Praying the “right” way
I've been thinking a lot about whether we as Christians are actually praying the "right" way. I don't mean that I think we need to speak with big, theological words or in the King James Version (as though that makes us sound somewhat "holier" to God).
What I mean is, when we approach God, what is our motivation and what is our greatest desire?
Many times, our prayers are filled with requests for healing of our physical bodies, for protection of loved ones, for peace and safety. Those are natural and understandable desires. And, those are all things that, ultimately, Jesus Christ came to bring. But those are also things that will not fully be answered until He comes again to rule and reign for eternity. While God certainly can, and sometimes does, give us those things during our temporal time here, I have been convicted lately that my prayers need to be something much more...much different...if I am to align myself more effectively with the will and work of the Lord here on earth.
When I read about the early church and the extreme persecution they faced due to their faith in and declaration of Jesus Christ as Lord, I am utterly amazed at how they responded. Not once do we read that they asked God to protect them. Instead, they prayed: "And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness..." (Acts 4:29).
Jesus also taught us how we are to pray (Matthew 6:9-15): To recognize the holiness and power of God, to desire and ask for His kingdom to come on the earth, for His will to be done here. To provide us with just what we need to survive here, from our physical sustenance to the ability to overcome the inevitable evil that exists here.
So my question for you is the same that I've been asking myself: What are we praying for, and why? Does our motivation reach beyond our own feelings of physical comfort and security in these mortal bodies? Do we really, truly, understand that the only security we can ultimately find is when we hide ourselves in Christ? He is the way, the truth and the life, and the One who promised us that we will face trouble in this life, but to take heart because He has overcome the world. He has given us the promise that He is coming again to rescue us for eternity.
In the meantime, are we content to pray for boldness to face the suffering and trials that occur in this broken world, rather than to be shielded from them? For when we go through those deep waters and those blazing fires, with the strength and courage of Christ living in us, there is something fantastically beautiful that occurs in our hearts - a purification of the dross of temporary self-concern into the eternal kingdom mindset that leads to untouchable peace even in the worst of persecution and trials.
The Christian life is one of learning to live in the supernatural, the peace that passes all understanding, with our hearts already safe at our eternal home in heaven.