How’s Your Prayer-Life?
Exercise – check. Feed pets – check. Finish Bible study – check. Put dinner in the crockpot – check. Sometimes my days seem like a list of activities I live to check off. Yours too? It’s when I stop long enough to listen to that still, small voice that I remember life is so much more:
Be still and know that I am God . . . Psalm 46:10a
I was created to experience a relationship with the very God of the universe – my Creator. And I have the privilege of introducing others to Him. That puts an entirely new perspective on each day.
An Invitation
The Lord has given me a glimpse of who He is in the person of Jesus Christ and has extended an invitation to me that is impossible to refuse:
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.Hebrews 4:15-16
Unlike the people who lived during Old Testament times and had to approach God through a priest, I have the express privilege of entering God’s throne room and speaking directly to Him.
We have the express privilege of entering God’s throne room and speaking directly to Him.
Sadly, I have to admit there are days when I don’t take advantage of this marvelous opportunity and instead rely on my own strength to propel me through the day. Those days are a disaster.
Seeking God’s Face
I recently reviewed some compelling notes on prayer from a presentation by my sweet friend, Leslie Bennett, leader of the Women’s Ministry Initiatives for Revive Our Hearts. My heart was gripped as I skimmed the first page, noting that worship-based prayer “seeks the face of God before seeking the hand of God.”
How often I jump into prayer asking for things from God rather than acknowledging His greatness and praising Him for who He is. My prayer life can certainly use an overhaul.
Daniel Henderson, author of Transforming Prayer, compared worship-based prayer to the 4/4 timing of music. A conductor lifts his baton sweeping it upward, downward, to the left and back to the right and then repeats the process with every measure of the song.
4/4 Pattern of Prayer
This visual helps me remember how to approach God’s throne in prayer:
The upward movement represents reverence. I need to see God as He is – holy. As I open His Word and catch a glimpse of His greatness, it prompts praise and stirs thanksgiving.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father whicdh art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.Matthew 6:9
The downward movement represents response. My only response to a Holy God is to surrender my everything to Him. To recommit to His kingdom purposes; and to follow and obey Him.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heavenMatthew 6:10
The movement to the left, or inward movement, represents requests. Only after realizing who God is, worshipping Him, and surrendering my life to Him, am I able to make my requests. This portion of prayer also includes confessing my sins.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Matthew 6:11-12
The movement to the right, or outward movement, represents readiness. I’m now ready to begin the day, knowing I am engaged in a spiritual battle. But I can be confident that Jesus is the victor.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:Matthew 6:13a
The perfect picture of practicing worship-based prayer. As I came to the end of my notes, I noticed Leslie had added one more movement to the basic 4/4 timing pattern. A final upward movement of reverence. It’s only fitting to finish my time of prayer by giving all the glory to God – joyfully praising Him for what He will do and how He will respond.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.Matthew 6:13b
Could your prayer life use a boost? Prayer that follows the pattern laid out for the disciples by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself is transformational.
Could your prayer life use a boost?
Your turn
Have you been viewing prayer as just another activity to check off your ‘to do’ list? What step will you take today to take advantage of the privilege of prayer?
Can I pray for you?
Heavenly Father, Thank You for who You are. You are righteous, and holy, yet You invite us to come into Your presence through the practice of prayer. We surrender ourselves to You and pray for Your wisdom and the strength to obey You today. Forgive us for putting our own agenda ahead of Yours. Help us clothe ourselves with Your armor, knowing we are in a daily battle. Thank You for hearing and answering prayer. You are worthy of all of our praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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