I want you to pray about...
We were discussing several recent changes and new opportunities for an upcoming semester at the church. The bantering back and forth in casual conversation was brought to an immediate halt with a single statement, “I want you to pray about …”
The key word following pray was the word ABOUT. Often, we are asked to pray FOR. In praying, “FOR” sets the pretext for praying in agreement or in intercession. Praying FOR and in this manner is based on knowing the will of God, speaking His Word, and promises over it. Praying ABOUT leads us to seek God’s will for us to choose a scriptural action in this world.
This is not the Pray FOR but a pray ABOUT...
ABOUT is intimately linked with actions we take under this world’s influences. I have been guilty of spending hours in prayer outlining the options I created to help God decide what I wanted. The response to my attempt to persuade God’s affirmation of my plans was God’s silence. How then should we pray ABOUT it?
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,...
An effective strategy is from the first step, bring God into the start of this spiritual journey. God reminds us if we lack wisdom we are to ask (James 1-5). The wisdom we ask and receive from God will augment and direct our earthly wisdom. So many distractions and dead ends can be avoided when we stop leading and start listening.
We often think the answer is to “stop leading” is to “start following.” What we miss happens between these two positions. There is clearly a God’s part for us to know and our part for us to do. Praying ABOUT is our positioning ourselves, ready to act on what God’s will and desire is. And then doing it alongside God.
a God’s part for us to know and our part for us to do.
Many times, we can pray to get confirmation through peace to make a simple choice. I encourage you to proceed from that point and act on the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Sometimes a choice it is not that simple, and I want to honor God for the opportunity to serve Him. For me praying though this “ABOUT” impacts the lives of people the church that God is entrusting me to lead. After the time praying for wisdom and guidance, I question my motives and desires by listing questions.
To keep this post short, I am sharing a quick list of questions I might ask myself to level set my feelings and emotions. This is the time to ask tough questions that God will help me answer through the prayer process. I do this rather tough examination because I know easy it is to be tempted to put my desires and will above God’s plan.
A sample list of possible questions...
- What is the significance of this and how will change what I am doing now?
- Was my first reaction selfish or prideful surprise or was this more conformation?
- Does this resonate as a leading of God?
- Is it clear to see as a Kingdom opportunity and will of God to be done on earth?
- Will it glorify the Father?
- Does it have clear Biblical foundation or calling?
- Has the Holy Spirit comforted me with preparatory giftings?
- Has the Lord had me on this path and have I been actively walking it?
- Does this confirm need and corresponding desire both already planted?
- Is this a reposition for growth and not an escape for the unfinished?
- Will this position me to serve God’s will for and to His people?
- Does it benefit man first and maybe God later?
- Can I do this without God’s help?
- Can I see the next step, and does it take faith to take it?
- {the list will change and grow as you continue to pray }
Your list of questions will look as unique as God’s plan and purpose for you. I do recommend journaling to help you see patterns and answers as you pray … when asked
“I want you to pray ABOUT”
