With the start of each school year comes late nights, early mornings, and an increased level of anxiety. Over the years I have learned that the late nights and early mornings are inevitable, but the feelings of anxiety are not. Prayer may not reduce the length of the workday, but it can greatly decrease the feelings of stress and anxiety.
Two days ago, I read Psalm 94:19, "When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul." (ESV) I prayed, or started to, for God to "cheer my soul". But as I did, I began to feel selfish. With all that is taking place in this world- death, persecution, poverty, wars and rumors of wars, I thought it self-centered to pray for personal peace. Akin to asking for a Lexus when others don't even own a bicycle.
It was then I realized that my prayer for a cheerful soul should not be for me, but for all those I come in contact with. Any request I make of God should be asked with how will it affect others as the first and foremost concern. A prayer for joy should not be only so that I can feel better, but that joy as a means to draw others to Christ.
Personal prayer requests should have others in mind.
Joy so that others are drawn to Christ. Employment so that I have the resources to further God-centered ministries. Health that will allow me to serve others.
A word of caution: Be careful not to use others as justification for asking God for foolish things. A BMW so I can witness to the BMW salesman. Winning the lottery to enable me to pay off the church debt.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ prayed for personal strength and wisdom, but it was not for personal gain. His over-riding concern was for others. His obedience to God trumped any personal gain. We would do well to follow his example.
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