Two things I read (again) this week that are telling us the same thing.
The first from Alistair Begg
When we read the prayers in the epistles of the apostle Paul, what is noticeably absent are his prayers for his own material things. It may well be that he didn’t include his own personal prayers in his letters to the churches, but we note that he also didn’t include any instructions that the church should be praying for them either.
Perhaps, what we are to be seeking most is His kingdom and His righteousness. When we look with the eyes of our hearts to the future, writes Alistair, it changes our lives now. We pray less about the practical details of this life, and first and foremost about the spiritual realities of our eternal life.
Eternal matters more; the concerns of today less.
And this from J. C. Ryle
Personal prayer, or devotional praying leads to the new birth, strengthens faith, moves mountains, and promotes spiritual growth and contentment that rises above circumstances.
This private praying is asking God to break forth in us what He wants for us. He wants us to bear the fruit of the Spirit, walk in His Wisdom, be mature in Christ, operate in serving others using His gifts, and stand on His Word.
Jesus clearly says to seek His kingdom and His righteousness first. These should be our focus and our pursuit, more than comfort and favorable outcomes we'd like.
Growing in spiritual maturity is a bit like growing a garden. It needs to be cultivated and tended. Neglect allows weeds to overrun. Reading your Bible and praying from it is the labor needed to grow root and bear fruit.
7 Devotional Prayers for Personal Growth
Monday – Reverence
Tuesday – Diligence
Wednesday – Love
Thursday – Words
Friday – Wisdom
Saturday – Obedience
Sunday – Filled
The Lord wants to be mature and fully assured in all His will (Colossians 4:12). He will work these in us as we ask Him. We can pray these with certainty and confidence believing they are His will for us in growing, and trust He will answer these requests in His way and time for His glory.
