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(a) As shown by the prayers of faithful servants of old, what types of expressions may be included in prayers? (b) What forms may our prayers take?</p> <p id="p5" data-pid="5" data-rel-pid="[33]" class="sb"><span class="parNum" data-pnum="3"><sup>3</sup></span> The apostle Paul urged Christians in his day: “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God.” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/2006646/4/0" data-bid="5-1" class="b">Philippians 4:6, 7</a>) The Bible contains many examples of those who took their concerns to God. Among such ones are Hannah, Elijah, Hezekiah, and Daniel. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/2006646/5/0" data-bid="6-1" class="b">1 Samuel 2:1-10;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/2006646/5/1" data-bid="6-2" class="b"> 1 Kings 18:36, 37;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/2006646/5/2" data-bid="6-3" class="b"> 2 Kings 19:15-19;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/2006646/5/3" data-bid="6-4" class="b"> Daniel 9:3-21</a>) We should follow their example. Note, too, that Paul’s words show that our prayers can take various forms. He mentioned <em>thanksgiving,</em> that is, prayer in which we express appreciation for what God does for us. This may be accompanied by praise. <em>Supplication</em> refers to humble, earnest entreaty. And we can express <em>petitions,</em> or requests for something specific. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/2006646/6/0" data-bid="7-1" class="b">Luke 11:2, 3</a>) Our heavenly Father is happy to accept our approach to him in any of these ways.</p> </article> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="results"> <li class="linkCard"> <a href="/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2006646#h=12:0-14:670" class="jwac showRuby publicationCitation html5 pub-w docId-2006646 pub-w06 pub-w pub-w06 docClass-40 jwac showRuby ml-E ms-ROMAN dir-ltr chrome cardContainer noTooltips cardLine1Prominent lnk" data-nav-scope-data="[]"> <div class="cardThumbnail "> <span class=" cardThumbnailImage thumbnail publication icon-default publication pub-w06 cat-w " data-pub-symbol="w06" ></span> </div> <div class="cardTitleBlock"> <div class=" cardLine1 ellipsized cardHalfHeight cardLine1Prominent"><span class="sectionIcon"></span> “Let Your Petitions Be Made Known to God” </div> <div class=" cardLine2 ellipsized cardLine1Prominent"> The Watchtower—2006 | September 1 </div> </div> <div class="cardTitleDetail"></div> <div class="cardChevron"> <div class="icon"></div> </div> </a> </li> <li class="result"> <ul class="resultItems"> <li class="publicationCitation html5 pub-w docId-2006646 pub-w06 pub-w pub-w06 docClass-40 jwac showRuby ml-E ms-ROMAN dir-ltr"> <article class="scalableui"> <p id="p12" data-pid="12" class="ss"><strong>What May We Ask For?</strong></p> <p id="p39" data-pid="39" class="qu"> 9. What should be our main concerns when praying?</p> <p id="p13" data-pid="13" data-rel-pid="[39]" class="sb"><span class="parNum" data-pnum="9"><sup>9</sup></span> Remember that Paul said: “In <em>everything</em> . . . let your petitions be made known to God.” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/2006646/16/0" data-bid="17-1" class="b">Philippians 4:6</a>) Hence, personal prayers may touch virtually every facet of life. However, the first concern in our prayers should be Jehovah’s interests. Daniel set a fine example in this. When Israel suffered punishment because of their sins, Daniel implored Jehovah to show mercy, saying: “Do not delay, for your own sake, O my God, for your own name.” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/2006646/17/0" data-bid="18-1" class="b">Daniel 9:15-19</a>) Do our prayers likewise show that the sanctification of Jehovah’s name and the fulfillment of his will are our main concerns?</p> <p id="p40" data-pid="40" class="qu">10. How do we know that it is appropriate to pray about personal matters?</p> <p id="p14" data-pid="14" data-rel-pid="[40]" class="sb"><span class="parNum" data-pnum="10"><sup>10</sup></span> Nevertheless, it is also appropriate to make requests concerning personal matters. For example, like the psalmist, we may <span id="page29" class="pageNum" aria-hidden="true" data-no="29" data-before-text="29"></span>pray for deeper spiritual comprehension. He prayed: “Make me understand, that I may observe your law and that I may keep it with the whole heart.” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/2006646/18/0" data-bid="19-1" class="b">Psalm 119:33, 34;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/2006646/18/1" data-bid="19-2" class="b"> Colossians 1:9, 10</a>) Jesus “offered up supplications and also petitions to the One who was able to save him out of death.” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/2006646/19/0" data-bid="20-1" class="b">Hebrews 5:7</a>) In so doing, he demonstrated the appropriateness of seeking strength when one faces danger or trials. 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