Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Think Before You Pray
Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2 NLT)
Some people tend to pray broad, generic prayers: “Lord, save the world and bless all the missionaries. Amen.” However, I think it would do a little more for people if we prayed for them by name.
Of course, God knows everything. But when we bring our requests before Him, we should be focused. As the adage says, “If you aim at nothing, you’re bound to hit it.”
In Psalm 5 we see a prayer of David’s that hit the mark. One of the reasons it was effective is that it had a clear focus. David prayed, “Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly” (verse 3 NLT).
The New King James Version translates it this way: “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.” In the original language, this depicts the setting in order of pieces of wood on an altar of sacrifice.
Thus, it implies an order, a structure, and a focus in prayer.
David was saying, “Not only am I praying with passion, but I am praying with precision. I am praying with clarity. I am aiming my prayer in a certain direction.”
Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 tells us, “As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few” (NLT).
In other words, think about what you will pray.
It’s important to have passion in our prayers. But we also need to think through what we will bring before the throne of God.
Copyright © 2023 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com and weekly podcast on LifeAudio.com.
Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.
In thanks for your gift, you can receive a copy of What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know by Greg Laurie
Some Christians think Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and sharing their faith are things they eventually move beyond. The truth is just the opposite. In What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know, Pastor Greg Laurie explores the foundational practices that help believers grow spiritually and stay strong in their faith. Whether you're a new believer or have followed Christ for decades, this practical guide will help you focus on the things that matter most. Request your copy this month with your gift to Harvest Ministries.
