I always disliked hearing vague prayer requests – requests that you would never be able to see the hand of God upon because they were sure to be answered, like praying for a broken toe or safe travels for a friend. But I never was able to pinpoint why I disliked them until one day my prayers changed, and I decided to be very specific.
I prayed for God to provide one person to witness to that week, in a specific setting, with a way to add it into the conversation casually, blending in with regular conversation. I had never before been specific about asking God for a person to share my faith with, so this request seemed a bit daunting to me because it wasn’t vague like the requests I was used to hearing and praying.
Sure enough, at the end of the week, it happened unexpectedly. I had my opportunity to witness and I used it. That gave me the momentum to pray specifically to God for every need, no matter how small or great.
And every time I’ve come to the throne for wisdom for any matter, God has heard. Becoming specific with my prayers helped me to realize the importance of going to God for everything, no matter how silly it seems. God wants to commune regularly with us and direct our lives. He tells us that if we ask according to his will, that will hear.
Requests that coincide with loving God and our neighbor are requests that we can boldly make because those are desires God wishes us to have toward him and others.
He will hear our prayers; why not ask for help with small and great issues?
Dear Lord, please help me to come with boldness and trust that you always hear my prayers. Let me have the strength to come to you first with my requests. Amen.
Throughout the Day: Take time to be specific in your prayers. Here are just a few ideas you could consider as you get started: ask the Lord to help you cultivate a fruit of the Spirit, eradicate a besetting sin, witness to a loved one, minister to someone in need, etc.