Praying Beyond Limits: What We Shouldn't Ask of God

Discover what you shouldn't pray about as a Christian believer. Learn the limits of prayer and what the Bible says about praying for evil, materialistic and sinful desires.

As believers, prayer is a vital aspect of our faith. It is the primary means by which we communicate and commune with God. Prayer is a powerful tool that enables us to connect with God and seek His will for our lives. However, as much as we should pray about everything, are there things we shouldn't pray about? Are there limits to what we can ask of God when we come to Him in prayer? In this article, we will explore the question of whether there are things we shouldn't pray about and what the Bible says about it.

Praying for Evil Intentions

One of the things we shouldn't pray about is evil intentions. God is a holy God, and He cannot answer prayers that are contrary to His nature and His will. Praying for harm to come to others, seeking revenge, or asking God to curse someone is wrong and should not be done. The Bible tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Therefore, we should not pray for evil intentions but rather for the good of others.

Praying for Materialistic Desires

Another thing we shouldn't pray about is materialistic desires. God is not opposed to us having material possessions, but He is opposed to us being consumed by them. The Bible tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all other things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). Therefore, we should not pray for things that are not in line with God's will for our lives but rather seek His kingdom first.

Praying for Sinful Desires

We shouldn't pray for sinful desires. James 4:3 says, "When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." God cannot answer prayers that are contrary to His will and His nature. Therefore, we should not pray for things that go against the Word of God but rather seek His will for our lives.

Praying for God to Change Someone's Free Will

We cannot pray for God to change someone's free will. Everyone has the right to choose what they believe and do. God gives us the freedom to choose to follow Him or not. Praying for God to change someone's free will is not in line with His will and His nature. We can pray for God to open someone's eyes to the truth or for Him to work in their lives, but we cannot pray for Him to override their free will.

Praying for God to Go Against His Nature

God is a holy God, and He cannot go against His nature. We cannot pray for God to do something that goes against His character or His attributes. For example, we cannot pray for God to lie or be unjust. We cannot ask God to do something that would compromise His holiness or His righteousness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are things we shouldn't pray about. Praying for evil intentions, materialistic desires, sinful desires, for God to change someone's free will, or for God to go against His nature is not in line with God's will and His nature. As believers, we should seek God's will for our lives and pray according to His will. We should pray for the good of others, seek His kingdom first, and pray for His will to be done in our lives.

FAQs

1. Can we pray for the salvation of someone who has already passed away?
We can pray for the salvation of someone who has already passed away, but ultimately, it is up to God to judge their heart.

2. Can we pray for God to heal someone who is not a believer?
Yes, we can pray for God to heal someone who is not a believer. God's love extends to all people, and He desires for everyone to be saved and healed.

3. Can we pray for God to give us a specific job or career?
Yes, we can pray for God to give us a specific job or career. However, we should also seek His will for our lives and trust that He knows what is best for us.

4. Can we pray for God to remove someone from our lives?
We should not pray for God to remove someone from our lives. Instead, we should pray for God to give us wisdom and guidance on how to handle difficult relationships.

5. Can we pray for God to change our circumstances?
Yes, we can pray for God to change our circumstances, but we should also trust that He knows what is best for us and that His plans are always good.