The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
People pray for many different reasons: for guidance, physical needs, wisdom, guidance, healing, and for resolutions in situations over which one has no control. I am facing a difficult situation soon that I am not looking forward to. It is going to require much wisdom.
When praying for guidance it is important not to “lean upon one’s own understanding” but trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5). The next verse says, “in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.” In other words, don’t try to figure things out with your own limited finite intellect. James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given.”
Here are two verses to claim when praying for guidance. “The heart of man plans his ways, but the Lord establishes his steps”(Proverbs 16:9). The author of Psalm 32:8 writes in reference to God: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Very comforting words!
Whenever you are worried about something Philippians 4:6 emphasizes the importance of making your requests known to God, accompanied by thanksgiving. The next verse says that worry will be replaced by “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, and will guard your hearts and minds” from making a wrong decision about an important matter.
Prayer should always be persistent. Don’t just pray about a concern once or twice and then stop. Keep on praying. Be passionate and fervent. Expect results. James 5:17-18 addresses this kind of praying.
Praying must be in accordance with God’s will, as stated in First John 5:14-15. What if one does not know God’s will or how to specifically pray for a person or situation? Romans 8:26 gives the answer. If we “do not know what to pray for as we ought, the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
However, in all of our praying, it is important to remember that prayer is not just making requests. It should also include adoration, worship, confession, and thanksgiving.
What is a specific thing you need to pray about right now? Which of the verses mentioned in this article would be most applicable to your specific need?
