Dear Friends,
Everyone prays, but not everyone accepts that there is a God who has the desire and the power to answer their requests. The Bible tells us that such a God exists, and he is looking for those who truly seek him. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6
What does it mean to sincerely seek God? King David described it this way, “God, you are my God. I want to follow you. My whole being thirsts for you, like a man in a dry, empty land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1 (ICB)
Seeking God involves much more than just believing he exists. In 1 Chronicles 16:11 we read, Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.
In Matthew we find, first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. Matthew 6:33 (AMP)
So, if we want to find a foundation to build our prayers on, we need to seek God sincerely, with our whole being, continually, as we strive after God’s righteousness. Prayer is more about God and less about ourselves. As we focus more on God, our faith will grow and our prayers will become more focused.
Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church suggested six steps we can take that will help focus our prayers and increase our faith:
1. Let God speak to you before you speak to him. Read, study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word.
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:7 NLT
2. Focus your attention on God. See him in the lovingkindness of others.
“I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. Proverbs 8:17
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
3. Express your desires with emotion.
So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. Daniel 9:3
But when they were oppressed they cried out to you. From heaven you heard them, and in your great compassion you gave them deliverers, who rescued them from the hand of their enemies. Nehemiah 9:27
4. Demonstrate your seriousness.
Do you ever fast and pray?
Do you ever go to a solitary place to be alone with God?
So I turned to the Lord God in prayer and did not eat … Daniel 9:3a (NCV)
The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness … Mark 1:12 (NLT)
5. Thank God for his love and promises.
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20
“God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. 2 Samuel 22:31
6. Humbly Confess Your Sin. Rather than praying, “Lord, forgive my sins,” get specific! “Lord, forgive me for doing _______, and help me to repent.”
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:10
Bring your confessions, and return to the Lord. Say to him, “Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you our praises.” Hosea 14:2
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! Psalm 32:1-2
When we consider how powerful God is, isn’t it worth the effort to try new approaches to get closer to him? The six steps listed above are a starting point. Next week we’ll look at six more steps that can empower our prayer life.
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Because We Love Him 