Is it ok to pray for personal things, or should I only pray for other people?

Question

When I pray I dare not ask for personal things. The problems seem so small and useless compared to the major problems in the world. Should I concentrate on praying for the big problems, or can I pray for the small things in my own life? Can I ask for goods (God, give me a car), or should I only ask for non-physical things, like good relation with my neighbour. Can I ask for things that maybe I could do myself (good relation with my neighour), should I first have tried to do it myself? Once again, these problems seem so small, and insignificant. Can I pray for things that are good for me but not for others? Like: God let my sporting team win? Like: Let us win the war? Like God bless America? Shouldn't it be: God bless the world?

Answer 1

it is totally ok asking for you even Jesus did that little times.
But when you not only ask for other people but you help them in their needs God realize that you have total confidence in him, and that means for him that you had put your problems or needs in his hands.
And he would sove your problems while your working in others's problem.

Try this, not because of the reward, but you will get surprised

Answer 2

You can pray to God about whatever is important to you. It might seem little in comparison with other things, but if it is important or needful, then feel free to pray. Say a car-- if you really need something to get around in don't go praying to get a ferrari, but for something that will meet your needs. It is also HOW you ask for it. Do it in humility and understanding that you know God is going to do what is best for you and he knows what that is. Think of it as the Father to child relationship that it is. If your son or daughter came up to you and asked you for a car, are you going to give them the best there is out there just for them to think nothing of it and ask for more stuff without even being grateful for what you have already given them? Most likely not. You have to work for such things, but if you are doing the things that you should be doing (e.g. keeping his commandments, being charitable to your neighbor, etc.) God will eventually give you the blessings that you seek if they are needed.

Answer 3

A small story: My husband and I both have problems with our backs. Nothing super significant, but makes it uncomfortable to ride. I was praying one night and the Lord asked me what I wanted. Nothing I said just your love. The next night the same question, again nothing Lord just your love. The third night the same, again the same answer from me. About two weeks later we had a Cadillac, approximately one month later we had another one. I didn't ask and I still won't ask for me. I will ask for others, I pray for the leaders of the nations, and for each person that I answer a question for. My faith lies in Jesus and His most sweet precious love. He gave me his all, the least I can do is give Him my total love and faith. He said the Father knows you have need of these. Something that I think that may be trivial may be of great importance to you. But if you are seeking a sign, forget it. Just love the Lord and He will provide.

Answer 4

I've found it most useful to pray for knowledge of God's will for me and the power to carry it out. I think it's useful to pray for small, personal things because it allows you to believe that you can have them. It sets the intention to have them. It's hard to pray for things like world peace, etc. because the results, of course, aren't immediate, but I think over time those types of prayers are effective. I think any type of prayer sets things in motion for change unless, of course, you are praying for something to happen that is totally against God's will, then it won't happen no matter how hard and often you pray.

Answer 5

I pray about everything. Prayer doesn't neceassarily have to be a big production. Throughout the day I just talk to God. When I find myself asking for something I feel might be too trivial to God, I aplogize to Him, but pray about whatever it is. God has answered even the most trivial of things. E.g., after watching one too many remodeling shows, my hubby & I decided to tear down half our house armed only w/ the approved plans & permits. We didn't have a contractor since we decided to hre the subcontractors ourselves to save money. A project tht was suposed to take 2-4 months ended up taking a year. BOY, did I pray! I prayed during every phase of the project. Twice when we were in between loans for the project, we unexpectedly received bonuses when they were desperately needed. Praise God we're in our home where I even prayed about the sheetrock.=) He knows the numbers of hair on your head (or lack thereof), I think it's ok to pray for anything. Don't pray for purely selfish things like $1m or anything.
I must confess, I prayed for the Miami Heat to win game to of the finals. They lost in the final seconds. I stopped praying for a victory & prayed instead tht Zo, Wade & Shaq play their best. It was fickle I know, but I'm human.
All seriousness, God knows are hearts & needs better than we do. Pray for liitle things, but pray for big things like peace. I pray for Him to remember me & my family when He comes.

Answer 6

To me been good to one self, is what you can do for yourself. the only one that know what happiness is,is you. If someone tell you what would make them happy , would you tell them, what would make you happy, an want them to pray for you. Holding on, to what would be good for you is harming your belief, an gift that God had in store for you. So praying is a power source, to help you an other. Given testimonies of what God had done for you is praying for yourself. An pray that people is listening.

Answer 7

Yes you can pray for other things there is nothing wrong with that talk to god like you would talk to your friends because god is our friend too.But when it comes to war you should pray and tell god, please stop this war and you are right about saying god bless the world.

Answer 8

Yes, it is okay to pray for your hearts desires. There is so much in the bible about delighting yourself in the LORD and Him giving you what you need as well as desire. Hebrews 11:1 talks about faith being substance... that is stuff, things, as well as intangible miracles. Do not feel guilty or overly pious. God wishes above all things that we would prosper as our soul prospers. It is wonderful that you interceed on others behalves, but you are very precious to the LORD and when he said in Matthew 21:22 that ALL THINGS whatsoever YE shall ask in prayer BELIEVING ye shall receive..wouldn't your faith be increased for HIS GLORY if you could bear witness to the fruit of this prayer by asking for yourself? Try Him. We serve and AWESOME limitless God. Blessed are the humble in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Matt. 5:3 ~ Bless your heart.

Answer 9

Personally, I feel that prayer is pointless. God knows what we want or need and will fill those wants or needs according to His own plan, not ours. But if you must, go ahead and pray for unselfish things. Don't however, let prayer be a substitute for action.

Answer 10

You should pray for other things, as long as you're not being selfish. We should have variety in our prayers. Pray for the big things, the little things, everything. The most important thing is to be sincere and pray from YOUR HEART.

Answer 11

Hey listen, I have a plan, you pray for me and I pray for you, so when I pray “oh god, give Harald C a car” and you pray “oh god, give gf17gr a car” god will go “Owww, how altruistic of them, I’ll answer their prayers”. After we get the cars we never see each other again so god wont get suspicious…