Over the years, I’ve had people tell me they want to learn how to pray.
Jesus’ disciples ask him “Lord, teach us to pray.” He gave them, what we still call today, “The Lord’s Prayer.” But in actuality it’s not the Lord’s prayer but the disciples’ prayer, as Jesus never had to pray this prayer because he had no sin to confess.
As we learn to pray, there are many books, ideas and best practices that can be of help. I remember being taught how to pray for people using the same prayers that Paul prayed for people at different churches which we find in his letters.
As we grow In our prayer life, it seems to me there are three stages:
- Praying for God to do things for me-Provision
- Praying for God to do things in me-Character
- Praying for god to things through me-Fruitfulness
Mature leaders and Christ-followers will function in all three stages.
Unfortunately many get stuck asking for God to do things for them and not moving on to asking for things to happen in them and through them.
Within the last several weeks I’ve landed on some fresh ideas I want to begin praying for myself, even though I already have quite a few.
I want to begin praying for:
1. Eyes that truly see
Given the way I’m wired, I don’t always see what’s in front of me, what’s going on in people’s lives, in situations I’m in. I want to be able to see better.
- Open his eyes that he may see—2 Kings 6:17-20
- Joseph saw that they were troubled— Genesis 40:6
- Who sees what’s really going on—Numbers 24:3,4 MSG
2. Ears that really listen
God gave me two ears and one mouth. There’s probably a good reason for this.
I talk too much. Listen too little.
He awakes my ears to hear as those who are taught-Isaiah 50:4
He who has ears, let him hear-Matthew 11:15
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches—Rev 2:7
3. A mind that clearly understands
I want to be able to better understand what’s happening in the lives of the people for whom I pray and myself as well. I want spiritual insight so as to pray in more healthy and helpful ways.
The renewing of my mind—Romans 12:2
Had understanding of the times—1 Chronicles 12:32
4. A heart that genuinely responds
As I grow in seeing, hearing and understanding, I desire wisdom in how to respond. As I’m led in responding, I want it to come from a heart of compassion, love, care (from the heart) not just as a duty or responsibility.
Solomon advises us in Proverb 1:3:
“Those who cling to these words will receive discipline to demonstrate wisdom in every relationship and to chose what is right and just and fair.” ~ The Passion Translation.
I desire wisdom in every relationship (every relationship is different) so I can know how to respond from my heart!
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