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What Does the Bible Say Not to Pray For

What Does the Bible Say Not to Pray For – The Bible is clear on what we should and should not pray for. Proverbs 15:29 says, “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” This verse implies that God hears and responds to those who are righteous and faithful, rather than those who are wicked.

The Bible also gives us guidance on what we should not pray for. According to the Bible, we should never pray for things that are evil or contrary to God’s will. We should not pray for things that are selfish or that may lead us away from God. We should not pray for things that are harmful to others or that may harm our own relationship with God. Additionally, we should not pray for things that would bring glory to ourselves rather than to God. These are some of the things that the Bible tells us not to pray for.

What Does the Bible Say Not to Pray For

The Bible is full of wisdom on how to live life and how to pray. It is important to understand what the Bible says not to pray for in order to ensure that our prayers are honoring God and accomplishing His will. In this blog, we will explore what the Bible says not to pray for, what are the prayers people should not make according to the Bible, how do Bible verses guide us to pray appropriately, and what Steven Series teaches us about prayer in the Bible. We will also discuss the dangers of praying for the wrong things according to scripture, the benefits of praying for the right things based on Bible verses, what should we consider before praying according to the Bible, how does the Bible help us to pray with discernment, and what are the biblical principles for knowing what not to pray for.

What Does the Bible Say Not to Pray For

5 Bible Verses about What Not To Pray For

  1. James 4:3 – “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” This verse warns against praying for things to satisfy our own selfish desires rather than for God’s will to be done.
  2. Luke 18:11 – “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.’” This verse is a warning against praying for things that will make us more privileged than others.
  3. Matthew 6:7-8 – “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” This verse cautions against praying for things that are totally unnecessary.
  4. 1 John 5:14 – “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” This verse reminds us to only pray for what is in line with God’s will.
  5. Isaiah 58:3 – “‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’” This verse is a warning against praying for things that are contrary to God’s will.

What are Things we should not Pray For

The Bible instructs us to pray for the right things and to abstain from praying for the wrong things. We should not pray for worldly things such as wealth, fame, power, or revenge. We should not pray for selfish things such as a promotion or a new car. We should not pray for something that is outside of God’s will, such as a relationship with someone who is not a believer. We should not pray for something that will lead us away from God, such as financial success or material possessions.

  1. Material Wealth: Material wealth should not be the sole focus of our prayers. While it’s not wrong to ask for financial provision, our desires should never outweigh our commitment to God. We should never pray for wealth at the expense of our spiritual well-being.
  2. Vengeance: It’s natural to feel hurt and anger towards someone who has wronged us, but we should never pray for vengeance. Instead, Jesus teaches us to pray for those who have hurt us, and to pray for God to bring them to repentance.
  3. Selfish Gain: When we pray, we should always have an attitude of selflessness. We should never pray for our own selfish gain or for favoritism. We should always be seeking God’s will for our lives and for the lives of those around us.
  4. Supernatural Powers: We should never pray for supernatural powers such as the ability to heal, perform miracles, or read minds. These are things that only God can do. We should instead focus on praying for God’s guidance and wisdom in our lives.
  5. Impure Desires: We should never pray for impure desires such as lust, envy, or greed. We should instead focus on praying for a heart that loves God and desires to serve Him.
  6. Unrighteous Requests: We should never pray for requests that go against God’s will and Word. We should only pray for requests that are in line with what God has commanded us to do.
What Does the Bible Say Not to Pray For

What Does Jeremiah Say Not to Pray For in the Bible?

Jeremiah 17:5-8 says, “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” These verses tell us that it is better to trust in God, rather than in man or in our own strength. We should not pray for anything that is outside of God’s will and instead trust in Him.

What Are the Prayers People Should Not Make According to the Bible?

