A statement that they already understand everything

Pause, think carefully about what you are asking, and be ready to follow Jesus through the cost

Keep the request vague so you do not have to face any hard answers

Treat strong desire as proof that the request is automatically wise

Ask only for blessing and avoid thinking about what obedience may require

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and have often asked without understanding. I turn from my sin and from leading my own life. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I confess you as Lord, and I ask you to lead me in your wisdom and grace. Amen.

Receive the Lord Who Knows the Way

Lord, awaken your Church where we ask for comfort but shrink back from costly obedience. Teach us to pray with humility, to listen before we speak, and to follow Jesus even when the way is hard. Renew us so our prayers and our lives match your truth, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Revive Your Church to Ask Wisely

Father, I confess that I have sometimes asked quickly and thought little. Forgive my pride and my shallow prayers. Give me a teachable heart, a clear mind, and the grace to trust your wisdom, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

A Humble Heart Before God

Pray by naming one request, asking God to show you whether you understand it, and inviting him to align your heart with Jesus’ way.

Pray Before You Ask

Bring these to God: gratitude for Jesus’ honest correction; thanks for warnings that protect you from harm; praise for his patient wisdom with slow learners.

Thank God for Loving Correction

Pray for: friends and family making important requests; believers facing costly decisions; and church leaders to seek God’s wisdom before they speak or act.

Pray for Thoughtful Requests

ἀποκριθεὶς{a-po-kri-THEES###ah-poh-kree-THEES###having answered} δὲ{DE###DEH###but} ὁ{ho###ho###(the)} Ἰησοῦς{ee-ee-SOOS###ee-ee-SOOS###Jesus} εἶπεν·{EE-pen###EE-pehn###(He) said} Οὐκ{ook###ook###not} οἴδατε{EE-da-te###EE-dah-teh###you know} τί{TEE###TEE###what} αἰτεῖσθε·{e-TEE-sthe###eh-TEE-stheh###are asking} δύνασθε{DEE-na-sthe###DEE-nah-stheh###are able} πιεῖν{pee-EEN###pee-EEN###to drink} τὸ{TO###TOH###the} ποτήριον{po-TEE-ri-on###poh-TEE-ree-ohn###cup} ὃ{HO###HO###which} ἐγὼ{e-GO###eh-GOH###I} μέλλω{ME-lo###MEH-loh###am about to} ⸀πίνειν;{PEE-neen###PEE-neen###to drink} λέγουσιν{LE-goo-sin###LEH-goo-seen###they say} αὐτῷ·{af-TO###ahf-TOH###to him} Δυνάμεθα.{dee-NA-me-tha###dee-NAH-meh-thah###we are able}

Matthew 20:22 — DynamicTAB

More on this verse