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Frivolous Prayers?

Is it ok to pray for something you think you may not get? Like for a dog that your parents already said “no” to? or before a test? Are these frivolous prayers?
19, F, NY

Some of my church members have shared some interesting prayer requests that they have had in the past. One person prayed for tall height, but that did not happen. Looking at his parents might have given a clue as to what height he would end up with. Another person did pray for a puppy, but never got one. A more serious prayer request was for a father to return home. When that did not happen, this young person gave up on God and is now atheist. 

I truly believe in the power of prayer and the importance of prayer. I believe that the devil is getting more and more Christians to stop praying, because he knows that prayer is the key to a strong relationship with God. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." 

What this passage is saying to me is that we should not ask the Lord for "things" or a "specific outcome," but rather we should pray for a spirit, an attitude. Once we humble our hearts to Jesus, the Lord can shape and mold us into His plan, not ours. Humility is a trait of a mature Christian. And prayers and requests of mature Christians will not be frivolous or self-centered, but rather for healing, empowerment, mission and gratitude. 

James 5:16 says, "The prayers of a righteous man (and woman) can accomplish much."  So keep praying much!


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