What’s your go-to when you pray? If you’re like me there are many words asking instructing God to CHANGE something! Heal, move, provide, DO something drastic to FIX things, right?
Lately I’ve been impacted by something John shared with me. He’s been preparing for an upcoming sermon series on the prayers of Paul and the other day he pointed out that Paul never prays for circumstances to be changed.
He prays for God to be glorified. He prays for formation into the character of Christ. He prays to know more of God’s character in the situations he’s in. But he doesn’t pray “FIX IT.”
This morning in my reading I saw an example of this.
Colossians 4:2-6 Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude.
Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.
Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech.
Paul doesn’t ask them to pray “Get me outta here!” or “Smite these Roman rascals!” He prays for an open door for the message of the gospel to be clearly proclaimed. Right. Where. He. Is.
So I’ve been thinking about the implications for you and me.
Maybe this morning we pray that God, instead of changing THINGS, would use us for His glory, His purposes, in the midst of the mess.
Lord, right where we are today, may we shine the light of Your love, may our words be gracious, may we model your non-anxious presence…
In our crappy job..
In the hospital…
In the traffic jam…
In our singleness.
In our home with rebellious kids or sticky toddlers…
In our team with the people we don’t like…
In our old age…
So that You will be glorified and others will want to know You.
And if you’re a parent, this is for you 🙂
Brilliant post. I usually pray the just do it God prayer and then toss in be glorified. ( truthfully I’m actually more interested and invested in the fix it ) thanks for this excellent reminder!
Ohmygosh! You and me sister! 🙂
Recently Anne Lottz (did I get that right), asked the question about prayers- when did we get here, that it is about us and not centered on God? Your post today confirms our need to get back to centering on Him again. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks Opal! Glad to know I’m in good company!