Prayer is a powerful aspect of the Christian life. It is the avenue God has given for direct communication between us and Himself. While we pray with humble hearts and in submission to His sovereign will, the Bible also gives us multiple examples of ways to pray in alignment with God’s promises—ways to ask for things God has already promised to give. Here are a few examples.

• Prayers for Wisdom. In James 1:5, the apostle encourages believers to seek God’s wisdom in their lives. The verse reads, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” This prayer acknowledges our dependence on God for discernment and understanding, and it also communicates that God will grant this request. He gives us wisdom freely, whenever we ask.
• Prayers for Guidance. Similar to asking for wisdom, Proverbs 3:5–6 teaches us to trust in the Lord, and acknowledge Him rather than trusting our own understanding—the result is that “He will direct your path.” It is a sure thing, and there is no uncertainty involved. God will direct the steps of those who seek His direction.
• Prayers for Strength. God is our strength as Christians, and He wants us to turn to Him in this way. As Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” We approach Him in prayer for the strength we need, knowing that He will strengthen and sustain us as He did with so many believers who came before us.
• Prayers for Provision. Jesus Himself provides a model for praying for daily provision in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:11). He teaches us to ask, “Give us this day our daily bread,” which communicates so much about our relationship to the Father. This request acknowledges our dependence on God for our basic needs and expresses trust in His provision, even if what He provides is different from what we would want.
• Prayers for Forgiveness. First John 1:9 assures believers that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We can approach God with repentant hearts, knowing that He is ready to forgive and restore.

As we pray for Haiti, we pray for each of these things—wisdom in making decisions, guidance in pursuing opportunities, strength to endure trials, provision from His hand, and forgiveness for all who would come to Christ as they hear the gospel in Haiti. Would you join us in prayer?

To learn how you can be praying with us for the ministry in Haiti, visit Prayer Requests.