Pray for US!
My prayer life sucks! Or maybe my definition of a prayer life sucks. I talk to God all the time. But not so much in prayer.
To me the definition of prayer life is something like…. Someone kneeling next to their bed praying every night. Praying before every meal. Not just getting up early and devoting time to God in the morning but praying! Praying with people throughout the day whenever you get the opportunity. But not just that… praying for the right things. I always tend to think of prayer as a selfish thing, or at least being thankful to Jesus for yourself and praying for guidance and wisdom, yet I’ve noticed lately prayer isn’t so much about praying for yourself as much as it can be about praying for others. I’ve heard of people called prayer warriors. They literally spend a ton of time praying for tons of things other than themselves. I think it’s amazing and great, I just don’t really do it very well. A prayer I learned in rehab was to pray for the sick and suffering in this world, along with the babies born into this disease of addiction without any say so. I haven’t prayed that prayer in a while.
I don’t know why I don’t connect the dots with so many things like this. I do pray for other people, I just usually pray for God to give them comfort and understanding, or strength to get through their trials, and most importantly, for God’s will for them.
I don’t kneel down next to my bed to pray. I often forget to pray before a meal. And I’ve never asked someone to pray with me in public. I’ve had others ask me to pray with them in public, but I have never asked anyone. I’m not sure why. I don’t know if I’m embarrassed, or afraid I’m not a very good prayer or what. I just don’t.
Now I’m sitting here wondering if I believe in the power of prayer……. Wow. Of course I believe in the power of prayer, I guess I just tend to think God knows what he is doing, and for me to pray for the outcome of something the way I want, it just doesn’t feel right.
But maybe I’m wrong. I probably am wrong! God wants US to talk to him about each other. I don’t want my wife or my kids to never talk to me about their wants and needs simply because they think I’ve got things figured out or they know what I expect from them. I want my kids to care about each other. I want them to know daddy will protect them and always do things with the interest of their wellbeing in mind, but I also want them to come to me when they are worried or concerned for each other. It makes me feel good to know they are caring for each other. If I had 10 kids I would want them to look out for each other. God has over 3 billion! Maybe that’s what it’s about. It probably makes him feel good to hear US pray for each other. Even though His plan is far greater than our little minds can fathom, and He’s likely to smile at our prayers like a father would to his 4 year old, but He wants US to care and watch out for each other. Love each other. Like children love each other.
My four-year old’s understanding of this world is a grain of sand compared to mine. (Like mine to Gods) But she cares for her sissy. And I love that. She doesn’t understand now why I punish her for things or why things happen the way they do but I think she trusts I will protect her. She leans on me with her emotions, questions, fears and concerns. She Trusts Me. Even when she doesn’t agree or understand.
A prayer I pray almost every day, my go to prayer for everything. Is the Lord’s Prayer.
Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread
and forgive US our trespasses,
as WE forgive those who trespass against US.
And lead US not into temptation,
but deliver US from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom,
the Power,
and the Glory,
forever and ever,
Amen I absolutely love this prayer because it covers all the basis in a way I can understand and relate to. It gives me comfort and guidance in just about any situation or prayer I may feel the need to pray. Whether for me or someone or something else!
As I read this again I noticed it says US. Give US this day, not me. Forgive US, not me. Lead US not into tempation, but deliver US from Evil!
Wow!
Pray for US…..