality, earning respect and admiration of others
• You build a strong relationship with God which nourishes your soul and personality

Whoever has seen me has seen the Father!

This statement is found in John 14:9 (NIV):

"Jesus answered: 'Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?'"

This statement is a significant theological assertion that has been central to Christian beliefs about the nature of God and the identity of Jesus Christ. It can be understood in a few different ways:

1) Identification of Jesus with God: 

Jesus is claiming that He and the Father are one in essence and nature. In other words, when people see and know Jesus, they are also seeing and knowing God the Father because Jesus is God incarnate. This is a foundational concept in Christian theology known as the doctrine of the Trinity, which asserts that God exists in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit, all sharing the same divine essence.


2) Revelation of God's Character: 

Jesus is revealing the character and nature of God the Father through His own words, actions, and teachings. He embodies the love, compassion, mercy, and holiness of God. When people observe how Jesus lived and interacted with others, they gain insight into God's nature.

Examples:

a. Love and Compassion: Jesus frequently displayed love and compassion for the marginalized and those in need. For example, in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), Jesus' parable illustrates the Father's unconditional love and forgiveness. By telling this parable, Jesus is revealing God the Father's heart for humanity.

b. Forgiveness: When Jesus forgave sins (e.g., Mark 2:1-12), He demonstrated God's authority to forgive and showed the Father's willingness to extend forgiveness to repentant sinners.

c. Teaching about the Kingdom of God: Much of Jesus' teaching centered around the kingdom of God and how to live in accordance with God's will. His teachings provide insights into the Father's desires and priorities for His creation.

d. Sacrifice and Redemption: Ultimately, Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins (e.g., John 3:16) is seen as the ultimate revelation of God's love and the means by which humanity can be reconciled with the Father.

In summary, when Jesus says, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father," He is making a profound claim about His identity and the nature of God. He is revealing that He is God incarnate and that His life, teachings, and actions provide a window into the character and will of God the Father. This statement underscores the close relationship between Jesus and the Father in Christian theology.

What if what Jesus claims is true? Doesn't it make you eager and/or curious to know Him more and learn from Him? How can you test and verify the claim?

If it'd be the truth, His Peace pours over your heart and you'll know it.

Persistent Prayer Until the Prayer is Answered!

 Persistent Prayer Until the Prayer is Answered!

Prayer is good, presenting our requests to God with thanksgiving and faith and in the holy name of Jesus Christ, the king of hearts.

However, not good enough! 

The key powerful ingredient is persistence until the prayer is answered!

Why Persistent?

God knows what you desire or need before even you ask it so the persistent prayer is not because God needs to hear it again and again but because by that persistence you'd become entitled to receive it according to the law and the impact it has on you and the world around you because that persistence reshapes your actions, words and thoughts and the world around you.

Another reason is God wants you to have a relationship with Him. He wants your focus and attention, not because he needs your attention but because He wants you to know that He is your ultimate source.

The Requests are evolved!

What you ask for can change, it can evolve, grow and develop as you bring your requests to God persistently.

They become more accurate and specific, they become more perfect.

They may even be scrapped if you realized that's not what you truly want or need or that's not according to God's good will for your life or someone else's life.

Each time you bring your request to God, it's not a boring repetition, it's a fresh exciting renewal of your commitment and tests of your desires and when you listen to hear from God, new ideas pour in to your spirit and the truth becomes more clear.

The persistence tests your desires, priorities and heart to reveal to you what you truly desire.

Ask for Wisdom, Strength and Miracle

For each request ask for divine wisdom and strength and ask for His miracle: 

• The wisdom to know what to do about it, the direction and guidance
• The strength to do what needs doing - knowing is useless without the power to actually do it
• The miracle is what God does to the world, to other people without much of your involvement - the opportunities that come to your door, the healings, the breakthroughs.

Prayer Request Topics

Good candidates are anything that we desire that is challenging, complicated, vague or unknown or even worrying. 

The request topics are usually regarding health, wealth, finance, safety and security, education, relationships, fairness and justice, etc. 

Nothing is too small or too big for God to be involved with to lead you to success so bring whatever is in your mind to His presence.

Worry tells you what is important to you. What is important to you is important to God and those are good candidates to bring to Him as prayers.

Frequently!

You should have the burning desire to receive it to the point that you present your requests to Him every day and multiple times in the day patiently without giving up while trusting on His timing and the process of receiving.

So have your list ready and written and a set a daily habit to bring to His presence and meditate on them and His blessings towards them.

God's Timing

God's timing is important, He will ultimately delivers what you ask if you keep presenting your requests to Him. Some are answered quickly, some takes time. 

