Thought About How we Pray & The Model of New Testament Prayer

Recently Barbara & i have been reading through Paul's Epistles. One of the striking things, is his prayer life as seen through his writings. We have been astonished at how rare it is for Paul to focus on the material issues that no doubt surrounded him and the Church. Yet how focused he is on praying that we know "the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ . . ."

Even when we read of the various trials and persecutions faced by Paul we don't read prayers for deliverance but for strength and boldness to proclaim the Gospel, not only from the midst of suffering but by the suffering itself.


Is it wrong to pray for the material?
No, Jesus Himself taught us to pray that the Lord would supply 'our daily bread' and we find a constant teaching that God wants us to bring everything to Him.

I do however think that how we pray reflects what kind of Kingdom mindset we have.

Jesus instructs us to store up treasure in Heaven, because where our treasure is, our hearts will also be.

I think our prayers reflect both what our true treasure is and what captivates our heart.

• Do we mainly or solely focus on health, wealth, comfort, and safety?
• Is our primary concern, matters of Spiritual growth, understanding the Word, loving Christ, and the spread of the Gospel?

It is right, holy and good for us to bring 'everything' to Christ, but i'm guessing 'prioty prayer' (Our most urgently & frequently uttered prayers) may need re-aligned to the Gospel.
I know mine are in need of a great re-alignment.