There’s nothing wrong
with praying... in fact, the Apostle Paul tells us to “Never stop praying” in 1
Thessalonians 5:17. And while many of
us would never drive with our eyes literally closed... some of us do pray blinded
by something else... selfishness.
- - We
pray that others would change so that our lives would get easier
- - We
pray for things that others are doing wrong while we are doing the exact same
thing
- - We
pray for our finances but aren’t obedient to God with what He’s already given
us
- - We
pray that God would bless our lives yet know that we are making choices that
don’t line up with His Word
God hears EVERY
prayer... even when our eyes are on ourselves when we talk to Him. He cares deeply for us and wants us to lift
up our requests regularly. However, when
all we do is pray for things that involve or benefit us, we run the risk of becoming
prideful.
As Christ-followers we
are servants. Our primary focus shouldn’t
be our needs but the needs of others... to love, serve, and lift up those that
God has put in our path. We have to keep
our eyes open at all times to see what THEY need so that we can intercede on
their behalf... knowing that God will provide for us in His own way at the same
time.
Take a few minutes
today and look over your personal prayer list.
How many of those requests solely benefit you and how many help
others? My prayer is that the eye-opening results
would encourage you (and me) to consistently evaluate how we can become better
at being others-focused. We shouldn’t neglect our needs... but closing
our eyes to those around us can cause us to drift from the road God has set
before us.
