Praying
FOR DIRECTION & PURPOSE
Helpful Scripture
Isaiah 30:21 - Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’
James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Proverbs 16:3 - Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Starting Points
One essential condition for a successful life is to have an objective – clearly defined and steadily pursued. Without such an objective a person is like a boat drifting on the open sea, carried hither and thither by the winds of habit and the waves of circumstance – without any control over their own destiny.
How do we find that purpose? By looking to Jesus. He is both our pattern and our inspiration in the marathon of the Christian life.
God has an objective for our lives. According to Hebrews 12:1-2, the Christian life is a race, marked out for us.
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
However, it’s not a dash or a sprint. It is much more like a marathon. It is a long race. We are going to have to see the course in front of us and throw off everything that would hinder us to run that race successfully.
Secondly, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus. Jesus is our pattern and our inspiration for life. If we ever take our eyes off Jesus for any length of time, we will lose our ability to run the race successfully.
How Do I Pray?
Dear Father, thank You for this wonderful truth that You have a specific objective for my life. I pray that You will help me to get clarity about what You have set aside for me and that You will give me the grace and strength to accomplish these goals, walking with You, trusting in Your guidance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You came down from heaven to earth, to do God’s will, and to save us. I pray You will work in me, through Your Holy Spirit, the same motivation to do God’s will. Thank You that I don’t need to figure things out for myself, but that You’ve already written my part. I pray You will show me what that is every day, as I walk with You day by day. In Your Name, Amen.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You never start anything off that You are not capable of finishing. Thank You that I may be encouraged by that, although sometimes I may doubt if I’m ever going to make it! Thank You that You are both the author and the perfecter of my faith. You know exactly what You are doing in my life, and I pray that You will continue to give me the grace to follow You all the way. In Your Name, Amen.