Praying With Intent

Philippians 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~ CSB

Today we are going to talk about the power of prayer.  There is a difference between the ‘action of asking’ and prayer.   Usually, (not always), when we ask, “Hey, how are you doing today?”  We are expecting a quick response like, “I’m great, how are you?”  this is usually followed by a conversation on an entirely different subject.

But when we ask, “How are you doing?” and we get the response that leads into a detailed description of how they are really doing, we rarely listen.  “Oh, it’s funny you asked. My back is acting up, my legs hurt, I don’t know why I get these headaches and I haven’t been sleeping well.” We usually respond, “I am so sorry to hear that. Listen…” then we go into another conversation changing the subject.

The ‘action of asking’ is what we are doing.  A term of endearment if you will.  There is no concern, not because we don’t care, but usually we are already thinking of what we want to talk about other than, ‘how they are doing’.

On the other hand, I remember a time when I asked my mom for some money.  At the time I was a single parent and I needed help.  I presented a detailed need for why I was asking for money.  Because it was going to my child my mother trusted me to do what I said I was going to do, and she gave me the money.  In other words she answered my request because the request was genuine and directed.

This is the way we need to be when we pray.  This is the difference between the ‘action of asking’ and prayer.  Prayer is being mindful of what you are asking the Almighty and concentrating on every word sent to Him as a request. 

​Prayer is ‘knowing’ that what you are asking God, will be done by Him.  It says it in verse 6, “…prayer and petition…” must be intertwined with ‘…thanksgiving…”  Just as I knew my mother was going to come through for me because she had done so in the past, ‘know’ what God will do for you because of what He has done for you in the past.

Simply put, prayer is a request in the name of Jesus; (meaning it is a request that God can get behind); followed by the knowledge that it will be done by the Father because it benefits the kingdom.  And after the request has been granted, we must give God the glory always.  This is a long way from being an ‘action of asking’.  It is a request for the blessing that is already yours.

And after we have practiced and formed the ‘good’ habit of prayer, God will give us His peace.  Verse 7 continues, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Our prayers, properly prayed, will lead to our peace given to us as a gift, in addition to what we asked for by a Father who loves us so much.  How about that? 

​What a blessing.  Give God the praise as you walk in His Son’s precious name.

Amen. 

Blessings, 
​Billy 

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