As I looked out this morning and saw the fog, obscuring the world around me, it makes me think, Father, as the warmth of the sun will soon disperse the fog, I would have the loving warmth of Your Son disperse the fog in my heart and mind at this early hour. May I see clearly what you have for me this day. Amen.
James 4:2-3 (<<click here)
“…you don’t have…because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong…”
Prayer. Lord, why do I struggle so with prayer? The deepening of our relationship has surely brought new depth to my prayer life but I still have a lot to learn.
I realize that prayer is a big part of how I communicate with You and how You speak with me, as well. But I read of great prayer warriors of the past who would pray for hours and then would testify to the many great things You did in their lives and in the lives of others. I have to ask, “How did they do that?”
It seems a little odd to pray about praying but I do. I want my prayer life to be effective. Regarding this passage my study Bible* says,
“James mentions the most common problems in prayer: not asking, asking for the wrong things, or asking for the wrong reasons.”
Lord, I don’t have all the answers, for sure, but I would pray, first of all, that I would remember to pray. May praise be in my heart and on my lips for the many blessings You bestow. May my prayers be pleasing to You – things that will bring myself and others closer to You and closer to fulfilling Your kingdom goals in the world around us. And then may my motives be pure… It’s hard to not selfishly pray that ones we love will not be taken from us or that they will not have to suffer, through pain and loss. Those things can draw us closer to You. Yet sometimes Your healing touch brings great glory to your name.
Grant me a discerning spirit. Give me boldness to claim Your blessing. But through it all may I be humble and grateful for all You do. Amen.
Sept 19th, Mon, 6:28 am
*Life Application Bible New Living Translation
