I CAN'T!!!
/“When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to The Rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2)
Have you ever had this reaction to your prayer life? You know, SO MANY people, circumstances, and “requests for prayer” that bombard you on a daily basis?
I’ve searched for prayer plans through the years, trying to find the one that will help me manage my praying, and it seems I always fall short in keeping up-to-date with carrying it through.
For me, the best approach and one most honoring to God – and in keeping with my distracted (although well intentioned) heart to pray . . . is to KEEP IT SIMPLE.
Remembering that we are not called to pray for EVERYONE and EVERY SITUATION - and even EVERY REQUEST TOSSED OUR WAY. . . I offer the following prayer design that works for my “frazzled” mind:Give God Your Burden Totally give it to Him! Bring your concerns to Him honestly, deliberately laying them down – gushing out to Him in the best way you can, describing the angst of the emotional baggage entangling this weight.
Stop Trying to Fix the Problem You can only do this by totally shifting your internal gaze to God. Mentally and emotionally transfer your thoughts away from how massive the circumstances are – in the lives of the many people you “long” to cover in prayer. Instead, focus on God’s ability and promise to take care of these people and problems they face.
Release And Trust You are not sufficient in yourself to do this. It will take sheer discipline to carry this SIMPLE plan for praying. WHY? Because the devil himself wants you to feel guilty, inadequate, and not spiritual enough. He wants you to feel defeated in your prayer life and “less than” as a child of God. DON’T LET HIM TRICK YOU! God hears your prayers and honors your heart. Praise Him as you “work” to stay focused. It will not come easily, but you DO get better at it, because it’s God’s Will for you in your sacred relationship with Him.
And finally – most importantly . . .
Don’t Rush Begin your mornings with turning your heart, emotions, and will to God – loving Him, talking with Him, thanking Him that He understands your inability to be His Perfect Child. Remember HE NEVER REQUESTS PERFECTION, ONLY OBEDIENCE, and He loves you and blesses your intentions of loving Him and others.
(As an added aid, you may want to designate days to cover individual things on your heart, like a day to pray for our country and leaders – a day to pray for ministry leaders and missionaries – a day to pray for special requests from friends, etc. For me, this brings peace of mind and clarity knowing that I don’t “spill it all out” at one time. I do, however, cover my family each day.)
Philippians 4:4-7 has become very close to my heart as I have implemented my prayer design for myself, my ministry, my love for others, and challenges of the day.
”Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
STAY STRONG. STAY ENCOURAGED. EXPERIENCE BLESSINGS. Cindi
www.frazzledfemale.com/blog
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