It’s OK to Ask God for What We Need

I have a friend who is struggling with the need to make substantial life changes, but finds a lack of courage to face these needs alone. In trying to help, I find myself also in desperate need, so this message is meant to be given for all of us.

We are never alone with God in our life; we will always have God in our corner when we decide to turn to Him for help and support; God wants us to come to Him for help and support, and we come to Him through prayer.

In times of need and uncertainty, it’s natural to turn to God in prayer. The Bible is full of examples of people who sought God’s help and guidance. One of the most profound examples is King David, a man after God’s own heart, who frequently prayed for himself in his times of need. David’s prayers are heartfelt, sincere, and show us that it is perfectly OK to ask God for what we need.

David’s Prayers and God’s Faithfulness

David’s life was marked by both triumphs and trials, and through it all, he turned to God in prayer. Here are a few instances where David prayed for himself, seeking God’s intervention, guidance, and mercy, and how God answered those prayers. As you read each one, pray it for yourself:

1. Psalm 25:16-18:
   “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.”
   
   Answer: David’s heartfelt plea for God’s grace and relief was met with God’s faithfulness. Despite his struggles, God continually provided David with strength and forgiveness, helping him overcome his afflictions.
   
   
2. Psalm 51:1-2:
   “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
   
   Answer: After his sin with Bathsheba, David’s prayer for mercy was answered as God forgave him and restored him. Though there were consequences to his actions, God’s forgiveness was evident, and David continued to be used by God in mighty ways.
   
   
3. Psalm 86:1-4:
   “Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.”
   
   Answer: God responded to David’s trust and prayers by protecting him from his enemies and bringing him joy even in difficult circumstances. David’s life is a testimony to God’s faithfulness in response to prayer.
   
   
4. Psalm 143:1-2:
   “Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.”
   
   Answer: David’s cry for mercy and relief was met with God’s faithful response. Throughout his life, David experienced God’s protection and guidance, affirming that God hears and answers the prayers of those who seek Him.
   

Embracing Our Need for God

David’s prayers teach us that it’s not only acceptable but also vital to bring our needs before God. Whether we are seeking forgiveness, guidance, relief from distress, or simply God’s presence, we can approach Him with confidence.

Jesus also encouraged us to ask God for what we need:

• Matthew 7:7-8:
  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

In asking, we acknowledge our dependence on God and our trust in His provision. We open our hearts to His grace and allow Him to work in our lives. Let us, therefore, approach God with our needs, confident in His love and willingness to provide.