"We don't know what God wants us to pray for." I wonder if we keep this in mind when someone asks us to pray for a need--or a desire--they have. They tell us what THEY want us to pray for. But do we take time to listen to the Holy Spirit so we pray what GOD wants us pray for? Likewise, before I pray for my own needs--or desires--do I first present those to God and ask the Holy Spirit to guide my prayers to be aligned with the will of God?
When we pray according to the will of God as we are instructed by the Holy Spirit, our prayers become entwined with the heart of God and empowered by His providence. When we don't, it's all hit-or-miss. For the prayers of the righteous (aligned with God) person are the ones that are effective (James 5:16).
Asking God what to pray for before we pray is like using a sharp ax to cut to the heart of the matter. Gaining God's wisdom first is like putting the blade against the sharpening wheel. Then when we pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes according to the will of God, and the plan of God is accomplished: "Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed." (Ecclesiastes 10:10 NLT)
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