5 Things to Consider For a Deeper Prayer Life
If all of your prayers were answered, would the result only change your situation, or would it change your character too? My prayer life radically changed when I started asking God to change me more than I asked Him to change my situation. I’m not saying you shouldn’t pray for God to intervene in your situation, because I believe you should. But I’ve grown to realize that sometimes His intervention isn’t removing us from the storm, but walking with us through it.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. - Isaiah 43:2
Over the years, I’ve sought to grow deeper in my prayer life and prayer bolder prayers. If you’re interested in doing the same, I encourage you to ask yourself the questions below and seek God about any changes you should make. These things five things have forever changed the way I pray.
1) What Do I Ask God for When Faced With a Difficult Situation?
For many of us, the instinctive prayer is to ask God to remove any obstacle or deliver us from the trial. However, none of us are immune to hardship and difficulty. There may be some instances where God removes you from a situation completely, but there will be other times when His will is to teach you how to work through and overcome it. Maybe you’re still working for that difficult boss because God wants you to learn how to love difficult people well.
In order for Him to do this, you have to stop running from your problems. You can’t overcome what you run from. Instead, realize that you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in authority, have patience, not be easily offended, refrain from talking back, and so on. This is how perseverance is developed and you become mature in your faith. Otherwise, you’ll be like a 30-year-old adult who has the social skills of a toddler.
2) Are Your Motives Selfish?
“Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” Psalm 119:36-37
Why do you want the things you’re praying for? Really think about it. Are your motives selfish or selfless? I’m not saying that you shouldn’t have wants or personal desires. I want you to ask if that’s your only focus. Would your prayers, if answered, make you more comfortable or more like Christ? As followers of Jesus, we are called to do nothing out of selfish ambition and value others above our selves.
I challenge you to evaluate your motives and be honest. God already knows your heart. Whatever you discover take it to Him. Ask Him to change your heart and heal you from the experience that created that mindset.
3) Do You Believe God Can?
‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. - Jeremiah 32:17
How’s your faith? Do you pray like you know God can meet all of your needs or like you think He can? Focus on God’s Ability Instead of the Size of Your Problem. God Almighty is the creator of the earth. He is all-powerful and Everything belongs to Him ( Psalm 24:1) which means He can give his children anything they need. Nothing is impossible for our God (Matthew 19:26).
What you’re facing may be devastating, but let me assure you it’s not bigger than God. I’ve been depressed, unemployed, grieved by the unexpected loss of a loved one, and betrayed by someone I loved. The pain was real, but God proved Himself faithful in every way. If you’re struggling to believe that God can meet whatever need you have, take time to learn His character through his Word and spend as much time with Him as you can. The more you know Him, the easier it becomes to trust Him.
4) How Intently do I Express my Gratitude?
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” - Psalms 100:4
How often do you thank God for all the things he’s given you, big or small? Do you remember when you were praying for the things you have now? Meditate on how gracious God has been to you before you ask Him for anything.
When I remember all the ways God has already provided for me my faith is strengthened and feelings of lack begin to fade. My focus shifts to those who have less, and not just materially but spiritually as well. My greatest blessings are spiritual, not physical. When I think of the love, peace, and joy I have in Christ, I’m compelled to pray for ways to reach and love those who are no in Christ.
5) Don’t Just Pray For What You Want, Pray For Who You Want to Become
If you’re serious about growing in your faith then you must be willing to ask God to change your perspective and character. Years ago, I remember stating that I didn’t want to pray for patience because I didn’t want to be tested. Well, you know what I learned? I WILL BE TESTED, Whether I ask for it or not.
Are you tired of not being able to pass those tests? Of being ruled by lust, easily angered, or not being able to enjoy yourself at a wedding because you feel lonely? God can and will show you how to be content, self-controlled, and patient, you just have to let him. Don’t hold back prayers for growth out of fear. That kind of fear is not from God (2 Timothy 1:7). Pray bold prayers, God’s got you.
