When President Trump visited the Western Wall, the media reported on how written “wishes” are placed in the wall. I thought that was odd terminology, so I googled it. Indeed, I get more hits when I search for “Western Wall wishes” than I do when I search for “Western Wall prayers.” A wish is just a desire, but a prayer is adoration, confession, and thanksgiving to God, then asking Him for our needs. I thought that those orthodox Jews at the Western wall, swaying back and forth, were actually praying, but maybe they’re just wishing.
The wrong way: “I wish I would get this thing.”
The right way: “God, I love you (Jude 1:21). You are the omnipotent creator (Revelation 4:11), and I’m so grateful that you sent your Son to die for my sins (John 3:16). I confess my specific sins to you … (1 John 1:9). I thank you (specifically) for the blessings that you have given me this very day…(Colossians 4:2) I ask that you would grant me this thing (Philippians 4:6), and the power and the will to use if for your glory (2 Corinthians 4:15).”