Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God. (1 Kings 18:37)
IN WORD
There are many motives behind our prayers. Sometimes our deep need prompts our petitions. Sometimes our intense desires are behind them. Sometimes we pray with a heart for ministry and a vision of the Kingdom. And every one of these motives, if not born out of selfishness, is valid. But if we’re honest, we’ll probably admit that most of our prayers are centered on ourselves. That isn’t necessarily wrong, but it is out of balance.
There is a prayer born of worship that focuses entirely on the mission of God and His purposes in this world. It is a prayer that sees our needs as His stage, with a higher goal than our own satisfaction. It is a prayer that honors Him.
Elijah prayed such a prayer. Israel was filled with priests of Baal under the patronage of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Elijah challenged them to a spiritual showdown, asking the true God of heaven to set ablaze the true altar on earth. In his prayer, Elijah surely hoped for his own vindication. But even more, he hoped for God’s validation of His own worth. He prayed that God would answer in a way that would cause people to praise Him.
IN DEED
Is there a desire in your heart for God’s name to be honored, His character to be appreciated, and His mercy to be known? If so, that desire will have a profound effect on your prayer life. Even in your deepest needs, you’ll be aware that your prayers of desperation contain elements not just of deliverance but also of glory. In your despair, in your lack, and in your ambitions you will see an opportunity for nonbelievers to see God’s glory. You’ll have a higher purpose than your own small circle of influence.
How do you acquire such a desire? Perhaps there are ways to cultivate it, but the primary source of it is God Himself. Ask Him to fill your heart with it. Ask to passionately crave His glory. It’s a prayer that God will always answer.
“Some people pray just to pray, and some people pray to know God.” – Andrew Murray
There is a prayer born of worship that focuses entirely on the mission of God and His purposes in this world. It is a prayer that sees our needs as His stage, with a higher goal than our own satisfaction. It is a prayer that honors Him.
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Did you know that God is a singer? Why would that be a surprise? He created us to sing; one would expect that He has some experience at it Himself. Yes, the Lord of all creation sings. That defies our image of the frozen-faced, always-disappointed God of high expectations.
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