What can we pray about?

Question:

The Bible says to cast all our cares onto the Lord, so what are we allowed to talk to God about? A lot of times, it's easy to pray in times of trouble or in times of need, but I realize that if I only talk to the Lord in those times I won't get to be as close. I want to talk to Him, not just to get something from Him, but just to share things with Him and just spend time with Him. But sometimes I begin to think that what I am praying about He might not be interested in hearing. For example school. I pray about my day at school or what has happened during the day. But I begin to think that this is too mundane to bring up in prayer or that He might not be interested in "little" things like that. But I like sharing things in prayer and if I only pray about "big" things then I won't get to spend as much time in prayer.

So my question is what exactly can we pray to the Lord about? Is there anything that the Lord may be disinterested in hearing and is there any care that is deemed too small? The Bible says all your cares. What is considered a care? And does it have to be something very big or can it be a care that is very small? Like anxiety over a test. Sometimes I think cares like that are too little to bring up as well. I even struggle with something that might be considered a bit wrong. Sometimes when I pray, I get thoughts about how big God is. He is the creator of the animals, the stars, the angels, and every single human being there is. And I start to think that my problems are too small to talk to God about. That He has more important things as the creator of the Universe to hear about my test at school or to hear about my day and I start to think that it's arrogant of me to think so highly of myself to try to enter His presence with things like that. But I tell myself that the Bible says we are supposed to pray, so I was wondering if you had any scriptures that could help me.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Your help is really appreciated!

Answer:

You are trying to understand the infinite God by mapping Him to the way you expect other people or yourself to behave in various situations.

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you" (I Peter 5:6-7).

The Greek word merimna expresses the concerns, anxieties, apprehensions a person might have. For example, the same word is used in Jesus' Parable of the Sower where some seeds fell among weeds. "This is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful" (Matthew 13:22). Rather than allowing our worldly worries to stifle our faith, Peter urges us to let go of our pride that we can handle everything. Instead, we hand our worries over to God, trusting that He will handle the problems we face better than we can.

This doesn't mean we don't do anything. Rather, we approach life by doing our best while knowing that our best is likely not going to be good enough. Instead of throwing up our hands and giving up, we press on. For instance, I might lose my job. I could sit around and worry about how I'm going to survive but that is unprofitable. Instead, I bring my concerns to God, and since God said, "For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either" (II Thessalonians 3:10), I'm going to be out looking for work, trusting that God will help me find employment so I can keep His commands. As David said, "Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it" (Psalms 37:5). In other words, I pick God's ways when I make decisions and trust that He will see that it all turns out good in the end.

Other similar passages say:

"As for me, I shall call upon God, and the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, and He will hear my voice. He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, for they are many who strive with me. God will hear and answer them -- even the one who sits enthroned from of old -- Selah. With whom there is no change, and who do not fear God. He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; he has violated his covenant. His speech was smoother than butter, but his heart was war; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. But You, O God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You" (Psalms 55:16-23).

"Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me; fighting all day long he oppresses me. My foes have trampled upon me all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me. When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?" (Psalms 56:1-4).

At times people think they can bargain with God by offering some promise in exchange for a favor, but Solomon warns that we cannot forget who God is. "Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words" (Ecclesiastes 5:1-3).

How much someone says does not indicate the relationship they have with God. "And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:7-8). In other words, there must be a purpose and a reason for approaching the Almighty God. Rambling is treating God too casually.

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