We may pray for, and we are to pray for, everything that redounds to God’s glory and for the true benefit of ourselves and our neighbor.
When we pray for temporal matters, such as health and better living conditions, we are to add the following words to our prayer: “If it be Your will.” God, you see, alone knows what is to His glory and for our benefit.
For spiritual gifts that are necessary for our slavation, such as forgiveness for our sins, perseverance in faith, and the salvation of our neighbor, we are to pray unconditionally; for we know from God’s Word, that God wants to give us these gifts and that they are for His glory and our good.
Phil. 4:6: Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.
Luke 11:13: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him.
James 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, That giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Matt. 8:2: A leper... worshiped him, saying: “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.”