The Bible tells us that there are certain prayers that people should not make. We should not pray for things that are contrary to God’s will or that benefit us at the expense of others. We should not pray for something that will lead us away from God, such as wealth or fame. We should not pray for something that will bring us harm, such as revenge or vengeance. We should not pray for something that will cause us to sin, such as a relationship with someone who is not a believer. We should not pray for something that will cause us to become prideful or boastful.

What Does the Bible Say Not to Pray For

How Do Bible Verses Guide Us to Pray Appropriately?

The Bible gives us many verses that guide us in how to pray appropriately.

  • We should pray with humility and repentance (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).
  • We should pray for God’s will to be done (Matthew 6:10). We should pray for love and patience (Colossians 3:12-13).
  • We should pray for protection and safety (Psalm 91).
  • We should pray for wisdom and understanding (James 1:5).
  • We should pray for strength and courage (Philippians 4:13).
  • We should pray for peace and joy (Philippians 4:7).

These verses help us to know what to pray for and how to pray.

What Does the Steven Furtick – Series Teach Us About Prayer in the Bible?

The Steven Series, written by Steven Furtick, is a collection of Bible studies that focuses on prayer. In this series, Steven Furtick teaches us that prayer is not just asking God for things, but it is also listening to Him. He teaches us that we should pray with boldness and faith, and that we should be persistent in our prayers.

He teaches us that we should pray for God’s will to be done, and that we should pray for the right things according to Scripture. He teaches us that we should not pray for things that are contrary to God’s will or that would benefit us at the expense of others.

What Does the Bible Say Not to Pray For

8 Things Bible say we Should Pray For

  1. Pray for Guidance: According to Psalm 32:8, we should pray to God for guidance and direction in our lives. Praying for God’s help to discern His will and purpose for our lives can help us make wise choices.
  2. Pray for Protection: In Psalm 91:11, we are encouraged to call on God for protection from danger, illness and other harm. Asking for His protection is an act of faith and trust that He will provide.
  3. Pray for Provision: Philippians 4:6 urges us to bring our needs before God in prayer. When we are in need of physical or spiritual sustenance, we can pray for God to provide for us.
  4. Pray for Forgiveness: We are all sinners, and Jesus taught us to ask for forgiveness in Matthew 6:12. We can ask for forgiveness for our own sins, as well as for the sins of others.
  5. Pray for Others: We are called to love our neighbor in Matthew 22:39, and praying for their well-being is a powerful way to do this. Praying for healing, wisdom and relationship issues are just some of the ways we can pray for others.
  6. Pray for Strength: Praying for strength is a great way to grow in faith and rely on God’s power. In Ephesians 3:16, we’re reminded to ask for the strength to live according to God’s will.
  7. Pray for Discernment: Asking for wisdom and discernment is another way to pray for guidance, as seen in James 1:5. Praying for discernment can help us recognize God’s truth and will in our lives.
  8. Pray for Thankfulness: We are commanded to give thanks to God in all circumstances, according to 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Praying for an attitude of gratitude for all that we have can help us stay focused on God’s goodness.

What Are the Dangers of Praying for the Wrong Things According to Scripture?

Praying for the wrong things can have serious consequences according to Scripture. When we pray for something that is outside of God’s will, we are misusing our prayer and it can lead to pride and arrogance. If we pray for something that is contrary to God’s will, it can lead us away from Him. Praying for the wrong things can also lead to a lack of faith and trust in God.

What Are the Benefits of Praying for the Right Things Based on Bible Verses?

Praying for the right things can have many benefits according to Scripture. When we pray for God’s will to be done, we are trusting in Him and aligning our lives with His will. When we pray for the right things, we can experience peace and joy in our lives. Praying for the right things can also help us to have a closer relationship with God and to have a stronger faith and trust in Him.

The power of prayer has been a source of faith and comfort for many religious believers throughout the ages. While some may question the efficacy of prayer, there is no denying that it has been and continues to be a cornerstone of many spiritual traditions. History has shown us that prayer can be a powerful tool for connecting with the divine, petitioning for help, and ultimately, bringing about positive change.

