Praying with Intentionality
What do you feel strongly about? What concerns you most in this world? The Lord may be using your concern to propel you to action.
Welcome to the 94th issue of The Aim and Soar Life, a weekly newsletter about faith, personal growth, and lifestyle that provides actionable, relatable, and biblically rooted content to help you live abundantly and GROW YOU. GOD’S WAY.
Happy Sunday!
We are 3 weeks into the new year, and I am still living with intentionality! No resolutions, just committed to living a better life for Christ, and I hope you are too.
Speaking of intentionality, one thing I have committed to do is to pray with intentionality. I realized last year that I had drifted away from praying for others and the world as much as I should.
I got wrapped up in the day-to-day hustle of life and at times, I felt like I was barely getting by mentally. Playing a role in helping others to resolve their mental health issues as a therapist can be daunting. It caused me to focus more on myself when I prayed because I felt like I needed help to just get through the days when I didn’t have the energy or willpower to do anything.
I prayed what I call “tired prayers” when I just asked the Lord for strength, or I just cried out my frustrations with no words at all (God still hears these kinds of prayers too).😍
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV
I’d like to pray with intention from now on by getting back to keeping a prayer journal just for others. I did this in the past and I would highlight and date in my journal when the prayers were answered. (If this is something you consider doing, just know that you have to pack your patience!)
Sometimes, I didn’t see the manifestation of the answers to many of these prayers for years. However, it was a joy to be able to cross the prayers off the list and testify about God’s faithfulness when I witnessed the answers to things I had prayed about. The journal itself was a testimony!
Here are a few things to do if you want to join me in being intentional about prayer:
1. Ask God to give you a heart to pray for others.
We can get so caught up in our worries and struggles that we forget about the needs of others. Asking God to give you a heart for those who need prayer (that’s practically everyone on the planet) is a great way to start. The Holy Spirit can and will reveal to you who you need to pray for. Listen for God’s voice as He speaks to you and write down the names of the people or situations that He brings to your mind. We don’t always know who or what we should be praying for, but God does!
2. Write down the things that prick your heart or concern you.
What do you feel strongly about? What concerns you most in this world? The Lord may be using your concern to propel you to action.
For example, one of the concerns I have is that a lot of teens don’t know God because we live in a society that doesn’t value going to church anymore. I’m working on a special project to help teach teens who may not go to church about God.
A lot is going on in this world. People need your prayers. It’s not enough for us to read and watch the news about the evil and devastation that is occurring all over the world and not do anything about it. We have the ultimate spiritual weapon—our prayer.
Ask God how He can use you to address the things that concern you.
3. Create a dedicated space for prayer.
Having a set time and place for prayer will help you to be intentional. It’s like a date with God in your own private spot. This is especially helpful if there are a lot of people in your home. And you don’t have to be fancy, a basic closet will do. Create a space that will be free of distractions so that you can focus. If you feel more at peace praying outdoors and being in nature, give it a go! The point is to be intentional by preparing for your prayer time in advance. Have a time and place in mind. Make sure your area is clutter-free so you can concentrate. And if it can’t be clutter-free, pray anyway and work toward creating a peaceful space.😍
5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the [b]hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you [c]openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
Matthew 6:5-7, NKJV
4. Learn to be present in the moment
Speaking of distractions, being present in the moment can be tough. Our minds are constantly filled with things from to-do lists to other worries. We can easily be distracted from talking to God and even worse, hearing from God!
I try and combat distractions by playing worship music to help me focus on God before I pray. You can also be present by telling God what you are thankful for. This places all the focus on Him. Try writing down a list of things you are grateful for and thankful for and read those aloud to God. It takes practice to clear your mind and be ready to pray. Ask God to help you to focus.
Last but not least, embrace being vulnerable when you go before God. You can tell Him your deepest thoughts and emotions. Allow yourself to be a vessel that God can pour into freely because you are willing!
Peace and Love.
Until Next Time,
GROW YOU. GOD’S WAY.
Sherrhonda😍
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