Praying Boldly
How do You Pray?
Are you praying boldly? When you have something going on in your life that is negative, do you ask God to help you “get through it”? Do you ask for “strength to endure”? I’ve done that and still do.
I feel, sometimes, that I shouldn’t ask for much because of how I’ve been blessed. I live in a country where clean water flows to my home. I have a roof over my head and food in my kitchen. My child is healthy and is in a good school. There are people who are drinking filthy water that they know my kill them, but it’s the only water they have. How dare I ask for anything?
How Should We Pray?
Except, it is what God tells us to do. Not once does He say “come to Me in weakness”. We are to approach the Father with confidence.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are,yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16
Learning from Jabez
There is a passage in 1 Chronicles about a man named Jabez. His name literally means “he who causes pain”. In Biblical times, your name laid out your future. What kind of future would someone with a name like that expect to have? However, Jabez made a bold prayer to God.
9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” 10 Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.
1 Chronicles 4:9 – 10
He didn’t ask to just survive with that name. He didn’t ask to get just enough to feed his family. Jabez asked for a better fortune and safety. His prayer was honored by God.
Why can’t we do this?
What Should We Do?
Instead of asking to ‘get by’, ask to know God’s will. Ask for the knowledge to make His will a reality in your life. Ask for the ability to perform His will and for the ability to go above and beyond.
When I finally put this into practice, it worked out tremendously. Not only did God reveal where He wanted me to be, He made it so that I was there within two months of asking. However, I went back to the same old prayer.
“God, now that I’m here, just let me know what to do next.”
Oh dear me. I’ve been stuck in that form of prayer for so long that it’s hard to break that pattern. But God was ready for me.
Conviction
I rarely watch regular TV anymore. Since I’ve moved, the only time my TV is even on is when my daughter is playing Minecraft or has a kid’s show she wants to see. But this morning, I turned it on and put it on a Christian channel. A pastor came on that I don’t really care for, but something (God) told me to give it a chance. He spoke about this very topic.
Oh dear me!
I was praying last night about what am I to do next and I had an inkling, but no faith in my ability. Not only was I convicted in my weak prayer, I was also convicted in my unwillingness to initially give that pastor a chance.
As soon as that program was off, I stood up and praised God. Then, I got down on my knees and prayed boldly. I prayed that the project I started last night will become so successful that people will seek me out. I prayed that I take the steps with confidence to learn more, so I can do better. I prayed that my new venture will honor Him and help others. I am praying that people will come into my life who have the ability to teach me and help me grow.
Moving Forward
What areas of your life need growth? What issues do you have that you need to take before the Lord? Are you praying to ‘just get through it’ or are you asking to overcome and thrive?
God is our Father. Fathers want their children to be successful, not to struggle and get by. No matter your position; wealthy or poor, healthy or ill, He wants you to succeed! No more prayers of ‘just give me strength to endure’ or ‘just let me get by’.
Stop it!
This is not a magic formula for health or wealth. If the answer is no, then it’s no (as it is with our children). However, we are to go with confidence to our Father. We are to have faith in all things. We are to ask for the next steps and not try to figure it out on our own.
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32
I apologize for the rambling nature of my latest posts (including this one). But, when the Spirit hits me, I want to get it out there. When I overthink it, I lose focus and the posts don’t get done.
Prayer for Today
Father, thank you for the convicting message for today. I pray that I, and anyone reading this, will come to You with boldness. You are our Father and we know you want the best for us. I pray that we come with pure hearts to seek Your will and Your wisdom.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen
Have a blessed day!