Prayer has been around since the dawn of time. Ancient cultures and religions practiced various forms of prayer and meditation to connect with the spiritual realm. For example, the ancient Egyptians believed that offering up prayers to the gods could bring about favor and protection. Similarly, the ancient Greeks and Romans had their own rituals and prayers to invoke divine power.

In more recent times, prayer has been used as a form of healing. Studies have shown that regular prayer can have a positive effect on mental and physical health. People who pray regularly have lower levels of anxiety and stress, and are better able to cope with difficult situations. Prayer can also help to bring about positive changes in a person’s life, from personal relationships to career success.

The power of prayer is also found in its ability to bring people together. Prayer can be used to unite people of different faiths and backgrounds in a common purpose. Whether it be to seek guidance, ask for strength, or offer up thanks, prayer can be a powerful source of unity.

However, the power of prayer is only as effective as the intentions behind it. Prayers that are motivated by selfishness, resentment, or anger often do not yield the desired result. In fact, these types of prayers can even have a negative effect. It is important to remember that prayer should be used for the right reasons and with pure intentions.

Prayer is a powerful tool for connecting with the divine, bringing people together, and bringing about positive change. While it is important to remember that prayer is only effective when it is used for the right reasons, it can nonetheless be a powerful source of comfort and strength.

What Should We Consider Before Praying According to the Bible?

Before we pray, it is important to consider what we are praying for. We should make sure that what we are praying for is in line with God’s will and that it is not something that will lead us away from Him. We should also make sure that we are not praying for something that will benefit us at the expense of others. We should consider the consequences of our prayers and make sure that we are praying with the right motives.

How Does the Bible Help Us to Pray With Discernment?

The Bible is full of verses that can help us to pray with discernment.

  • We should pray for God’s will to be done (Matthew 6:10).
  • We should pray for wisdom and understanding (James 1:5).
  • We should pray for protection and safety (Psalm 91).
  • We should pray for love and patience (Colossians 3:12-13).
  • We should pray for strength and courage (Philippians 4:13).
  • We should pray for peace and joy (Philippians 4:7). These verses help us to know what to pray for and how to pray.

What Are the Biblical Principles for Knowing What Not to Pray For?

The Bible teaches us many principles for knowing what not to pray for. We should not pray for something that is outside of God’s will or that will lead us away from Him. We should not pray for something that will benefit us at the expense of others. We should not pray for something that will cause us to sin, such as a relationship with someone who is not a believer. We should not pray for something that will cause us to become prideful or boastful. We should not pray for something that will bring us harm, such as revenge or vengeance.

Powerful Prayers that were Answered in the Bible

  1. Genesis 18:20-21: Abraham prayed to God to spare the city of Sodom and Gomorrah if there were even a few righteous people living there. God agreed, and sent two angels to rescue Abraham’s nephew, Lot and his family.
  2. 2 Kings 19:15-19: King Hezekiah was afraid of being invaded by the Assyrian army and prayed to God for mercy. God answered his prayer, and sent an angel to destroy the Assyrian army.
  3. Jonah 2:1-10: Jonah was thrown overboard in the middle of a storm while on a ship. He prayed to God, and God answered his prayer by sending a giant fish to swallow him, saving him from death.
  4. 1 Samuel 1:11-18: Hannah was childless and prayed to God for a child. God answered her prayer and gave her a son, Samuel.
  5. Mark 10:46-52: Bartimaeus was a blind man who needed healing. He called out to Jesus and Jesus answered his prayer, restoring his sight.
  6. Luke 22:31-32: Jesus prayed to God for his disciples, that their faith would not fail. God answered his prayer, and the disciples were strengthened to carry on with their mission.
  7. Acts 3:1-10: Peter and John prayed for a lame man to be healed. God answered their prayer, and the man was healed and able to walk.
  8. Acts 12:1-19: Peter was imprisoned by King Herod, and the church prayed fervently for his release. God answered their prayer, and Peter was miraculously released.
  9. Acts 16:25-34: Paul and Silas were in prison, when they prayed and sang songs of praise to God. God answered their prayer by shaking the prison walls and setting them free.
  10. Daniel 6:10-22: Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den for praying to God. God answered his prayer and shut the mouths of the lions, keeping him safe.

