|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Praise Him All Ye Little Children"1 (Lyrics) |
When I think about mine, it sometimes appears pretty selfish.
I have a general daily prayer list. While I don't adhere rigidly to it, for the most part, my prayers follow this schedule. Occasionally, I pause to consider who is benefiting most from these prayers. Are they all about me, my family, my wishes, and my wants, or am I interceding more for others than I am concentrating on me? After all, I'm human, and I tend to be a little selfish. If I'm not careful, God can become the big Santa Claus in the sky.
Jesus, on the other hand, spent more time praying for others and praying that God would strengthen Him to do what He sent Him to do.
John 17:20 – I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. (NLT)
If I'm to pray God's will for others, I must first love God supremely. Anything less will keep my focus mainly on me. After all, Jesus says that to do this is the greatest commandment. When my vertical relationship is in order, my horizontal ones will be also.
Praying God's will for others also means that the love that I have for others must extend beyond superficiality. It should be sacrificial. I must love them as I do myself—and I will gladly sacrifice for me. "How can I serve you?" should be my continual mindset when dealing with others.
Praying God's will for others further means that I genuinely desire that they realize God's purpose and plan in their lives. If something good happens for them, I won't be jealous and ask, "Why didn't You do this for me, God?"
Are you guilty of praying God's will only for you? Why not include someone else in your prayers each day?
Prayer: Enable us, dear merciful Lord, to realize that life isn't solely about us. It must include others. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 – In Fergus, Ontario: Pray for St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Fergus, Ontario, as they host Messy Church tonight. Pray for invitees and walkins to try out a Messy Church programme, and see the church in a new light.
Life Chain: "Update October 8, 2024: Praise the Lord. Approximately 14,000 courageous souls across Canada stood..." 
terminal illness: "Update October 8, 2024: Gisele is being admitted to Hospice . Please pray for freedom of pain...." 
Pray for healing-Update J: "October 7, 2024: Please pray for one of our faithful prayer warriors, who has been battling breast..." 
Thank you Martin.
A Very thought provoking devotional, Martin. Thank you.
(Texas)
Dear Martin,
Thank you for this important lesson in prayer. It’s one of the best things we can do for others.
Blessings.
Dear Martin Wiles,
Thank you for reminding us that Praying God’s will for others also means that the love that we have for others must extend beyond superficiality.
“How can I serve you?” should be our continual mindset when dealing with others.
Keep writing.
Hello Brother Martin.
As I read your notes this morning, I could not help but think about the condition that was in the Corinthian assembly. You brought out a condition that shows how the flesh makes itself manifest. Where as our God, through His Spirit, desires that we love one another as He “Jesus” has loved us.
My friend, keep holding to the truth that is in Jesus, and the written Word.
I have enjoyed your note this morning, and Corinthians 12.
(USA)