"I love You, O LORD, my strength." The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalms 18:1-3
Proper prayer preparation recognizes:
- • How we should approach Him…v.4
Psalm 27:4 shares how David focused his heart on God. One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple. As we break down this verse we will discover the kind of heart God desires for us to have when we pray. As we shall see, this is not possible without taking the time to prepare our hearts before praying.
The Priority of a Focused Heart...one thing have I asked for…
What we fail to possess in experience, we should not cease to desire in heart. We are victims of a cultural conditioned for the immediate satisfaction of our desires. (”Give me patience…NOW.”) What we fail to understand is that a hunger which continues has a greater appreciation when it is satisfied. Also, time will tell whether our need was a momentary one or a true life need. Life has a way of sorting our priorities when it comes to what we think we need. What is your “one thing” when you come before God?
The Promise of Obedience...that shall I seek. Even holy desires require resolute actions. Desires are merely seeds to be sown in the soil of proper activity to bear fruit. There is a truth in life...”What we really want we will seek.” We can know our heart by our actions. The direction of our steps will determine the destination of our feet. Where are you headed?
The Proper Desires... To dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. All God's children desire to dwell in the Father's house. Not just to be there for a time as the servant does, but to dwell there all the days of their life, as children with a father. To be “at home with the Lord” can be an attitude of living and not just an eternal hope.
To behold the beauty of the LORD – How beautiful is God? Artists, musicians, orators have yet to capture God. His welcoming love and mercy mixed with his perfect righteousness, judgment and power are seen in only small reflections on this earth. To see God...how wonderful it will be!
To meditate in His temple – This is the great part of preparation in prayer...to become one with Him in Spirit. The Psalmist then
The Proper Confession... For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. As we prepare to pray we become aware that when we are with God we are safe…secure. Such security results in a natural praise. Prayer is emotional! It brings the whole person together: Intellect...Light; Spirit – Desire; Soul – Praise
While waiting for God to answer a prayer, we must spend time preparing our hearts to pray. Don’t wait in worry; Pray!
Scripture to Claim:
I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the LORD continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalms 16:7-8
