Answers

Q:

Is it wrong to pray for money for our medical expenses? We have a lot of them right now, and we simply don't have enough money to meet our bills. Does God care about things like this, or would it be wrong to ask Him to help us?


A:

God not only cares about our needs but He is also delighted when we bring them to Him in prayer. Jesus said, “If you … know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11). God knows your needs, and you shouldn’t feel reluctant to bring your needs to Him.

But remember: There is a difference between our needs and our wants. We may want something for ourselves but it might not be something we really need. When we honestly need something (and don’t simply want it), God tells us to bring it to Him and trust Him for the outcome.

Does this mean God always gives us everything we ask? No, not necessarily. Sometimes, for example, our motives are selfish or wrong, or we may ask God for something that He knows isn’t good for us—and when that’s the case, He hasn’t promised to answer our prayers. Or God may answer our prayers in a way we didn’t expect; we may not even realize it at the time.

First, make sure of your relationship with Christ. Have you asked Him to come into your life, and are you seeking to follow Him every day, regardless of the circumstances? Then, bring your needs to Him in prayer, and trust Him to answer according to His will. The Bible says, “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).