Be specific

I’ll admit it. God has called me out on being lazy. And that’s why I love blogging, so I can share with you what He is sharing with me.

I know the Bible says to pray always, without ceasing. (1 Thes. 5:17) That is just downright impossible! Thankfully, with God, all things are possible. (Matt 19:26)

I have people and organizations on my daily prayer list. I mean, I’m doing it daily, but some days I’m just going through the motions. “Dear God, I bring so and so before you today” then move on to the next one.

God gently reminded me I need to be specific. “I have not because I ask not.” (James 4:2) I should be more intentional when I pray. That brings my focus back on Jesus and what He did in order for me to have an intimate relationship with the Father.

Try being non-specific in a request with your spouse or your boss. How’s that going to go over?

Imagine you are invited to the White House to have a meeting with the President. He is going to help you with a project you have been working on. You are ushered into the Oval Office and asks what you want. And you give him a non-specific response. How’s that going to go over? You will be taken outside and sent on your way without getting what you came for.

Because of Jesus, we have been given direct access to the throne of God. We are told to come boldly before him with our prayers. (Heb. 4:16)

This was brought home to me recently. I am praying for a young man who received a cancer diagnosis. I do not want to be general in my prayers before God, but detailed and specific. I woke up at 2:30 am and was praying for him. Specific prayers. That he would be able to sleep comfortably and peacefully. That he would have an appetite. That he would not be in pain. That people would come into his life daily to encourage him. That the doctors would give him the proper treatments. That he would be completely restored and healed. That even though this is an awful situation, he would know that God works everything for good, and he would draw closer to the One who created Him and knows what he is going through.

That sure beats my lazy prayers, “Dear God, I pray for him today.”

And when I’m praying with more focus, God blesses me and I feel more connected to the One who created me too. Like there is purpose and meaning to my specific requests. I know God hears and will honor them. How grateful I am that I can be a part of God wishes to accomplish in this world, when I am obedient.

So please, be specific today, and every day. Just imagine how different the world might be!

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