Two signs that your prayers are slightly twisted and out of aligment

Every Friday night just before our high school football team would run out on the field, our football coach would pray. Here is what he prayed.

"God we don't pray for a victory tonight, for Lord willing, we we just might win!"

I remember then and I still look back now and believe that this prayer, while well intentioned, was slightly twisted and out of alignment. Ah, let's be honest. It was a self-interested prayer! Not so quick to judge because I promise you that I do the same from time to time. I can come across as altruistic in my prayer in hopes that God will somehow breathe an extra dose of grace because we actually didn't pray directly for what it was that we really wanted. You saw it too? Kind of funny, but again, if we're honest with ourselves on most days, I'm guessing you would admit your prayers lean the same direction.

As the title of this particular blog goes, here are two signs that our prayers can be slightly twisted and out of alignment:

You pray for more. We ask for more money, more time, more opportunities, and more happiness. We ask God to "bless" us and help us get ahead. Not always, but our prayers do tend to lean towards more provision, power and promotion in one way or another. Not necessarily bad. Just...not the best way to pray.

You pray for less. We pray for Less war, less disappointment, less hurt, less confusion or less sadness. Again, not always, but our prayers tend to lean towards more protection and preservation in one way or another. Again, not necessarily bad. Just...not the best way to pray.

But wait. Is it not okay to pray for ourselves? Absolutely. Please do! Praying for ourself totally keeps us rooted in self-awareness and conditions our hearts to rely on God as THE source and supply of peace and provision. There is no other source! Praying for ourselves helps us push away the things of the world that corrupt us and welcome in the things of heaven that correct, build up, and encourage the better and best version of who God is making us to be.

I'm simply suggesting we change the center of gravity of expected outcomes. Are we looking for my kingdom to advance or God's Kingdom to advance?

If we're really honest with ourselves, are we looking to promote OUR OWN kingdom agenda or GOD's Kingdom agenda?

Consider that it could be that the season of suffering, disappointment or frustration is a season to grow through rather than just go through. That season of tension today may actually be stretching you into the better and best woman for tomorrow. That promotion may take the right person to the wrong place. The person that is testing your patience could actually be blessing rather than a burden helping you practice a spiritual virtue and possibly even giving you that friend you were praying for all along.

The tracks are clear in the ancient scriptures:. God's Kingdom is what is offered and what we need most in every situation, scenario, and scene. Jesus lays it down when he asserts us to ... "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." Matthew 6:33 (MSG).

Praying that you will seek first God's Kingdom in every area of your life. The rest will work itself out. Cheering for you. Paul