As we prepare for prayer, we must acknowledge that God’s expectation for us might be different from our plans and goals; our desires and habits; and what we think or feel. God's plans are always better than anything we can dream up.
Preparation for Prayer
Our preparation for prayer means that we must play an active role (on God’s terms) in God's desired outcome. This might be tight, but it’s right—that is, if you really want to go with God.
The rubber meets the road in 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways; Then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sins and heal their land.”
Prayer is the key. Our willingness to obey God is the thing that really unlocks the door:
My Part: Acknowledge, Admit, and Repent
- Evaluate: Be honest with God and me about GOD and ME
- Enunciate: Verbally acknowledge that I am wrong and God is right; ask God for forgiveness
- Evacuate: Turn away from all that does not please God
- Eradicate: Completely destroy and put an end to activity and people who are contrary to God
God's Part: Forgiveness and Restoration
- Renovate: With God’s help, I will make changes to live a life that pleases Him
- Remediate: Make things right (work to repair damaged relationships—forgive)
- Reinstate: Bring back (reunite/restore to a harmonious relationship with God)
Years ago, I read the book Experiencing God, by Henry Blackaby. One of my favorite quotes from the book says, "We can’t go with God and stay the way we are.”
Contrary to popular opinion, God won’t allow any and everything. Yes, He accepts us as we are, but He doesn’t expect us to stay that way. Through the power of God's Holy Spirit, prayer will help us to become more and more like Him.
We have to be willing to make changes in order to live a life that is pleasing to God. This process begins with our preparation for prayer.