What's missing when we pray?

If we pray according to the manner the Lord Jesus Christ taught His first disciples, Matthew 6:9-13

"Our Father Who is in heaven..."

this is centered mostly on Him and His will to be done, and OUR NEED for daily food, forgiveness, and protection. Luke 11:1-4

Jesus also taught about the need to ask, seek, and knock without shame FOR OTHERS.

This is what can be lacking when we pray: we forget to intercede for others.

Then Jesus said to them,

"Suppose one of you goes to his friend at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine has come to me on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.'" Luke 11:5-6

What if we prayed,

"Father, lend me three loaves [or whatever is required], because a friend has come and I don't have what they need."

We might ask at an inconvenient time, "at midnight," Luke 11:5 but because of our lack of shame to pray for another, our boldness and persistence, He will give us whatever we need. Luke 11:8

Jesus tells us that to pray FOR OTHERS, even enemies, Matthew 5:44 will get results.

"So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Luke 11:9-10

PRAY FOR ALL PEOPLE

Paul included the need for believers to consider others in a fruitful prayer life.

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—

for kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, Who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Do it for everyone first.

Then, do it for people with authority in government, business, education, and any area of life.

Paul wrote that he was confident that he would be freed from prison because of others' prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:19

ASK OTHERS TO PRAY FOR YOU

Paul wasn't shy to ask for prayer for himself and his ministry partners.

Brothers, pray for us as well. 1 Thessalonians 5:25

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel. Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3

PRAY FOR LABORERS TO BE SENT and the GOSPEL TO RUN FREELY

Then He [Jesus] said to His disciples,

"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest." Matthew 9:37-38

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1

OUR PRAYERS FOR OTHERS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Paul and his partners 2 Thessalonians 1:1 prayed for others.

To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith,

so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him,

according to the grace of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

When we pray, Matthew 6:5-6; Luke 11:1-4 let's remember that OTHERS have needs, too.

We can be bold and shamelessly ask "at midnight" for what they also need. Luke 11:5-10

Your thoughts?

R. Jason