“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” (1John 5:14)
God gives us a wonderful promise that if we pray according to His will He hears our prayer! But there are some things we should NOT pray for.
For Anything That Goes Against God’s Will
God’s will is in God’s Word. Therefore, we should not pray for that which goes against the will and Word of God. Jesus said we are to pray, “Thy will be done” not “MY will be done.” God will never answer a prayer which goes against His will.
For Anything That Feeds Our Flesh
(Gal. 5:16) says we are to “Walk in the Spirit” and not “fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Therefore, God will not answer a prayer that feeds our flesh. Question: Will what you are asking God for help you walk in the Spirit or will it help you to continue walking in the flesh?
For Anything That Costs Us Nothing
God expects us to do OUR part in the Christian life. He will not do for us what we could and should do for ourselves. For example, don’t ask God to heal your marriage if you are not willing to do your part to work on it, yourself.
For Things We Already Have
How many times does God bless us with something and we quickly get dissatisfied with it and ask Him for another one even better? Instead of learning contentment, we are always wanting the newer, better version of what God has already given to us. 1Timothy 6:6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
For Things Other People Have
“I wish I had his job.” “I wish I had her good looks.” “I wish I had her boyfriend.” All of these statements reveal a heart of covetousness, which the Bible condemns. Covetousness also reveals a heart of discontentment with what God has already given you.
Stop praying these prayers and start praying prayers that honor and glorify God.