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Can I pray for anything

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Why did Jesus pray? I believe one reason is to set an example for the disciples and for us. This is a story of faith in God and forgiveness. He teaches that we can pray for anything and God will answer in his own time and in his own way.

Mark 11:20-25

Jesus Says the Disciples Can Pray for Anything

11:20 "In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots.

21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, 'Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!'
22 'Have faith in God,' Jesus answered.
23 'I tell you the truth, if any one says to the mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done from him.
24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask from in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins.'"

This is the Word of the Lord ... It is meant to change the way that we think, and the way that we live.

Commentary by Bob Pardue

Pray for Anything in the Name of Jesus Christ

Could our prayers really cause a mountain to jump into the sea?
Jesus said if we believe in the power of God it will be done. Here, Jesus is talking about faith. I do believe this because God can grant any prayer request He desires.
But, there are some stipulations Jesus put on our prayers ..

You must be a believer
You must be willing to forgive and not hold a grudge against another person
You must not pray for your own selfish motives
Your request must be for the good of God's kingdom

Is it okay to pray for things we want? Sure it is! Just as a child asks for things he/she wants from us as parents, we can ask God for things we want.

But remember, we don't always give our children everything they want, especially when it's not good for them; neither does God.

I am guilty of selfish prayer too. Let's try to be sure and ask; but add that we ask these things only if it is God's will that we have our prayers answered.

Love in Christ

- Bob

If you have never made the commitment to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here and take the first steps to salvation.

Verses about how to pray are from Life Application Study Bible: New International Version

More Lessons from the Bible

Mark 11:12-19 Jesus Clears the Temple Again and Drives Out Money Changers