Prayer BasicsSample

We live in a selfie driven world.  Most of what we see on social media and marketing is aimed at making us think: “I need that, I want that, I want to look like that."  Subsequently, we have become increasingly self-centred and inwardly focussed. The scary fact is that unless we echo John the Baptist in saying ‘I must decrease and God must increase’ (John 3), it will become more and more difficult to see God for who He truly is, and in turn, it will be even harder to pray.

How many times do we start a prayer with: “God, will you please… God, give us… God, help me…” Although there is nothing wrong with asking for things in prayer, this should not be the primary focus. 

In Luke 11, Jesus teaches that prayer starts with worship.  He states that our prayer should begin by acknowledging who God is, and worshipping the different aspects of His majesty.

Jesus starts His prayer with “our Father, hallowed be Your name.”

Prayer should start with an outward focus, not inward.

What do you find enjoyable about God’s presence? What do you love about Him? Before you ask Him for something, tell Him what you love about Him. Worship Him.  Adore Him.

There is an amazing story found in Acts 16, Paul and Silas had been thrown into prison for freeing a possessed girl who could foretell the future. Her owners were furious and persecuted them. In prison, Paul and Silas did not pray for God to save them, they did not tell God what to do.  One would think they would beg God to rescue them; but instead they sang, they worshipped God, they adored Him. Subsequently, God did not only save them, but also saved the soul of the jailer.

Dig in:

Make Psalm 103 your prayer today. Read it out loud or paraphrase it into your own worshipping words. Make some time for worship music or perhaps spend some time in thankful meditation.