7 Steps we Can Take to Learn to Pray Correctly

  1. Read Scripture: Reading scripture is an important part of learning how to pray correctly. It can help us understand what we should be praying for and how to express our prayers. The Bible is an invaluable source of wisdom and guidance, and can help us access God’s will for our lives.
  2. Identify Your Needs: Before we can begin to pray, we need to be honest about our needs. Take some time to reflect, and write down any requests, worries, and needs that you may have. This will help focus your prayer time, and ensure that you cover all the issues that are on your heart.
  3. Develop a Prayerful Attitude: Prayer is not just a time to make requests, but also a time to develop a deeper relationship with God. Spend time in prayer cultivating a spirit of humility, reverence, and thankfulness, and allow yourself to be open to God’s will.
  4. Use the Lord’s Prayer: Use the Lord’s Prayer as a template for your own prayer. This prayer, which is found in the Bible in Matthew 6:9-13, is a perfect example of how to pray correctly. It can be helpful to refer to it while you are praying, or to use it as a model to follow.
  5. Take Time to Listen: Prayer is not just about asking, but also about listening. Take time to be still and listen to God’s voice, and allow Him to speak to you. This can help you to develop a deeper understanding of God’s will and guidance.
  6. Pray with Others: Praying with others can be a great way to learn how to pray correctly. When we pray with others, we can learn from their examples and experience, and can be encouraged and inspired by their prayers.
  7. Persevere: Learning to pray correctly can take time and practice, and it is important to keep persisting and not give up. God is faithful, and will answer our prayers in His perfect timing.

Final Thoughts – What Does the Bible say not to Pray for

In this blog, we explored what the Bible says not to pray for, what are the prayers people should not make according to the Bible, how do Bible verses guide us to pray appropriately, and what Steven Series teaches us about prayer in the Bible. We discussed the dangers of praying for the wrong things according to scripture, the benefits of praying for the right things based on Bible verses, what should we consider before praying according to the Bible, how does the Bible help us to pray with discernment, and what are the biblical principles for knowing what not to pray for. By understanding and following the biblical principles for prayer, we can ensure that our prayers are honoring God and accomplishing His will.

How to be saved according to the Bible    In order to understand how to be saved, we first need to understand what salvation is. Salvation is when God forgives our sins and gives us eternal life. It's a free gift from God that we can't earn on our own. So how do we receive this gift? The Bible tells us that there are six steps: hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, repenting again, and believers baptism. Let's break each one of these down.     Hearing - The first step is hearing the gospel. The gospel is the good news that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again. This news must be heard in order for us to believe it.     Believing - Once we hear the gospel, we must believe it. This means that we trust that Jesus is who He says He is and that He can save us from our sins.     Repenting - Once we believe the gospel, we must repent of our sins. This means that we turn away from our sin and start living for God.     Confessing - After we repent of our sins, we need to confess them to God. This means that we tell God all of the sinful things we have done and ask Him for forgiveness.     Believers Baptism - The final step is believers baptism. This is when a person who has already believed and repented is baptized in water as an outward sign of their inward decision to follow Christ. Baptism doesn't save us, but it's an important step of obedience for every Christian.     Discipling others -  Finally, once we have received salvation through these steps, it's important that we continue to grow in our faith and share the gospel with others so they too can be saved.      These are the six steps required for salvation according to the Bible: hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, repenting again, and believers baptism. If you have never done these things or if you're not sure if you've done them correctly, I encourage you to talk to a pastor or other Christian friend who can help guide you through these steps. Salvation is a free gift from God, but it's one that we need to take intentional steps to receive. Don't wait another day - start your journey towards salvation today!

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