Since our prayers must be offered in accordance with God's will (1 John 5:14-15), what are some things that the Bible tells us that we can and should be praying for?

Our Daily Necessities. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matt. 6:11).

Forgiveness of Sins. Jesus continued, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (v. 12). Prayer is an avenue of forgiveness for the Christian (Acts 8:22).

God's Help and Guidance. Jesus concluded, "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (v. 13). God is ready to help us overcome temptations and to endure sufferings, but we have to ask for this help.

Wisdom. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).

Those Doing the Work of the Lord. "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you" (2 Thess. 3:1). If we are interested in the spreading of the gospel, we need to be praying for those who are laboring in the gospel.

For others. "...pray for one another..." (James 5:16). It is important that we remember the needs of others in our prayers, just as we take comfort that others are praying for us.

For Our Rulers. "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority..." (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

For the Lost. "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved" (Rom. 10:1). If our desire is to see the lost being saved, we need to pray to this end.

There are so many things that are deserving of our time and attention in our prayers. Aside from the "things" for which we need to be praying, our prayers must also include thanksgiving unto God "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Phil. 4:6).