Before you begin to pray…

Let us pray…

 

When did you last pray?

Why did you pray?

Was it because you needed something?

Or were you in a fix?

What made you call on the Lord?

Think long and hard about this,

Before you begin to pray.

 

Do you remember to worship the Lord as you pray?

Do you remember to recognize His power,

And the miracles He has done in your life?

Do you remember to acknowledge Him for who He is?

Or do you go ahead and present your wish list to Him,

Just like a little child demands a lollipop in the supermarket?

Think long and hard about how you picture God,

Before you begin to pray.

 

 

Do you remember that you may have sinned,

As you go into His presence?

None of us is perfect, you know.

We all have something to confess!

What do you want to confess to Him today,

Before you begin to pray?

 

 

Finally!!

It’s time to ask!

Time to tell Him what you need,

And what your deepest desires are!

Out comes the wish list,

The list of demands.

You go on and on,

And the Lord patiently listens,

Waiting for you to ask Him what He thinks,

And what His will is.

But that moment never comes.

Because you didn’t think to ask the Lord for His opinion,

Before you began to pray.

 

 

Hang on – you forgot something else.

You forgot that prayer is not just about you,

But about those around you.

Did you remember to pray for your family,

Your friends, workmates, and community?

Did you say a prayer for that person who you promised to pray for?

Did you pray for your church and your pastor?

Did you think about that person who may be depending on your prayers,

Before you began to pray?

 

 

Before you begin to pray,

Think long and hard.

Think about how you view God.

Is He your ATM machine,

Or a loving father who disciplines you when necessary?

Think long and hard about what you will do with the answer He gives.

The answer may be no, yes, or wait.

The answer will always be in line with His will.

Always remember to confess your sins before Him,

Because He is a holy and righteous God.

Lastly, be ready to thank Him for the answers He gives you,

Because He loves you,

And will always give you what is best for you.

 

 

Let us pray.

 

Lord, I thank you for your love, care, protection, grace and strength. Thank you for all that you have done for me in the past, and for what you will do for me in the future. Thank you for the promises in your Word that encourage my heart and give me hope. Forgive me for all the wrong things I have done in the past, things that do not please you. Lord, you know my needs, and I ask that you meet those needs according to your perfect will. I pray for all those around me that they would come to know and accept the gift of salvation that you so freely give. I surrender to your will, Lord, and I ask that you complete the work that you have started in my life.

 

Amen.

 

Jeremiah 29:12 “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” (NIV)

 

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