When you’re praying and making requests before God, it’s important to be specific about what you’re asking for. Being specific demonstrates that you’ve thoughtfully considered your desires and are mindful of what you truly need. Sometimes we ask God for blessings that might not be the best for our lives, requiring time, effort, and other resources that detract from our relationship with Him. Jesus talked about counting the costs in Luke 14:28, meaning we should think carefully about what it takes before diving in. Taking the time to figure out how your requests fit into your life and God’s plan and purpose can make your prayers more meaningful. It conveys that you’re serious about your relationship with God.

God is straightforward and direct—He isn’t indecisive or vague.  As 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NLT) reminds us, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.” When we approach Him with clear and specific requests, it helps prevent confusion from being too vague in our requests, having unclear expectations, or being unfocused in our prayers. It ensures that our communication with Him conveys that we understand how magnificent and omnipotent He is. It’s about being as honest and straightforward in our prayers as we can be.

God is our Provider and Protector, and He has made specific promises to us in His Word. For example, Philippians 4:19 (NLT) assures us, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” This promise tells us that God will meet all our needs from His abundant resources. Similarly, Psalm 37:4 (NLT) says, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” When we find joy in our relationship with God, He promises to fulfill our deepest desires.

Psalm 121:7-8 (NLT) also reassures us, “The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life; the LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” This shows that God’s protection is always in place, looking out for us no matter what. These promises aren’t just comforting words; they’re rock-solid guarantees from the Creator of the universe. God never breaks His promises and always keeps His Word.

God’s Word is perfect, and He adores the Words He has spoken. Psalm 138:2 (NKJV) says, “For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.” This verse shows that our Heavenly Father holds His Word in the highest honor, supporting His promises with the authority of His name. Sometimes, in our prayer lives, we forget the level of honor God has for His Word. We might not take the time to explore the promises He has made in Scripture. As a result, we miss the chance to express His promises to Him with clarity and faith because we haven’t fully absorbed them into our hearts.

Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God knows the plans He has for us—plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future. Philippians 2:13 (NLT) adds, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” This means that God is actively involved in our lives, shaping our desires and empowering us to fulfill His purposes. We can be confident that God’s Will is His Word, and His Word is His Will. He will not deviate from it.

Psalm 119:89 (NIV) says, “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” Therefore, when we pray, aligning our desires with the promises found in His Word allows us to be specific and purposeful in our requests. This alignment helps us ask for blessings that are in harmony with His Will and plan for our lives. By doing so, we not only strengthen our faith with the truth but also show a deep respect for God’s Word and His unchanging nature. In this way, our prayers become a powerful expression of our trust in His promises and our commitment to His guidance. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

“Be Clear About Your Desires”, written by KLizzie, edited by Rev. Fran Mack and Kim Times, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.