When considering what to pray for to fulfill God's expectations, it is essential to recognize that God's expectations for us are deeply rooted in His desire for a relationship with us and for us to live lives that reflect His love, mercy, and justice. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I believe that our prayers should align with these divine aspirations, seeking to understand and embrace His will for our lives.
First and foremost, it is crucial to pray for a heart that seeks to know God intimately. The Bible emphasizes the importance of knowing God and understanding His character. In Jeremiah 9:23-24, it is written, "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,' says the Lord." This passage highlights that God's delight is in our understanding and knowledge of Him. Therefore, a foundational prayer should be for a deeper relationship with God, asking Him to reveal Himself more fully to you and to help you grow in your understanding of His nature and will.
In addition to seeking to know God, it is vital to pray for a heart that desires to do His will. Jesus Himself modeled this in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, "Not my will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). This submission to God's will is a crucial aspect of fulfilling His expectations. Praying for the ability to discern His will and the strength to follow it, even when it is difficult, is essential. Romans 12:2 encourages believers to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Ask God to renew your mind and transform your heart so that you can understand and embrace His will for your life.
Another important aspect of fulfilling God's expectations is to pray for a heart of love and compassion. Jesus summarized the greatest commandments as loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind and loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). Love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10), and it is through love that we reflect God's character to the world. Pray for God to fill your heart with His love, enabling you to love Him wholeheartedly and to love others selflessly. Ask Him to help you see people through His eyes and to respond to their needs with compassion and kindness.
Moreover, pray for wisdom and guidance in your daily life. James 1:5 assures us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. Wisdom is essential for making decisions that align with God's expectations. Solomon, known for his wisdom, prayed for an understanding heart to discern between good and evil (1 Kings 3:9). Similarly, we should seek God's wisdom in our prayers, asking Him to guide our steps and help us make choices that honor Him.
It is also important to pray for a spirit of humility and obedience. Micah 6:8 summarizes God's expectations succinctly: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Humility is a key virtue in the Christian life, as it acknowledges our dependence on God and our need for His grace. Pray for a humble heart that is willing to submit to God's authority and to obey His commands. Ask God to help you act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.
Furthermore, pray for the courage and boldness to share the gospel and to be a witness for Christ. Jesus commissioned His followers to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). As believers, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), sharing the good news of salvation with others. Pray for opportunities to share your faith and for the courage to speak the truth in love. Ask God to empower you with His Spirit, enabling you to be a faithful witness to His grace and truth.
Additionally, it is essential to pray for the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in your life. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities reflect the character of Christ and are evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Pray for the Holy Spirit to cultivate these virtues in you, helping you to live a life that is pleasing to God and that reflects His nature to those around you.
Lastly, pray for perseverance and endurance in your faith journey. The Christian life is often described as a race (Hebrews 12:1), and it requires perseverance to run it well. Pray for the strength to endure trials and challenges, trusting that God is with you and that He will provide the grace you need to persevere. Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Ask God to strengthen your faith and to help you remain steadfast in your commitment to Him.
In summary, to fulfill God's expectations, your prayers should encompass a desire to know God intimately, to do His will, to love others, to seek wisdom, to walk in humility and obedience, to share the gospel, to bear the fruit of the Spirit, and to persevere in your faith. As you pray for these things, trust that God hears your prayers and that He is faithful to work in your life according to His perfect will. Remember the promise of 1 John 5:14-15: "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."
May your prayers be a reflection of your heart's desire to fulfill God's expectations, and may you experience the joy and peace that come from walking in His will.
