Becky Crenshaw

I love to hear little kids pray.

The simplicity of their words always causes me to evaluate my own prayer life.

Luke especially.  He is out to impress no one with wordiness or eloquence.

His prayers are simple and 100% Luke…

“Lord, thank you for this day. Help us not be mean to each other and help us have a good rest of the week. In Jesus Name. Amen.”

A little thanksgiving.  A pseudo confession. A plea for help.  A simple request. And he is out.

Why do we make prayer harder than it is? Or even worse, why do believers neglect it all together?

Maybe we overcomplicate it.

Today’s post is simple. Just like Luke’s prayer.  If you are making a decision, two of the keys to unlocking God’s plan for you is prayer and clinging to God’s Word.

Were you hoping I’d say something different?  More profound?

Sorry. There really is nothing more profound.

You have the opportunity to enter into the presence of a Living God.  The Creator of the universe.  The lover of your soul.

Nothing. Is. More. Profound. 

And the answers to your questions, the direction you need in that decision, if found there.

Decision-Making 101:

1. PRAY.

Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.   (Ps 25:4).

When we began to search for Mamaw’s new home, Brent and I first came to the Lord with our need for Him.   If Brent and I conjure up a new care plan for my grandmother, at best, it will be mediocre.

But when we entreat God’s help, and entreat His Creator power to help us make something out of nothing, then things gets exciting. And and and! … it takes the pressure off of us to “make it happen.”

Just look at verse 7 below.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

Our job is to TRUST HIM and extend our arm of FAITH to receive what He has for her.

Do you see the process?

*Don’t worry.

*Petition God for your needs.

*Thank and praise Him for His goodness, faithfulness, majesty, and ….

* Present your requests before Him.

* THEN (drumroll!)….  PEACE!  Oh Glory!

Read it again. PEACE!

So let’s be quite literal here.  What is a petition?  Let’s see what Merriam says.

Petition: a formal written request made to an official person or organization

(I can not think of anyone more official, can you?)

So…Grab a sheet of paper and write the word “Petition” at the top.

Just like this….

And then write bullet points of your requests.  Detail your thankfulness to God.  Then simply present it before Him.  (I bet Luke would just hand it up and say, “Here ya go.”)  With your petition before you pray, “Lord, Here are my needs.  These are the desires of my heart.  I give this petition to you, and I trust You because Your Word says, You direct my steps.”

Which leads me to number two of making God-centered decisions…

2. God’s Word

After I write my petition, I write my confessions.

Not confession of sin.  I write my confessions of faith:  a simple statement of my beliefs according to God’s Word.  Scripture only.  I find passages that pertain to God’s goodness to me in light of my decision and write them down.

I read them. I pray them. I speak them. I think them. I hang on to these scriptures for dear life…. because His word is just that — LIFE.

Direct my steps by Your Word (Ps 119:133).

King David did not want his steps directed by anything else.  He wanted God’s Word to direct his footsteps.  Mmmm. Me too, David.

And look at this promise to you….

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye (Ps 32:8).

I’ll claim this one till the cows come home!  “Lord, THANK YOU that You guide me with Your eye!  And You instruct me in the way I need to go.  Thank you Jesus. I receive it!”

Simple. Confessions. Of. Faith.  

Here’s my list. I keep it on my fridge.  (I tend to be there often.)

I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

How do we “set the LORD always before us”?  By keeping His Word always before us.

GOD IS HIS WORD.  

As you search for Scripture regarding your decision, search passages using online study tools for easy findings.  My favorites are Blue Letter Bible or Bible Gateway.  You’ll find confessions of faith to help you, no matter your need: Finances, Healing, Hurt, Guidance, Loving Others, etc.

If you need help, email me, I’ll even help you find some Scriptures to cling on to during your prayer time.  It is that important!

Let’s continue to pursue intimacy with God through prayer and His Word. Go deeper today.

Pray like Luke. Be yourself. And Trust God.

Your peace is waiting. 

{Next time we will look at #3 of making God-Centered decisions.}

P.S. This song is my heart’s plea right now.  I listen to it often during my prayer time and sing it to Him.  Enjoy…..