DAILY READING
REFLECTION
God-Focused Prayer
by Pr. Dave Mann
What is the focus of your prayers? What is the main idea, the main concern of your prayer time?
It seems to me that most of our air-time (prayer time) is concentrated on our own needs. And if we get uncomfortable with the realization that our prayers are rather self-centered, we start praying more for others. That’s a good start, but I am still thinking about another challenge.
What is the focus of Psalm 93? The Lord himself is the central idea – not we ourselves, not even others whom we love. It’s all about God.
What would our prayers be like if we focused primarily on God himself? One thing is sure – our prayers might be shorter! At least at first, but such short prayers will grow in length and in meaning.
Here are some ideas for you if you would like a challenge to shift your prayer focus to the person and character of God. You may want to do a quick online search to give yourself some ideas for a prayer guide.
The names of God: Yahweh, I am who I am, Jehovah-Jireh, etc. Search for “Names of God in the Bible”
The names of Jesus: Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, Son of God, etc. Search for “Names of Jesus in the Bible”
The names of the Holy Spirit: Paraclete, Helper, Advocate, etc. Search for “Names of the Holy Spirit in the Bible”
What God has done in the Bible record: creation, sent prophets, Calvary, the resurrection, promised forgiveness of sins and everlasting life, defeated sin, death, and the power of the devil, etc. Search for “What God has done in the Bible”
What God has done in your life: gave me life, gave me the faith to believe, brought key people into my life to make a positive impact, etc. Search your personal memory banks. 😊
PRAYER
Lord God Almighty, you who are the One who created the world out of nothing, you who are everlasting to everlasting, yet you accepted to become human to live among us, Emmanuel, God with us, Son of God, Son of Man, the Great High Priest, you gave your life that I might be set free from sin, you rose again defeating death, and you gave your Holy Spirit – my Helper and Advocate – you led me to faith in you that I might have eternal life, … thank you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you Jesus -