Delay is not denial! When it takes time, usually it's because God wants you to go through a process and become a new person and to develop a new character.

You must remain persistent and patient until your prayer is answered and maintain the strongest faith that God will answer your prayer according to His promises and listen well to His messages and ideas that are communicated to your Spirit in the process. 

As mentioned, your requests may evolve, your character develops when you keep praying, your true desires and the right realistic ways to achieve them get revealed to you.

So keep on knocking and keep on asking and never give up on your prayer requests.

God is eager to hear from you more than you can imagine!

Another important matter to remember is that presenting to God is not similar to presenting to people. People get bored, they don't want to hear from you or hear your needs or wants or troubles. They say don't bother me, don't waste my time, I have my own issues, etc.

In contrast, God is like a caring father and loves to hear from you, He is impatiently eager for you to invite Him to your life to walk with you and take your hand. He patiently stands behind your door and it's up to you to open the door to Him and invite Him in your life. The truth of this can be experienced when His peace of Spirit is put on your heart.

God is truly eager to walk with you in your life and lead you to succeed so don't feel embarrassed, ashamed, doubtful or fearful going to Him.

Request with Thankfulness

Be thankful and faithful in heart that God is good and would love to hear from you and would love to give you what's good for you, his perfect blessing.

Request in the name of Christ

Bible in many places declares that God loves Jesus Christ so dearly that when you ask in His name, He will answer your prayers.

Request with Faith

Remove doubt, God is not against you, He is for you and would love to bless you, give you hope and prosper you. Enrich your wisdom and strength instead by actions to learn the truths and His ways and have faith that it will be done for you.

Declare your faith that your prayer will be answered.

Request according to His Will

God's will is pleasant, peaceful, good and perfect so ask yourself whether what you ask is truly good according to His will or it's destructive and against God's law of goodness. The more you read and think about the Scriptures, the deeper you understand His will, his righteousness.

Don't Overload the Prayer Requests!

One of the reasons we present our prayer requests to God is to be able to meditate on them and focus and take actions also so how can you focus on anything if you have 100 requests in your mind?!

Therefore the effectiveness will be lowered if your list is long so try to reduce your list to 3-5 so that you can take action on the inspirations you get about them.

Pray followed by Action

Don't overload the prayer list or bring too many items to God's presence.

Each prayer request should be followed by Actions to be most effective.

So one prayer followed by solid action is more valuable than 100 prayers with no actions.

Your Joy Be Complete

Once the prayers are answered, your joy becomes complete, your faith develops stronger, your trust in Him grows bolder and your love deepens.

Examples:

Lord, I ask you for your divine wisdom/strength that I lose 2% body fat this month and build more muscles so that I feel more fit and healthier and get closer to my ultimate fitness goals.

Lord, I ask you for your divine wisdom/strength that the issue at work to be resolved...

Lord, I ask you for your divine wisdom/strength that the true peace to be established in the troubled Iran

Lord, I ask you for your divine wisdom/strength that I use my time, money and efforts wisely towards what matters most, health, education, wealth, security, blessing and relationships and not be engaged in any wasteful and nonconstructive activities, thoughts or words.

Lord, I ask you for your divine wisdom/strength that I be able to pass my next exam on ...

Lord, I ask you for your divine wisdom/strength that my friend/partner/family/relieve/colleague issue to be resolved (be as specific as you can).

Biblical References:

John 16:24

"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete" .

Mathew 7:7-11

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" 

Mark 11:23-24

“Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Luke 1:37

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Matthew 17:20

“He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Luke 18:1-8

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Philippians 4:6

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

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

James 1:6-8

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

John 15:7

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

John 14:13

“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

John 16:23-24

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

James 2:20-24

[Power is in Active Faith, Faith with Action Plans]

Romans 2:13

“For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.“

James 1:22-27

“Who will be blessed? Hearer who forgets vs doer who acts”

Matthew 6:34

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

1 John 3:22

“And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.”

James 4:3

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”

Hebrews 10:36

“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”

James 1:5-6

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Colossians 4:2

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

Luke 11:1-13

[keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you]

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2011%3A1-13&version=NIV

Psalm 25:15

"My eyes are continually toward the LORD for help, For He alone can rescue me from all the traps."

Matthew 6:32-33

"Why be like unbelievers who worry about everything? Your heavenly father already knows all your needs. and He will give you all you need if your first concern is to live for His kingdom."

https://www.openbible.info/topics/ask_and_ye_shall_receive

https://www.openbible.info/topics/persistence