Written By: Alora Yee

In a recent convicting sermon from our pastor, he asked the question, “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” I’m convinced I couldn’t have been the only one who replied with an “ouch” from the heart. And I must confess, even when I have prayed frequently, I don’t always pray with reverence or honor. I’m not always praying to just sit and talk with my Heavenly Father to know Him deeper and to listen to Him. If I’m being truly honest, I pray mostly for selfish reasons. 

The majority of my prayers consist of driving from point A to point B with little anxiety and safety. Other prayers of mine are even more shallow, like “help me, Lord, to be motivated today; that pile of laundry is causing me depression.” Are these prayers deeply rooted in my own fear and disobedience? Absolutely. And do I need counsel in prayer on these issues? Yes! However, it’s all about me. 

Where are my prayers of reverence for just who my mighty and powerful God is!? Where are my prayers of thankfulness for my home and family? Where are my prayers for those in my church and community?

On another note, where are my prayers on putting on the armor of God and fighting the battles He wills me to fight? Where are my prayers in laying down my flesh and meditating on all that is, the fruits of the spirit? I can go on… but what do these prayers do for us?

For one, it takes our eyes off of ourselves and onto Christ. Off of our ability and to cling to our helper, the Holy Spirit. Knowing we are no longer functioning in our own strength or even understanding, we are now ready to listen closely to what God lays on our hearts… 

Do we need to ask for forgiveness? Do we need to forgive? Do we know someone who needs our help, and are we able with what we have to give to them? Are we being called to pray for the unthinkable? Maybe we know someone who has not received Christ in their heart and life. Maybe we need a miracle, and we are too afraid to ask our Father in heaven for the impossible. 

Can I remind you of something? Satan doesn’t want us to pray big prayers. But what does our father say? Ask, and you shall receive. Philippians 4:4-8 CSB states, 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things.”

Philippians 4:4-8 CSB

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We are called to be like Christ in a world that rejects Him. We are called to be a light among the darkness. We are called to be discipled and to disciple others. We cannot do this without prayer. Without consistent prayer. Without ceaseless prayer. Truth be told, we cannot emulate Christ without communing with Him. And we do all of this in prayer! 

Be encouraged! Even if you are like me and need much maturing in this area of your walk with God. His mercies are new every day! Pray with me today. 

Lord, honor and glory to you. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice on the cross. Thank you, Jesus, for calling a wretch like me to be unified in this heavenly family. Search my heart, Lord, and show me your will for my life. You are my Savior and you are my Lord. I am eager to listen to your counsel, and I need your strength to obey. All glory and honor be to Christ Jesus. Amen. 

-Alora Yee