Monday, February 23, 2009

What to Pray

"This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name..” ~~Matthew 6:9 NIV

Each morning, I prayed giving the Lord my to-do list. I asked the Lord to change my husband, to change my children, to take care of situations. I started losing reverence for the Lord. He is holy. I had set up rules and regulations in my own life that the Lord does not abide by.

I’m to be molded into the image of Christ, not attempt to mold the Lord into me. It won’t work as it only leads to frustration. Trust me, I’ve been frustrated. Living in frustration is not living a life in the Spirit of the Lord.

Jesus taught us how to pray. The first words out of my mouth should be reverence for our Father in heaven. His name is sacred and should be treated as so. We’re to enter into relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.

I realized that I’ve been spending more time asking the Lord to do more for me than I ask Him what I can do for Him. John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” So what about applying that principle to the body of Christ? Therefore, starting today, I’m asking the Lord, “What can I do for You today? How can I serve You better?”

Lord, You are holy and worthy to be praised. Lord, hallowed by Your name. Lord, I seek forgiveness for selfishness and self-centeredness in my life. I’ve been focused on myself and not about You and Your kingdom. Lord, I ask You today, what can I do for You? What can I do in service for the Kingdom of God today? Lord, I ask You to guide my steps and establish the work of my hands. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Engrafted by His Grace--

10 gracious comments:

Chel said...

You know it never ceases to amaze me. When I get before the Lord for any reason His reflection always shows me what I am to change. It does get frustrating at times!! I know exactly from where you are coming my friend.
Chel

Leah Adams said...

Wonderful reminder! All to often we go to Him with a laundry list of our wants and desires before we stop and take time to really focus on Who He is.

Thanks for the beautiful post!!

Leah

Starla said...

There has been a lot of people saying that people keep God in a little box. Sometimes I think we keep him in a box when we pray.

Nicole said...

Praise His Name! I am studying the names of God, and the book I am reading, talks about when we say "Hallowed be thy Name" that, this means all of His names, because in that passage the Greek meaning for "name" is plural. His names are so great and worthy to be praised!

Keep letting Him love on you, and you keep loving Him right back!

Love,
Nicole

Debbie said...

So true Chonda, I think we all have been guilty of the "ME ME prayers". thanks for the reminder!
I was wondering how do you put the scriptures in the blocks. I love how they look on the blog. Thanks and God bless,
deb

Leigh Anne said...

I often find myself wanting God to "fix" other people. He always reminds me where I need to be fixed.

Cherdecor said...

That is the story of my life. Finally over a period of a couple of years, I realized that I need to be concerned JUST about me. I ask the Lord to fill me with his Spirit every day.(I realize, that he is already in me, but I need to walk in the leading of the spirit and not lean to my own understanding - that is a feat in itself, but coming along.) Anyway, I can relate to this post. Thanks, Shonda.

marina said...

these so true shonda its more about him and less about us if we really want to see changes in ourselves.
hugs ") marina

Lighthouse Prayer Line said...

Great post, Shonda!

If you have the opportunity, please pray for the prayer requests on the main page of our site.

God bless you,

Mark Seay
www.LighthousePrayerLine.org

Lisa Smith said...

Shonda,

These are amazing and fresh words I am reading!!! Thank you, Lord, for speaking to Shonda, reveal more of your mystery to her that she might share with others. Thank you for her words and for your words through her. Amen.