What's in Your Prayer?

Do you pray? If you do what are you praying for? Why are you praying? Praying brings us into the presence of God. When we are saved in Christ, He lives in us. He is our mediator with God so when we pray we are in the presence of God. The writer of Hebrews writes in 4:16, “ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” However, prayer in need is not the only reason we pray.

Jesus on Prayer

In Luke 11 Jesus taught us how to pray, and His model is so important. My second initial question was what are you praying for to worship God or to get something from God? In Luke eleven the first proclamation Jesus prays is “hallowed be your name”, not please help me with this, or please give me this. The proclamation is to worship and glorify Almighty God. To worship is to elevate or celebrate that which is deserved. It is to show our awe and reverence to God for His power, grace, and mercy.

The second thing Jesus taught us is found in the proclamation “thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” God’s will must be our desire and our purpose. To fulfill the will of God is self-fulfilling work. When we fulfill our work in God’s plan we feel joy and happiness that we can find nowhere else. If you are searching for your purpose in life I have just told you where to look. Seek God and he will reveal his purpose for you. Be careful though, it may not be what you expect, but it will always be the best purpose for you.

I once prayed what I call a dangerous prayer, I asked God to break my heart with what breaks His heart. One book, many sermons, a blog, and a ministry later God led me to a place no one in my life ever expected, and it has not been an easy road. Although, I will tell you that I have never been happier in my life than at this very moment.

Jesus also taught us to trust God with our needs. I tell people God will always give you what you need, and sometimes you get what you want. Don’t confuse the two. God knows what you need.

Lastly, we are taught to forgive others as we are forgiven through the grace of God. Those who judge or fail to forgive will themselves be judged and will go unforgiven.

A Routine

I have a morning prayer routine that lasts the length of my commute. First, I enjoy the morning creation of God, the moon and the stars, or in the summer the breaking dawn. I give thanks for the ability to share in His creation, a new dawn full of new grace and forgiveness. I then worship God praising his power, his grace, his mercy, and his patience. I pray for those on my list of prayers, and then I talk to God. Like He is sitting in my passenger seat, I talk to Him about my fears, my doubts, and my hopes, I also ask for His guidance. When I am done I feel God there with me, sitting in my car listening to me.

Summit

Prayer isn’t just about our wants and desires. It is about cultivating our relationship with God. Growing in our faith, our trust, and our love for the Father of our creation who knows every hair on your head. The God who knew you before creation, and converted you before time began. The wonderful thing about every new breaking day is that we are one day close to hearing those all-important words. “Well done my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21 ESV). Peace and blessings.