A Better Way to Pray

If God gave you a blank check an open invitation to ask for absolutely anything what would you write?

Would you pray for a better job, more money, healed relationships, a family, or peace in your heart? All of these are good. But as we read Scripture, we see that God’s invitation to ask goes beyond survival and comfort inviting us to participate in His purposes.

King David wrote, “Ask of me, and I will give You the nations as Your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth as Your possession” (Psalm 2:8). Notice not only the invitation to ask but what God invites us to ask for: influence that reaches the nations. Yet many of us feel comfortable praying for good grades or a smooth day, and hesitate to pray for things that require God’s power to accomplish.

What if our prayers were bigger, not for personal gain alone, but for God’s glory and the expansion of His kingdom?

Here are four reasons God wants us to pray with faith and boldness:

1. God’s Nature Is Loving and He Loves to Give

We often think in human terms. If you asked a friend for a huge sum of money, even if they could afford it, they might think you were bold or out of line.

But God is not like us in that way. John 3:16 reveals His heart: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…” God doesn’t give reluctantly or hold back His best. His nature overflows with love, and love delights in blessing. God doesn’t get offended when we ask boldly. He welcomes faith.

His invitation to ask is rooted in His character.

2. Bold Prayers Honor God’s Power

Think about this: would you ask The Hulk to open a pickle jar? That wouldn’t show off his strength. You’d ask something that demands what only he could do.

Likewise, when we only ask God for small things, our requests almost never require Him to show His strength. God’s greatness isn’t honored by asking Him for the trivial but by trusting Him with the impossible.

As Psalm 111:6 says, God “has declared and shown to His people the power of His works.” When we pray big beyond human capability we give God space to display His power in our lives and in the world.

3. God Has Unlimited Resources

You and I give out of what we have. When we give whether time, money, or attention it often leaves less for ourselves.

Not so with God.

Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” God doesn’t give from scarcity. He gives from abundance. He can grant provision, influence, wisdom, healing without depletion. His resources never run dry.

Praying big doesn’t strain God it acknowledges His endless capacity to do good.

4. Contentment and Satisfaction Are Not the Same

Some believers hear this and worry: Isn’t faith about being content and surrendered? Isn’t asking for more a sign of greed?

Not at all.

Contentment a peaceful, grateful heart and satisfaction fulfillment are related but distinct.

God calls us to be content in Him while also longing for His purposes to grow in and through us. We can be thankful for what we have and yet ask God to make us more effective for others.

James reminds us what pure religion looks like “…to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need…” (James 1:27). We don’t pray for more solely for comfort we pray for more so we can bless others.

God often wants to expand our influence, resources, or abilities not for our own gain, but for Kingdom work.

So it’s not selfish to ask God for bigger things if those things are in line with His will if they reflect His heart for people, His glory, and His purposes.

Pray with Vision, Not Just Need

When Jesus asked a blind man, “What do you want Me to do for you?” his answer was simple “Let me receive my sight” (Mark 10:51). It was bold, personal, and right to the heart.

So here’s the question for you: What do you want God to do for you?
Not in the sense of entitlement but in the sense of vision. What dream, influence, mission, or courage would you ask from Him if you believed He truly wanted to give it?

God is not a cosmic vending machine. He is our loving Father. And when we pray big, in harmony with His will for His glory and the good of others we honor Him, trust Him, and open ourselves to see God move in ways we never expected.

Trust Him with your small requests and your big ones.

And remember: He loves to give good gifts to His children.

If this encouraged your prayer life, share it with someone who wants bolder faith or subscribe to our newsletter for more reflections to strengthen your walk with God.