What Should You Pray About? A Biblical Guide to Talking With God

What should you pray about? According to the Bible, you can pray about everything that touches your life, from worship and guidance to needs, struggles, and the people you love. God invites honest prayer about every concern, assuring believers that nothing is too small or too ordinary for Him.

Definition: Biblical prayer is a sincere conversation with God in which believers worship Him, seek His will, confess sins, present needs, intercede for others, and trust Him with every burden of life.

Why Many People Struggle With Knowing What to Pray About

Many people want to pray but feel unsure where to begin. Others hesitate because they fear asking for the wrong things. However, Scripture removes this confusion by showing that God welcomes every sincere prayer offered in faith.

Because prayer is relational, not ritualistic, God does not restrict topics. Instead, He invites openness, trust, and honesty.

What Should You Pray About According to the Bible

The Bible gives clear guidance on the main areas prayer should include. These areas help believers pray with balance, confidence, and spiritual depth.

Pray to Worship and Honor God

Prayer begins with worship. Before making requests, Jesus taught His followers to focus on who God is.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” Matthew 6:9

Worship in prayer includes:

• Praising God for His character
• Thanking Him for His goodness
• Acknowledging His holiness and power

As a result, worship shifts attention away from problems and places trust firmly in God.

Pray for God’s Will and Direction

After worship, Jesus taught believers to seek God’s will before personal desires.

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done.” Matthew 6:10

This teaches believers to pray for:

• Wisdom in decisions
• Direction for the future
• Strength to obey God
• Clarity during confusion

God promises to guide those who seek Him sincerely.

“He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6

Therefore, prayer becomes a way to align life with God’s purpose.

Pray for Daily Needs and Practical Concerns

God cares about everyday life. For this reason, Jesus encouraged prayer for daily provision.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11

Believers can pray about:

• Finances
• Employment
• Food and shelter
• Health
• Education
• Family needs

God does not dismiss practical concerns. Instead, He invites trust in His provision.

Pray for Forgiveness and a Clean Heart

Spiritual cleansing remains a central part of prayer. Because all people fall short, confession restores fellowship with God.

“Forgive us our sins.” Luke 11:4

Prayer for forgiveness includes:

• Confession of sin
• Strength to resist temptation
• Freedom from guilt
• Desire for holiness

God promises forgiveness to those who confess sincerely.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” 1 John 1:9

Therefore, prayer renews both the heart and the relationship with God.

Pray for Other People and Their Needs

Prayer should extend beyond personal concerns. Scripture calls believers to pray for others regularly.

“Pray for one another.” James 5:16

Intercessory prayer may include:

• Family members
• Friends
• Church leaders
• The sick and suffering
• The poor and vulnerable
• Those who do not know Christ

Through prayer, believers participate in God’s work beyond what they can do themselves.

Pray for Protection and Spiritual Strength

Life includes spiritual challenges, temptations, and unseen struggles. Because of this, Jesus taught believers to pray for protection.

“Deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6:13

Believers can pray for:

• Strength against temptation
• Protection from spiritual attacks
• Courage to stand for truth
• Safety and peace
• A guarded mind and heart

“The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds.” Philippians 4:7

As a result, prayer provides spiritual stability and confidence.

Pray About Anything That Burdens Your Heart

God places no limits on prayer topics. He invites believers to bring every burden to Him.

“Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

This includes prayers about:

• Fear and anxiety
• Loneliness and stress
• Emotional pain
• Relationships
• Dreams and goals
• Hidden worries

Because God cares deeply, no concern is insignificant in His sight.

What Prayer Is Not

Understanding what prayer is not helps remove fear and confusion.

Prayer is not:

• A performance
• A way to impress God
• A test of worthiness

Instead, prayer is:

• An act of trust
• A relationship with God
• A response to His invitation

Therefore, anyone can pray sincerely, regardless of spiritual maturity.

How Prayer Changes Daily Life

Consistent prayer shapes how believers think and live. Over time, prayer strengthens faith and deepens trust in God.

Through prayer:

• Peace replaces anxiety
• Faith grows stronger
• Dependence on God increases

Consequently, prayer changes the person praying, even before circumstances change.

Conclusion: What You Should Pray About Every Day

You can pray about everything, including worship, guidance, forgiveness, daily needs, protection, and the lives of others. God invites believers to approach Him freely and confidently.

When prayer includes every area of life, it brings lasting peace, spiritual strength, and deeper awareness of God’s presence each day.