PETITION AND SUPPLICATION

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. (Mark 11:24)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6)

God is the source of all blessing and has a solution to all of our problems. He has infinite resources to satisfy each one of our needs.  “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19).

The Word of God encourages us to present our requests to the Lord, knowing that He is ready to answer us. There are however a number of important principles that we must practice in prayer, especially in the prayer of petition, in order for us to receive a favorable answer.

Define what you want God to do in clear terms

Form a clear image of your desire and express it in objective words. The Bible teaches that prayer should be specific and objective (Luke 11:01-12; James 1:5). We have many biblical examples of objective prayers: Eliezer (Genesis 24:12-14); Elijah (1 Kings 17:1) and Elisha (2 Kings 2:9).

A definite answer requires a definite request (Luke 18:38; 41-43).

What is wrong with indefinite prayers?

Frequently prayer becomes a mere formality. People pray for things that they really do not desire. Many Christians offer prayers only to impress others. Such prayers are indefinite and insincere, and those who offer them are not really expecting anything from God. For this reason, they receive nothing from God. Indefinite prayer reveals that there is no cry within the soul, no urgency in the heart. There is no burden or real desire in the prayer.

Formal prayer is indefinite, general and vague, because it does not proceed from the Holy Spirit’s direction. It reveals a lack of knowledge of the mind of God. Those whom Holy Spirit leads know what they want because they know what God wants and know that He is willing to give us the things that we request in prayer.

How to be definite in prayer

Analyze each of your prayers carefully. Eliminate those prayers that are insincere or those that are inspired by mere obligation. Separate the things that you really desire and for which you have a burden in prayer: that which is truly in your heart and for which you expect a specific answer.

Wait expectantly in God’s presence until you have clearly envisioned that for which you must pray. Allow the Spirit to speak to you and place within you the desire of your heart until you can be bold in your asking. Specific prayer is not an attempt to make God agree with your desire rather it is to discover God’s desire for you so that you can pray in accordance with His desire

Record your desires on paper and keep a prayer diary. This will help you to be specific and convincingly prepared when you present your request in such a manner that you will receive a specific answer. We can also do this in agreement with other people. The recording of specific request to God and their answers helps you to develop your faith and to grow a successful prayer life.

We must offer all prayer in accordance with the revealed will of God as recorded in the Word. Look for Bible texts that refer to what you desire, whether in promises or in principles. Once you identify the need, search the Word and select the text that refers to the subject.