God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20)
A missionary wrote a newsletter to thank his supporters for being “prayer warriors.” Because of a typo, though, he called them “prayer worriers.” Whoops.
But is that a good description of us at times?
In his book Growing Your Soul, Neil Wiseman writes, “Prayer must be more than a kind of restatement of fretting worries or a mulling over of problems. Our petitions must move beyond gloomy desperation, which deals mostly with calamity and despair.”
Is it possible, that in a situation like the one we are going through, that we can be “prayer worriers”? Are our only prayers about all the problems we are facing? “Lord, please let these things start running again… please help me not get sick… please restore my savings accounts… please help me find toilet paper… please end this before my event/travel plans/season starts…please let my kids go back to school… soon… please let me know what’s going on.”
But the Lord taught us to pray for other people, and for his kingdom, didn’t He? “Lord, let your kingdom come in this situation… let your will be done… let more people know about you… heal those who are sick and hurting right now… provide for those who need desperate help… comfort those who have lost people… use me to be your light to others… fill me with love and grace to share with everyone I can.”
Pray that way as a “prayer warrior.” Then watch to see what God will do. The Lord’s amazing answers will not only help others… but they might also help cure your own anxiety!
The Apostle Paul was no “prayer worrier.” He prayed for God’s people that they might know the strength, love, and fullness of God, who is able to do far more than we can ask or even think. (Ephesians 3:14-21) Such confidence made Paul a true “prayer warrior.” Are your prayers like that?
May God turn us from prayer worriers into prayer warriors!
Fervent prayer dispels anxious care.
PRAYER: Lord, You can do more than we could ever ask for or imagine! During a time like this, don’t let us settle for prayers that are tiny or inward-focused. Give us the eyes to see how awesome You are, so that we bring You requests that only You could help us with. Answer them in your best way and show us your almighty power and the work of your kingdom! The one Jesus made possible with his life, death, and resurrection! In His Name, Amen.