Prayer MistakesNäide

Making Decrees Instead of Petitions 

God has given us the authority to make decrees about things He has put in our care such as our health, finances, children, or spouse, in line with His sovereign will as revealed in scripture. However, there are certain things we cannot make decrees about especially things that will impact the free will of other human beings. For example, you cannot decree that a job is yours because that will mean bypassing the free will of the person in the position to make the offer. Nevertheless, you can make a petition based on scripture that God should direct the heart of that person for your favor. Or you can stand on God’s word that all things work together for your good–no matter the outcome. Sometimes it is best to say, “Lord, I trust in Your will and wisdom,” and let that be sufficient.