Sometimes I think my prayers are pretty mindless. Too often I hear myself using words and phrases that are more like thoughtless repetitions, rather than meaningful things I actually want to say to God. One phrase that annoys me when it slips into my prayers is “God, be with me.” In the Bible, God has already promised not to leave me!

God made this promise to Joshua just before he led the Israelites into the Promised Land (JOSH. 1:5). The author of Hebrews later said it was a promise for all Christians: “never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (HEB. 13:5). In both cases, it’s clear that God is with us to give us the strength to live for Him—not to live just for ourselves. But my prayers are often all about what I want, without thinking about God’s plans.

Perhaps a better prayer would be something like this: “God, thank You for Your Spirit who lives in me and is able to lead me in the ways You want me to go. May I not go off track. Please help me to not just do whatever I want, but to do what You want.”

As we live for God, we can be sure He is with us even without our asking. If we’re not living for Him, let’s ask for His forgiveness, change our direction and follow Him.

By: Julie Ackerman Link

To Pray About . . .

Lord, whenever I pray, help me to seek first Your kingdom and Your will to be done, instead of seeking my personal interests only.