“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

John 14:13-14 NIV

The purpose of prayer is to know God so we can do His will.

Maybe you have a broken relationship.

• “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ²⁵And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:24-25 NIV
• “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24 NIV
• Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7 NIV

Maybe you have the wrong motives or Maybe you don’t believe God will do it.

• “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” ²³“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” ²⁴Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:22-24 NIV
• … “Your faith has healed you.” … Matthew 9:22 NIV
• … “Your faith has saved you …” Luke 7:50 NIV
• … “According to your faith let it be done to you”; ³⁰and their sight was restored. … Matthew 9:29-30 NIV

Maybe God has something different.

•  This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ¹⁵And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 NIV