When You PrayShembull

In Moments Like This...

“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 KJV

Before you lead others — choose to be led by God and pray. In Luke Chapter 11, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray. It was during these private moments where Jesus poured out life-transforming wisdom into those that followed Him. In fact, it was behind the scenes, away from the crowds, where His disciples asked the following question, “Lord, teach us how to pray.” His disciples asked Jesus this life-transforming question while they were behind closed doors. 

The lessons that you learn in private will transform your life forever. What are you learning behind the scenes? During your quiet time with God, what lessons are you learning? What are you teaching those that follow you behind the scenes? Does your public life reflect your private life? What are you doing when no one else is watching? How are you leading others when no one is watching? It’s the small foxes that spoil the vine. It’s the small defects and character slip-ups that corrupts the harvest. 

In Matthew 6:6, Jesus states, “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Spiritual authority is released behind the scenes. What you do in private matters to God. Your prayer life matters to God. Your private life matters to God. Your character matters to God. Your diligence matters. The life that you live in private — matters to God. What you do when no one is watching — matters to God. What you do behind the scenes carries weight. God rewards your private obedience with public authority.

It is in these private moments where revelation is poured out. It is in these private moments where diligence matures and your character is sharpened. It is in these delicate moments where God reveals who you are to Him and who He is to you. When you choose to submit to God in private — He will reward you openly. 

Choose to be led by God in all seasons, in public and in private. Choose to hide His Word within the walls of your heart. Choose to seek and surrender to God at every stage and at every level. Take some private time to commune with God and let Him lead every aspect of your life. Let Him lead and shape your character. 

Seek God before you take the next step. Seek God before you leap forward out of presumption. In 1 Samuel 30:8 David prayed and sought the Lord before he pursued after his enemy and went to war: “And David enquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.” Choose to follow God’s instruction before you pursue the next opportunity. Submit to His “Yes” and surrender to His “No”. Pattern yourself after His Word and surrender every part of your life to Him.

Let God heal your heart. Let God remove the pain, insecurities, mistakes and failures of the past. Cast your cares, worries and concerns upon Him. You matter to God and He hears your cry. He wants to lift your burdens. He wants to lift the weight and pressures of the world from off of your life. You are not alone. God is with you and He is for you. Seek God and trust His Voice. 

Action:

Be intentional and take time to pray today. Set a time to diligently and deliberately pray. Pray for your family. Pray for your spouse. Pray for direction. Pray for your next steps. Talk to God and He will order your steps. He wants to commune with you. Pray. He’s been waiting.