I assume the question here means to pray “with” God as opposed “to” God. The Bible tells us that God does pray. Romans 8:26 says the Spirit is interceding for us when we don’t know what to pray for. Romans 8:34 tells us Jesus is now in heaven and he is also interceding for us. So God is the one to whom we pray, but He is also the one who helps us in our prayers.
When we are praying “with” God I take it to mean that we are praying God’s will, we are praying what God really wants us to pray for not just our selfish needs. So what is God’s will?
Some aspects of God’s will are a mystery to us and we won’t know it until it happens but there is an aspect of God’s will that is revealed to us – This is revealed to us in God’s Word. So we just have to know God’s Word well enough to know what His will is.
One example of praying “with” God or praying God’s will is to pray the Lord’s prayer.
When we are praying “with” God I take it to mean that we are praying God’s will, we are praying what God really wants us to pray for not just our selfish needs. So what is God’s will?
Some aspects of God’s will are a mystery to us and we won’t know it until it happens but there is an aspect of God’s will that is revealed to us – This is revealed to us in God’s Word. So we just have to know God’s Word well enough to know what His will is.
One example of praying “with” God or praying God’s will is to pray the Lord’s prayer.
Our Father who art in heaven – Praise your heavenly Father, what can you praise Him for?
Hallowed be thy name – Pray that His name would be honoured in your life
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven – Pray for righteousness and justice to be done on earth, especially when you see evil taking place
Give us this day our daily bread – Pray for your daily needs
And forgive us our trespasses – Confess your sins to God
As we forgive those who trespass against us – Ask for strength to forgive others
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil – Pray for spiritual protection
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever amen.
Here are other examples of praying God’s will as revealed in God’s Word:
Comfort, Peace: Psalm 42; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; 4:7-12, 16-18;
Church Leaders: Ephesians 4:1-6, 11, 12; 1 Timothy 4:7-16; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:5-9;
Families: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 5:21-6:4
Growth in faith and character: Joshua 1:8; Ps 119:9, 11, 28, 34; Matthew 6:25-34; Galatians 5:16-26; Colossians 1:9-12; 3:13-15; James 3:17
Improving Communication: Proverbs 4:8, 20-23; 8:6-8; Ephesians 4:15 ,23-24; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Titus 3:1-2;
Knowing God's Will: Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:9-11, 105; Proverbs 12:15; Matthew 7:7; John 7:17; 10:3-4; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:6; James 1:5-8
Love for others: Mark 12:30-35; 1 Corinthians 13; Hebrews 10:24
Prayer for others: Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21; Philippians 1:3-6; 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-14; 3:12-17; 2 Peter 1:5-8
“Pre-Christians”: 2 Peter 3:9; Luke 19:10; John 16:7-15; John 12:31; 1 John 3:8; Revelation 20:9-15; 1 Corinthians 15:57
Providing for your needs: Matthew 6:25-34; 7:11
Rest: Psalm 62:1; 62:5; Isaiah 40:29-31; 41:10, 13; Jeremiah 31:25; Nahum 1:7; Matthew 11:28-29; John 14:1
Strength: Psalm 9:9; 34:4; 37:23; 46:1; 55:22; 69:22; 73:26; 138:7; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10; 2 Timothy 2:16-17; Hebrews 12:1-4;
Trials: Deuteronomy 4:30-31; Job 23:10; Psalm 94:12-13; Proverbs 3:11 -12; Acts 14:22; Romans 5:3-5; 8:17-18; 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:12; James 1:2-3; 1:12; 1 Peter 1:7
Worry: Psalm 55:22; 138:8; Romans 8:2; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 1:13; James 1:22-25; 1 Peter 5:6-7
[Answered by Pastor Quang, Small Groups Ministry]
