by Trish Thompson, Ministry Pastor of Groups
I was visiting the doctor’s office when I noticed a sign on the wall. It read, “Prayer is less about changing the World and more about Changing Ourselves.” It made me stop and contemplate the list of petitions for which I had prayed that morning.
I have learned and taught many small group pleaders the ACTS prayer model. Praying first with Adoration - I love you Jesus. Remembering to Confess sins for clean heart. Offering Thanksgiving for life’s blessings. Closing with the Supplications (or requests) of the group. I am guilty of forgetting the first three and skipping straight to the list of my needs! Forget spending time in silence waiting on His response. I rush through the concerns I have for me, my family and friends and check the box on the to do list. Said prayers today, check. How does this change me?
The focus of my prayers seems to be about changing the world. I want wisdom in my decision making. I want protection for my children. I want a clear vision for the church and government leaders. I want healing for the sick. While these are good thoughts is this the sole purpose of my time with God?
God wants more of me than a list of wants. He wants my attention to the things that break His heart. He wants my worship. It says in Exodus 34:14, “for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” God wants me in relationship with Him. This is the change in ourselves! Our hearts, minds and souls in tune with God - not looking at what He can do to change the world. Offering ourselves to Him for His use to change the world.
So, what do you pray for?
I was visiting the doctor’s office when I noticed a sign on the wall. It read, “Prayer is less about changing the World and more about Changing Ourselves.” It made me stop and contemplate the list of petitions for which I had prayed that morning.
I have learned and taught many small group pleaders the ACTS prayer model. Praying first with Adoration - I love you Jesus. Remembering to Confess sins for clean heart. Offering Thanksgiving for life’s blessings. Closing with the Supplications (or requests) of the group. I am guilty of forgetting the first three and skipping straight to the list of my needs! Forget spending time in silence waiting on His response. I rush through the concerns I have for me, my family and friends and check the box on the to do list. Said prayers today, check. How does this change me?
The focus of my prayers seems to be about changing the world. I want wisdom in my decision making. I want protection for my children. I want a clear vision for the church and government leaders. I want healing for the sick. While these are good thoughts is this the sole purpose of my time with God?
God wants more of me than a list of wants. He wants my attention to the things that break His heart. He wants my worship. It says in Exodus 34:14, “for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” God wants me in relationship with Him. This is the change in ourselves! Our hearts, minds and souls in tune with God - not looking at what He can do to change the world. Offering ourselves to Him for His use to change the world.
So, what do you pray for?
RSS Feed