A New Frame
Truth be told, the only compelling reason we pray is for the glory of God. Interesting thought to ponder. He knows what we need before we ask so we don’t pray to inform Him. We ask to concede our need and He is glorified.
We pray to acknowledge our helplessness. Jesus said, Without Him we can do nothing, and when we pray we are indicating that we have learned that lesson, and He is thereby glorified.
When an insurmountable obstacle blocks our way we pray, remembering the rhetorical question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?,” we recall that the answer to that question is an unqualified No, and God is glorified.
When our needs are greater than our supply we pray to the God who calls Himself Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord our Provider, and from His infinite abundance He pours resources on us, and He is glorified.
When we are made downcast by our persistent violation of His will, we recall that He is the one – the only one – who can deal with both our sins and our fallen natures. And when we ask for cleansing He rejoices and He is glorified.
When we struggle through the dark places we discover the promise that He is the Light of the world, and when the Son rises He is glorified.
Even His children are sometimes derailed by addictions – of all kinds – and we lay them eagerly before Him. To our amazement He shows Himself to be our Strong Deliverer. And He is glorified.
When relationships are strained, in the family and out, we pray for healing and He does His work of restoration. Love returns and He is glorified.
Fear arises at times in every heart. Sometimes petty, sometimes paralyzing. But in His Word is the exhortation, Don’t be afraid…365 times, enough for every day. And when the peace He promises beyond understanding finally absorbs into our hearts our whole countenance changes and He is glorified.
I notice that when I put this new frame around my prayer time I begin to see an entirely new picture. We are not asking so that He will meet our needs, but rather, whatever the outcome, that He will be glorified. That’s why, as His child, I love to pray.
By Don Jacobsen
