Jesus left us a model prayer to structure our personal prayers upon. The bible is full of advice about what we should pray for.
I'm not Christian, I'm pagan. Or prayers take a bit different form, but I pray for friends, so we can leave the word a better place than we came into it.
Christians ask that God's will be done through them in Jesus' Name.
2 Peter 3:9 KJV The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
for world peace
just kidding
I always just give thanks
I asked for something today for someone else but I don't remember what it was
Update: we know what's coming down from the word of God. It's just the way it is and will be.
you might be inclined to try santa clause.
Asking for things only takes up a small portion of my prayer. Most of my prayer time is spent thanking God. When time comes around to ask for things, I start out praying for other people. I will pray for some specific people that I'm concerned about, such as a baby boy that got attacked by a large dog or a woman that got acid thrown on her. You know, people that I read or heard about and feel could use some prayers. Then I will pray for general things which affect our world. Lastly, I pray for my family and me, and frequently don't ask for anything for myself because there's nothing I really need. Except good health would be nice, but it looks like the answer to that is no and I'm tired of asking. I know whatever happens, things will be okay. Response to your update: No, the clothes I have do NOT come easily to me. You have no idea what my circumstances are. You assume just because I'm from a western country means things are easy for me. That is a stupid assumption made by someone who obviously has not thought things through. This is how hard it is for me to get clothes for my family. My oldest daughter and I had one coat between us this past winter. If I went out on a cold day, I would take the coat and she would have to stay in while I used the coat. Vise versa if she went out, she brought the coat. Some people, even in western countries, are very poor. Oh, and the only reason why we had this coat is because it is a hand me down from a generous woman who was getting rid of some old clothes. I know people work in sweatshops. I'm not stupid. And I'm aware of their conditions. Now, what the hell do you expect me to do about it? Praying is about the only thing I can think of at this moment to do about it. And no, God does not endorse cruelty of any sort.
Both. However prayer is not submitting a wish-list to God. It is a conversation and an opportunity for praise and giving thanks. Requests are only a small part of Christian prayer.
To end social poverty, you would need to get rid of the heartless, hardhearded, stiffneck
people who cause it.
and it might also include the poor, who gambles,wastes, their money away.
I ask for peace (and in relation forgiveness), for myself, my family, the community, and literally the world. I honestly ask for strength.
Strength. Comfort. Wisdom. Guidance. Patience. To accept my thanks.
I don't believe the Gods are there to interfere with the way we live or what we do or the choices we make.
