Do I really know what I am asking for when I pray?
Years ago, this little piece below came across my desk and I kept it. I posted it in my kitchen for many years, but rarely read it. I share it with you today to encourage you. We are all on this journey of life together.
Do I really know what I am asking for?
I realize many of my prayers are “wrong,” but Abba, in His infinite loving kindness, answers my real heart cry. I am humbled when I read the prayer below.
Humility is not about seeing oneself as lowly and unworthy. Humility is about having the proper perspective of who we really are. We need to know we are the created, made from dust yet created in the image of God to rule and reign with Christ. When we understand that we are infinitely loved by our creator, we begin to strike the balance.
I have prayed a lot of prayers over my lifetime. I have prayed all the following prayers below, with similar results. In my preparation for the US Thanksgiving holiday I return to these thoughts to worship the giver of all things with an attitude I pray will continue to transform my nature until I am truly conformed to the image of Jesus. This Jesus, the Creator who loves me, loves you, and gave himself for us.
By an unknown Confederate soldier:
I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy. I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness that I might feel the need for God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for but everything I had hoped for…
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered. I am among all men most richly blessed.
Do I really know what I am asking for? Not always, but I am learning. And I am asking how to improve all the time.
Sometimes we do not recognize the answers to our prayers because the answers are different from what we imagined. How have your prayers been answered in ways you did not initially anticipate?
