I’ve been doing a lotof thinking just around the topic of prayer and specifically how we pray. Prayer tends to be focused around changing circumstances vs praying to conform into the image of Christ. Just let that sink in for awhile… Think about how we typically talk about prayer requests or take prayer requests from our community of friends. Typically it’s about asking the Lord to change something outside of us.
Here’s a few examples: “My mom is sick, pray that the Lord would heal her”, “pray for my job, my boss is driving me crazy”, “pray that a buyer buys our house”, “pray that my brother would be saved”, or “pray for my relationship with my girlfriend around purity”. Sound familiar?
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son,in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.-Romans 8:29
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18
So how do we begin to ask for prayer around conformation and as we lead people and teach them about prayer?
So, take the double fake “prayer requests” I listed above. Think though how you would move peoples requests towards conformity prayer.
“My mom is sick, pray that the Lord would heal her”–> “Pray that I would believe that the Lord is Good (Ps. 100) even in the midst of mom’s sickness, and that the Lord would heal my mom.”
“pray for my job, my boss is driving me crazy” –> “pray that I would demonstrate patience (Gal. 5) and Contentness (Phil 3) and a love for my boss who feels like an enemy (matt. 5)”
“pray that a buyer buys our house” –> “Pray that the Lord would make me content even if no one buys our house and gives me peace (Gal 5)”
“pray that my brother would be saved” –> “Pray that my brother would be saved, that I would trust that only God can open his eyes (Luke 24:45), and for boldness on my part (2 Cor. 3:12). “
“pray for my relationship with my girlfriend around purity”. –> “Pray that I would find contentment in the Lord, that he would be enough to satisfy (phil 3-4) and that i would find life in being obedient to the king around purity (1 Cor. 6)”
I think you get the point. Not that we shouldn’t pray for external circumstances, but our focus should be internal conformation. The overwhelming model Paul gives us in his letters is not to get out of prison, which had to be miserable if you have ever seen a dungeon or ancient prison, but that the he would look like Christ in prison to those the Lord put in his path.
So, how are you doing modeling this? How well is your group doing here? Try asking this question next time you are taking prayer requests, “hey what do you think the Lord would like to change in you around the issue you just mentioned”. Also, it will let you know people very well and where they need to grow. It will drive for incredible depth. Let me know what you think. Rob
Rob, thanks for your insight. I too can get caught up in wanting circumstances to change externally and find myself praying those types of prayers without stopping to realize that God’s desire is to grow and shape me and prepare me for use in his kingdom. If I’m sold out for him (Matt 16:24-25) then I should not doubt that the circumstances he lovingly places me in have a purpose and I should not be so quick to ask to be removed from them.
I look forward to putting your suggestions into practice in my life and spurring on my community group.
Comment by Dave Phillippe — March 10, 2010 @ 12:17 pm
Good stuff Rob. This completely resonates with me. I frequently take account of the pattern of my prayers to see the balance of my “change me” to my “change that” prayers. Red flags go up when I am praying for my circumstances too much. Enjoy reading this blog. Really encouraging.
Comment by Beau Fournet — March 10, 2010 @ 1:46 pm