Introduction to Praying Beyond Salvation

When Jesus said, ‘Ask and you shall receive’ (Matthew 7:7), He not only encouraged us to invoke God’s goodness but also reminded us of the power of our petitions. However, praying for just salvation is not enough. The Bible teaches us that there are deeper and broader areas in which we can and should seek from God. Let’s explore some of these areas and how to approach them with humility and prayer.

The Context of Prayer in the Bible

One of the most well-known examples of prayer is the 'Our Father' prayer, recited in Matthew 6:9-13. This prayer serves as a template for how we should address God in our daily lives. According to the Bible, this prayer starts with expressions of thanksgiving and praise, followed by a request for bread, a plea for forgiveness, and a plea not to fall into temptation.

Unselfish and Christ-Centric Prayers

The opening sentences of the prayer, 'Hallowed be Your name,' and 'Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,' set a Christ-centered and unfettered spirit. These requests reflect the values of humility, obedience, and godly living. By praying in this manner, we align our lives with God's plan and allow His will to be fulfilled.

Praying for Our Daily Needs

Jesus reminds us that we can also pray for our daily needs, such as food, shelter, and financial security. However, these requests should not overshadow our primary calling, which is to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Seeking the Kingdom of Heaven First

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us to ‘seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.’ This means prioritizing our spiritual growth and involvement in God's work, such as sharing His message, building His kingdom, and caring for the less fortunate. When we do this, God promises to provide for our other needs.

Practical Application

For example, holding a job or achieving financial stability may become easier when our primary focus is on serving others and building God's kingdom. This doesn't mean ignoring our material needs; it means approaching them with a mindset grounded in faith and service.

Praying for Forgiveness and Deliverance

In addition to physical and material needs, we can also pray for spiritual needs. The 'Our Father' prayer includes a request for forgiveness and deliverance. ‘Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors,’ and ‘Deliver us from evil’ highlight the importance of not only receiving forgiveness but also being a means of forgiveness to others. Such prayers are crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with God and those around us.

Resources for Further Learning

For those seeking deeper insights into prayer and spiritual growth, here are some recommended resources:

YouTube: Related videos explore topics such as the Rapture, what we’ll look like in heaven, and biblical teachings on various aspects of prayer and spiritual growth. Books and Sermons: Bishop T.D. Jakes and Tiffany Shuttlesworth provide valuable insights through their books and sermons, covering themes like the timing of events, understanding biblical symbols, and steady living in the midst of storms.

These resources offer a wealth of knowledge and guidance to help us cultivate a deeper relationship with God and live out our faith in practical ways.

Remember, God is more than willing to answer our prayers. But He also desires that our hearts are in alignment with His will, leading to a life of faith, love, and service. Let us pray with the purpose of seeking His kingdom first and watch as He adds to our lives according to His perfect plan.