Petition, like thanksgiving and intercession, is a type of prayer, or way of communicating with God, essential to the Christian life.
What is a Petition
The Book of Common Prayer says, "in petition, we present our own needs, that God's will may be done" (page 856). In other words, a petition is a prayer for yourself, your needs, and your relationship with God.
But a petition is not just complaining to God. The English word "petition" originates from a Latin root meaning "to seek" or "a seeker," such as someone seeking political office. Just as a Roman office seeker might petition the public for their ear, the person praying for himself or herself petitions for God's ear.
A person seeking change petitions God, asks for God's blessings, or hopes for the change he or she seeks.
How to Pray for Yourself
Praying petitions can be difficult, as many people are taught to pray for others, or to not routinely notice their own needs.
Jesus set the example for praying to God for his own needs. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus petitioned God, "my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want" (Matthew 26:39). Jesus knew how much pain he was in, and would be in if he was crucified. Yet he shared his pain with God and asked God for help.
Prayers of petition don't have to originate in times of utter desperation. Just as a woman would tell her colleague she has a headache, a prayer of petition can share the person praying's immediate experience with God.
Any relationship deepens the more honest and open people are with each other, and a relationship with God is no different. Prayers of petition are important ways to stay connected with God on a daily basis.
Prayer of Petition Example
Try the following example for offering a prayer of petition. The next time a situation arises where you feel uncomfortable, insecure, or something is not going quite right in your life, ask God for help. A simple, "God, help this meeting pass more quickly, " will suffice.
Then offer a reason why you are seeking this prayer. For example, "let this meeting be over so the office can celebrate Candy's birthday."
Focusing on what you seek gives you an idea what your priorities are, takes your mind off the present suffering, and connects God more intimately with your day.
Practice this exercise multiple times a day if you catch yourself becoming frustrated, getting bored, or becoming angry, signs a time-out might be a good idea. Over time, inviting God into those spaces will become habitual.
Benefits of Praying for Yourself
Praying for yourself offers several benefits. First of all, praying for yourself can boost your self esteem as you focus on your own needs, values, and concerns. Many people struggle with not having enough time with themselves, and that trickles into their relationship with God, too. Taking time to check in every day with God helps build a deeper, most trusting relationship that can be the foundation for a happier, healthier life.
Checking in every day about what you need and what you seek can keep you grounded and better equip you in relationships with others, too. Giving to others from a place of personal emptiness can fuel resentment, anger, and passive aggression. Giving to others from a place of openness can be transformative in asserting boundaries, connecting with others, and being more sensitive to their needs because you are meeting your own.
For other guides on how to pray, try Prayers of Intercession. for ideas on praying for others or Prayers of Oblation on giving of self in love.
SOURCES
Holy Bible, NRSV. Oremus Bible Browser. 2008.
"Catechism." Book of Common Prayer. Episcopal Church, USA. 1979.
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