“O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.” – Nehemiah 1:11
Every so often, a little self-examination is a good thing. It helps identify areas of strength as well as areas of weakness. Today, I’ve chose to examine my prayer life. Prayer is my lifeline to God; it is what keeps me connected to Him in a very real and personal way. My communication with Him is essential to our relationship, so taking time to evaluate the viability of my prayer life is critical. To do this, I must assess myself according to what the Bible establishes as the criteria for sincere and effective prayer. By asking questions of myself and honestly answering them, I will get a good picture of where I stand (or kneel) in regard to prayer.
- Colossians 4:2 – “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”
- Do I devote myself to prayer? Is it a priority in my life?
- Acts 6:4 – “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”
- How much attention to do give to prayer? How much thought is behind the words I speak? Is it rote or heartfelt?
- James 4:2 – “…yet ye have not, because ye ask not.”
- Is prayer essential to me? Do I view prayer as a vital part of my Christian walk? Do I depend upon God to meet my needs, or do I depend upon myself?
- Romans 12:12 – “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”
- Do I pray regardless of the situation? In good times or bad times, do I pray equally?
- James 1:6 – “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”
- Do I trust God will respond to my prayers? Do I have the faith of a mustard seed?
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”
- Am I in an attitude of prayer throughout the day? Am I able to converse with God no matter the place or time?
- Mark 11:24 – “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
- Do I really believe God will answer me?
- 1 John 5:14-15 – “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”
- Do I pray according to His will? Do I have faith knowing God will, not just believing that God can?
- 1 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
- Do I recognize to whom I am praying? Is my heart humble before my Creator?
- John 14:13 – “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
- Do I remember that my access to God comes only through His Son, Jesus?
- Hebrews 13:15 – “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
- Do I remember to thank God for all He has done for me?
The answers generated by these questions help me target areas of weakness in my prayer life. With His help, I will become a strong and effective prayer warrior, having the faith to go before my Father in heaven with anything and everything on my heart, knowing He will answer according to His perfect will.
Ere you left your room this morning,
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor,
As a shield today?
O how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
So when life seems dark and dreary,
Don’t forget to pray.
(from “Did You Think to Pray?” by Mary A. Kidder and William O. Perkins)
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” – Philippians 4:6
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Prayer touches the heart of God.