When praying for yourself and others, there are things for which to ask and things from which to stay away. What are they?

13 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she [wisdom] is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

Don’t ask for money. Money never solved anyone’s problems. If they were insecure before, then they will be insecure rich; if they were arrogant before, then they will be intolerable wealthy. If they were lonely before, then they will fall for all the wrong types of relationships. Fame, prestige, and popularity are the same way. Instead, a person who is wise and gains understanding will find that richness, wealth, security and personal well-being are in the eyes of the beholder: A loving spouse, children and grandchildren/nieces and nephews, integrity, a good work ethic, satisfaction in a day’s work, a calm home life (unless you have crazy cats–or dogs), to name a few. The person who finds wisdom from the Lord, His understanding, and knowledge about Him and how the world works is the person who is truly happy, blessed, and full of joy.

So, what do we pray when we pray for others? If they are believers, then we pray pretty much the same thing we pray for ourselves, which we’ll get to in a minute. If they do not know the Lord, then I recommend this (from my brainstorm page):

1. Ask for opportunities to be a witness to them, both silent and vocal.
2. Ask for them to have an awareness of spiritual things.
3. Ask for them to have a curiosity and willingness to talk about the Lord.
4. Ask for these things:
   1. a drought to come upon them: money, friends, transportation, housing, something!
   2. a hedge of separation from those who encourage wayward living.
   3. a crisis of belief where they actually consider that there may be something to what you’ve been saying.
   4. a godly person or persons to come alongside them to encourage them on their journey.
   5. for God to do whatever it takes to draw them to His side!
5. Be available for a salvation conversation and discipleship.

As for yourself and other believers, pray for these things:

1. Seek wisdom from God in His Word. Listen to His Spirit as He speaks to you through what you read.
2. Seek transparency with Him. He already knows; the only person you are fooling is yourself. He wants you to succeed. Trust Him.
3. Seek knowledge, instruction, insight and understanding; seek prudence and discretion.
4. Seek God’s will for your life for today, even right now. He sees the whole path and knows the best way.

Here are some miscellaneous things for which to pray that are from Robin’s brainstorm page:

1. Make us useful for Your kingdom.
2. When traveling, may we/they enjoy Your presence and protection.
3. Teach us how to “remain in You.”
4. Take our lists, our desires, and change them to Your will and desires.
5. Please orchestrate the details of this day and may we respond to You and not react or resist as Your will unfolds.
6. “May our children see Your glory at work and please make our efforts successful (Psalm 90:16-17). Pray other Scriptures as prayers!
7. Please give me the sense to obey. (Psalm 119:73)
8. Guard my thoughts, words, and deeds so they will honor Your name.
9. Please prepare hearts to receive Your answers.

I’m sure there will be more, but that’s all we have on our brainstorm pages so far. With God, we can get as specific as we like. Since He already knows what we need before we ask (Matthew 6:8), we can rest assured that He will give us what we need, and that He enjoys us asking. We must remember that He is God, therefore He gets to choose the answers and the timing. We are His little children (emphasis on “little”). Remember, it’s all about the relationship. Start talking; He’s listening!

Abba, thank You that You hear our prayers–that You even care to listen! We are Your children and You’re crazy about us, just like we are about our kids. May we take advantage of our position as siblings of Jesus and co-heirs with Him. Wow! I can hardly wait to see what all You have planned for us. Amen.