Pray for Me

Over the past year, I have had a number of people ask me, "How can I pray for you?"

It's a really good question, and I've spent a lot of time considering it. When someone talks to the Creator of everything on my behalf, what do I want them to say?

So if you are willing...

That my sins would be forgiven - that my burden would be lifted.
    - That I would confess all my sins to God weekly
    - That I would call on God, even in the midst of failure
    - That I would struggle against sin - that I would fight hard

That I would be obedient.
    - That I would focus on the needs of others, not myself
    - That I would do the specific things I know God has asked me to do
    - That I would always be faithful to my wife, my family, my friends

That I would be kind and compassionate.
    - This is my struggle, my weakness - and my greatest opportunity for good
    - That I would reach out to others when they need help
    - That I would bless others often and pray for them

That God would be with me, talk to me, and influence me.

As for my circumstances - good and bad - I leave those to God. He knows better than I if I should experience joy, pain or both.

Prayer

Prayer is a hard thing for me to define. There is not much to reading about it, hearing about it, or even thinking about it. All that really seems to matter is doing it.

As  I was talking with God last week, I had a moment of crystal clarity: It's not about getting what I want, or even what I need. It's not about seeing God work. It's not about my growth. It's about others. Intellectually I've known this for a long time, but somehow in that instant, it made it to my heart. 

Jesus said: Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

What does this cryptic statement mean? I think Paul, in his anguish, captured it: For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people.

Would I be willing to endure an eternity without God for the sake of my wife, kids, friends? Would I make that bargain? Do I have that much love for them above myself? I'd be dishonest if I said I wasn't struggling with the answers.

So all this praying is not so much about asking for things or telling God my views. It's about others and understanding how I can do good for them. It's also digging into the depths of my self-interest and ego.

God, help me to be able to say "yes" - that I would be willing to endure whatever is needed for the good of those around me.

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Tuesdays | My relationships are in chaos, and God wants to change them
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
- Your kingdom come

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