Say Exactly What You Want
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known unto God
(Philippians 4:6).
The Amplified Classic Version of the opening
scripture says, “Do not fret or have any anxiety
about anything, but in every circumstance and in
everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests),
with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants
known to God.” The Lord expects us to make definite
requests of Him. Say exactly what you want!
There’s no need for vain repetitions or superfluity of
words. Some people are that way when they pray, but
Jesus said, “…When ye pray, use not vain repetitions,
as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be
heard for their much speaking” (Matthew 6:7). Some
make vague requests. For instance, someone might say,
“Help me Lord; I can’t continue like this,” and thinks he
or she has prayed, but that’s not a definite request.
You have to state precisely what help you want.
Is it help with your finances, your health, job, or your
family? Whatever it is, be specific and act on the
Word. Our opening verse gives us two key elements of
effectual prayers: definite requests and thanksgiving. In
Mark 11:23, the Lord Jesus said, “For verily I say unto
you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain,
Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and
shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that
those things which he saith shall come to pass; he
shall have whatsoever he saith.”
Jesus didn’t tell us to speak to “mountains,”
but to “this mountain,” teaching us to be definite in
acting our faith. When you have a strong and definite
desire for a change, make your faith proclamations
accordingly, and begin to glorify God for the answers.
Only when you’re specific in your requests are you
able to effectively give thanks to God, because you
know when they’re met.
It makes no difference what challenges you’re
faced with; refuse to fret or doubt! Tell the Father what
you want, and praise Him for the answer. He said ask
and receive that your joy may be full (John 16:24).
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for the power in the Name of Jesus, and
the authority I have to use that Name to effect specific changes
as I may desire. I’m sustained by the power and authority of that
Name, living the higher life of glory that you prearranged for
me. I walk in divine wisdom, in dealing with the circumstances
and affairs of life, today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further study:
Matthew 6:25; Mark 11:23; Matthew 7:7-8
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 2:1-22
Leviticus 9-10
2-YEAR BIBLEREADING PLAN
Acts 18:24-19:1-7
Psalm 23-24