Where Prayer Begins | In Jesus’ Name.
My notes:
Prayer is wrapped in praise – should be bookend-ed in praise.
How do I answer the opening question? “What do I think God is like?”
I have all the right answers – but if my prayers – the way I pray – is an indicator of how I view God, then I really wonder I honestly view Him.
I find that many of my prayers are very “request” based for me and my family and to a lesser degree, other people. There are not a lot of other topics besides my “list.” This is worrisome.
I can honestly say that I don’t view God as a “genie in a bottle” so I wonder where this pattern comes from. Is it just a rote habit I need to break? Do I feel entitled? Definitely something that will take some prayer and introspection.
Take Aways:
I started listening to Bill Johnson’s (Bethel Church) “2012: A Year of Promise” (highly recommend) where he casually mentioned during the course of a story that he reads the Psalms every night. This is something that speaks to me and I can take a hold of.
- Read Psalms before praying -> David knew how to always give thanks to God for who God is, for what God had done, and for what God promised to do. Great model of thanksgiving and praise. This will set my heart on His Goodness and remind me of his mercy.
- Make a “God Provided/His Mercy” list – create and keep a running list of God’s mercies and provision in my life – answers to prayers, unexpected blessings, all the things that I so quickly forget when the attack is on. Reminders of God’s faithfulness and character.
While I am to live a conversational life of prayer with God (See Day 1) – there needs to be a specific, set-apart time of prayer and meeting with Him.
This was a good devotional for me.
Running After Papa…