“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
It is the season of life for all Americans aged 18 and over that comes every four years.
You guessed it! The Presidential Election is upon us.
If you even only pay partial attention to the political advertisements, news segments, debates and interviews, it is obvious to see that each candidate has an agenda.
Agendas are a staple of our way of life. We make plans, set goals, and make to-do lists. We are, in fact, a society driven by agenda.
Do you live life on an agenda?
To some extent, I think we all do. We have schedules that are made according to the priorities we set for our lives.
Priorities are an interesting thing for we can tell a lot about ourselves by what we make a priority.
Jesus said,
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:34 (NIV)
Questions like, “to what do I devote my energy?” and “how is my time spent?” can help you and me gauge the priorities we truly live by and why our agenda for living looks the way it does.
Jesus encourages His followers to examine their “treasures” because they are a window to their heart and Jesus is, after all, concerned with the condition of our hearts.
So how does this relate to a life of prayer?
Easy. A life characterized by the treasures Jesus thinks are valuable come from seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness. (Matt. 6:33) This kind of life is a life lived in prayer.
Does your agenda look like you are seeking His kingdom and righteousness? Is your life filled with pursuing God’s kingdom and His righteousness?
I have been challenged to pursue a life that asks for God’s kingdom on earth. A life where God’s will is exhibited each day as I am an ambassador of His marvelous light.
Take heart, dear sisters, if you are reading and feel that your prayer life is far from where you think God wants it to be.
We have a Helper. We have a Teacher.
The Holy Spirit, who lives in you if you are in Christ, is that Helper and Teacher!
I admitted last week that I was guilty of not being where I needed to be in my prayer life and that I did not always view prayer as a privilege to be enjoyed. I, have, however, been encouraged by the Holy Spirit to persevere in my prayers and to practice more sustained times of prayer. I am walking in faith, knowing that obedience brings blessings. God has gotten a hold of my heart and grabbed my attention!
The Lord is concerned about you, dear Imperfect Wife, and He desires to be your Teacher and Helper. Come to Him and His Word and He will be found and His ways known by you. He desires a deep relationship with you and is waiting for you! Will you yield your agenda for life to Him?
Prayer is a privilege that we are not to forsake. It is to be enjoyed and it is to be a way of life.
The Apostle Paul said, “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thess. 5:17 NKJV)
Our life has kingdom purposes. Pray as you go. Live as you pray.
Kim
