Many times as women, we are constantly focused on everyone else! I know that I have been guilty of putting important things on the back burner to attend to someone else's needs, and that's not always wrong. Putting others above ourselves is commendable in following Christ. BUT, that being said, we cannot neglect praying for ourselves and our personal relationship with God.
In her book, The Power of a Praying Woman, Stormie Omartian teaches that we often become like Martha, instead of like Mary, in Luke 10:38-42. We are rushing around taking care of everything, instead of sitting at Jesus' feet. While there are always needs to be take care of, Jesus' words to Martha ring true: "...Mary has chosen what is better..."
PRAYER TIP # 10 - Pray for Yourself
""Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:41-42.
How can we find time to pray for ourselves? Do we neglect praying for the needs of others? No, absolutely not. But we must include prayers for ourselves, asking God to work in our personal lives. Stormie says in her book, "We want it all. All God has for us. But we can never achieve that quality of life outside the power of of God. And then only as we pray."
3:30 Prayer Challenge - Remember to call someone and pray together in order to strengthen your prayer life. Enlist someone to be your prayer partner for a specific day of the week and then keep each other accountable!
PRAYER POINTS - (Pray over these requests)
Lord, I ask You to draw me into a deeper walk with You. I desire to grow in my faith and know You more.
Lord, Please cleanse my heart of all sin and make my heart right before You. Reveal to my heart any sin that I've been overlooking or withholding from You.
Lord, teach me to walk in obedience to Your ways. Holy Spirit, please guide me in the right paths.
Lord, use me to touch the lives of others. Let me be a blessing to those around me and impact their lives for Your Kingdom.
SUGGESTED PRAYER -
Father God, I come before You in Jesus' Name, and I ask you to draw me into a deeper walk with You. I desire to grow in my faith and I want to take the time to develop my personal relationship and prayer life with You. Please cleanse my heart of all sin and reveal any places of my heart that I've been holding back from You.
Lord, teach me to walk in obedience to Your ways. Holy Spirit, please guide me in the right paths and order my steps. Help me to have peace about each decision that I make. I confess any time that I have refused to obey Your Word Please forgive me and restore me to a place of obedience to You.
Jesus, I ask You to use me to touch the lives of others. Let me be a blessing to those around me and impact their lives for Your Kingdom. I know that You have created me for good works and I ask You to help me live out the purposes You have for my life.
God, Please protect our church family, our Pastors, our Staff, our Worship Leaders, our Small Group Teachers, and everyone connected to our church. Bless them, keep them safe and healthy, and protect them from the enemy.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.